Moving To Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a Caribbean archipelago known for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. These are popular destinations for tourists and investors due to their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and luxurious amenities. The islands offer a relaxed and affordable Caribbean experience, with a variety of activities.

The Cayman Islands is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich agriculture, including coffee, tea, and spices. The country is also home to many unique and endangered species, such as the orangutan, elephant, and Javan rhinoceros. The Cayman Islands has a growing economy and is a popular tourist destination.

Moving to The Cayman Islands from the USA can be an exciting adventure. However, you need to have a moving checklist and plan to ensure that your transition to this island life is smooth.

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

Whether you are moving a short distance or a long distance, a move is always challenging. In an international relocation, the challenges just get bigger. It is a mix of complex things to do. The legal process involved in it, the time and cost of moving your belongings – all things considered, it is always better to depend on a moving expert who has exposure to international relocations.

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we have years of experience in offering high-quality, customised international relocation services to our clients for their moves. With us, you can look forward to bespoke moving services that will cover all aspects of your international relocation to The Cayman Islands from the USA.

Our team of moving professionals will ensure that all services like packing your household goods, choosing the right container, and freight services are done properly. We will also provide valuable advice on the cost of relocation with our free international moving quotations.

The added advantage of hiring our professional services is that you get high-quality international relocation services at an affordable price. This will further reduce your challenges of moving to The Cayman Islands from the USA.

About the Cayman Islands

Located in the western Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands are a British overseas territory and considered part of the Greater Antilles.

The Cayman Islands are the peaks of the Cayman Ridge, a massive underwater ridge. They are comprised of three islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands and is located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica.

The Cayman Islands have a tropical climate with warm and rainy summers between May and October and dry winters between November and April.

The primary source of income for the Cayman Islands government is indirect taxation. The people of the Cayman Islands have the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Ranked as the fifth largest banking center in the world, the Cayman Islands are a major international financial center. The export commodities of the Cayman Islands are turtle products and manufactured consumer goods. while the import commodities include foodstuffs, manufactured goods and fuels.

Customs Regulations for the Cayman Islands

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Passport
• Residence Permit or Work Permit
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
• Comprehensive Valued Inventory
• Pack list
• Power or Attorney – giving Destination Agent authority to arrange customs clearance
• Letter from Employer – attesting to customer’s employment contract
• Custom Declaration Form

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• Appliances and electronics – must have invoices
• VHF radios, CB radios and radar equipment – requires license obtained from Cayman Islands Customs Department
• Prescription medications – must have accompanying prescriptions
• Firearms, sport guns and ammunition
• New items (less than six months old) – subject to duty
• Alcohol – 2 liters allowed
• Tobacco – 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Narcotics/illegal drugs and paraphernalia
• Items depicting or referencing marijuana
• Pornography
• Subversive materials
• Firearms, explosives, ammunitions and other type of weapon
• Marine Radios and radio transmitting equipment that only operates in AM mode within the bands 1605-4000KHz
• All flammable/corrosive materials
• Foodstuffs
• Gambling paraphernalia and counterfeit currency

PET REGULATIONS

• Dogs, cats and bird require a permit – obtained from Cayman Islands Dept. of Agriculture
• Cats and dogs must be at least 10 months old to be imported into the Cayman Islands
• No animal of any description may be imported from: Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic
• The following breeds are not permitted: Malinois, Rottweiler, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Shar-pei, Pitbull Terrier, Akita, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bull Dog, Dogue de Bordeaux and Mastiff.
• Certificate of Vaccination required – including rabies, less than six month prior to arrival
• Health Certificate required

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

Vehicles are subject to duty based on CIF and will incur an environmental tax of $300 USD and a licensing fee of $290 USD

• New vehicles without stated value will be assessed using Kelley Blue Book
• Vehicles valued up to $14,500 will incur an environmental tax of $1525 USD and 29.5 percent duty
• Vehicles valued $15,500 – $20,000 will incur 29.5 percent duty
• Vehicles valued $20,001 – 25,000 will incur 32 percent duty
• Vehicles valued $25,001 – $30,000 will incur 37 percent duty
• Vehicles valued $30,000 and higher will incur 42 percent duty

Motorcycles:

• Up to 90cc will incur 32 percent duty
• 90cc and greater will incur 32 percent duty and environmental tax of $90 USD
• Motorcycles with side cars are prohibited

Required documents:

• Certificate of Title and Registration – original
• Commercial/Purchase Invoice – or proof of market value
• Driver’s license and international insurance policy
• Insurance Cover Note – issued on Grand Cayman
• OBL- state chassis and engine numbers, cubic capacity, make, model and year of manufacture

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to The Cayman Islands, get prepared

Moving to The Cayman Islands from the USA can be certainly rewarding. The low tax rate, the stunning beaches and a calm pace of life are certainly inviting! However, you need to be aware of important things involving visa requirements, documentation, and cultural differences.

Before making the move to The Cayman Islands from the USA you need to research The Cayman Islands’s immigration laws, obtain proper visas to justify your entrance and stay in this country, and understand local customs to make your transition go smoother.

Let us discuss the major information you need to make a successful move to The Cayman Islands from the USA.

How to move to The Cayman Islands from the USA?

Regular visas to move to the Cayman Islands from the USA

Work Permit

Most people relocate to the Cayman Islands for employment. To obtain a work permit, you must secure a job offer from a Cayman Islands employer. Your prospective employer will typically handle the application process on your behalf.

Residence permit

If you intend to live in the Cayman Islands long-term, you can apply for a residence permit. These are generally granted for retirees, investors, or individuals who plan to establish a business.

Tourist Visa

US citizens can visit the Cayman Islands for up to six months without a visa for tourism or certain short-term business purposes. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for an extension.

Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP)

The Global Citizen Concierge Program or GCCP is a joint initiative in the Cayman Islands by the Ministry of District Administration, Tourism, and Transport. They are working on finalizing an entry and stay program for high-net-worth foreign professionals who want to relocate to the Cayman Islands.

This program is designed to provide eligible professionals and their families with an extended stay in the Cayman Islands, as long as they can fully support themselves during their time on this Caribbean Island.

Unlike other programs that offer citizenship or permanent residency, the GCCP is tailored for professionals seeking an extended stay in the Cayman Islands while working remotely and earning income from abroad. To qualify for GCCP the income of the applicants needs to be –

• $100,000 for individuals,
• $150,000 for couples, and
• $180,000 for families.

Additionally, applicants are required to cover the Global Citizen Concierge Certificate Fee, which amounts to $1,469 per year for two people. If there is an additional dependent, then the additional fee would be $500 for each.

Note that there is another major criterion. The main applicant can include dependents in the application, and all family members must have valid health insurance for the Cayman Islands.

Top reasons to move to The Cayman Islands from the USA

Relocating to the Cayman Islands can be an adventure of a lifetime! The sunny weather, high-quality of living, and relaxing pace of life can be welcoming from the mad race of life! Here are some of the top reasons to move to the Cayman Islands from the USA –

Tax- free life

Aside from its stunning beaches, the Cayman Islands are renowned globally for their tax-free lifestyle. Residents here have the privilege of experiencing the freedom from taxation on both their income and consumption, allowing them to retain, save, or invest as much as 40% more of their earnings for themselves.

Tropical weather

The Cayman Islands offer year-round sunny climate and crisp weather. The waters are always clear in the coasts and stunning beaches welcome one to this group of islands. Each of the districts in the Cayman Islands boasts something unique leading to unlimited beach activities and more.

High-quality of life

Being a British Overseas Territory boasting a thriving economy, The Cayman Islands provide excellent healthcare, as well as stability in the social, political, and economic structure. Just as one would anticipate from a premier destination, the real estate here is constructed to exceptionally high standards.