Certificate of Direct Investment

The Certificate of Direct Investment is a 25-year renewable residency permit for foreign nationals who invest at least CI$1,000,000 (approximately US$1,220,000) in employment-generating businesses in the Cayman Islands. Administered by Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) under the principal immigration statute — renamed the Caymanian Protection Act (2022 Revision) following the immigration reforms that took effect on 1 May 2026 — this certificate uniquely grants the holder the right to work within the invested business, distinguishing it from other Cayman Islands residency options for persons of independent means.

• Minimum investment of CI$1,000,000 in one or more employment-generating businesses
• Demonstration of substantial management control over the invested business
• Relevant business track record or background
• The business must employ at least 30% Caymanian workers (waivable in exceptional circumstances)
• Minimum 90 days physical presence in the Cayman Islands per calendar year
• Good character and health requirements
• Adequate health insurance for the applicant and all dependants
• Minimum age of 18 years

• Completed R47 application form
• Valid passport
• Proof of CI$1,000,000 investment in employment-generating businesses
• Business plan demonstrating substantial management control
• Evidence of business track record
• Documentation of 30% Caymanian employment compliance
• Police clearance certificates (valid within 6 months)
• Medical certificates
• Proof of health insurance

Under the Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026 (in force 1 May 2026):

• CI$1,000 (approx. US$1,220) non-refundable application fee
• CI$50,000 (approx. US$61,000) issuance fee upon approval (raised from CI$20,000)
• CI$3,000 per dependant upon grant, then CI$3,000 per dependant per annum
• CI$500 annual declaration filing fee
• Annual work permit fees based on the holder's occupation

The certificate is valid for 25 years and is renewable provided the holder continues to meet all investment and business requirements. An Approval-in-Principle Certificate (valid for 6 months) is available to confirm eligibility before making the full investment. After 8 years of continuous residency, holders may apply for permanent residency through the points-based system and subsequently for British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) naturalisation.

Spouses and dependent children may apply for a Direct Investment Holder's (Dependant's) Certificate, permitting them to reside for the duration of the main holder's certificate. Each dependant incurs a CI$3,000 issue fee and a CI$3,000 annual fee. Children's rights typically end at age 18 unless enrolled in full-time tertiary education. Spouses must meet health and character requirements.

The holder may work only in the specific business or businesses in which they have invested. Employment elsewhere requires separate authorisation. Annual sworn declarations (form AF47) must be filed confirming compliance with investment, employment, and the 90-day physical presence requirement, with a CI$500 annual declaration filing fee. The 2025 and 2026 amendment acts introduced mandatory annual declarations, and failure to comply is an offence that may lead to revocation.

The Cayman Islands levies no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, or property tax. Government revenue comes primarily from import duties, stamp duty (7.5% on real estate purchases), and various fees.

• The holder must exercise substantial management control over the business -- passive investment does not qualify
• Work is restricted to the specific invested businesses; all other employment requires separate authorisation
• The 30% Caymanian employment requirement may be waived at the Director's discretion if overriding circumstances exist
• Processing time is approximately 3 to 6 months
• The investment may include a minimum CI$400,000 deposit in a CIMA-regulated institution and CI$500,000 in real estate (for Sister Islands applicants)
• The 1 May 2026 reforms raised the issuance fee (CI$20,000 → CI$50,000) and dependant fees (CI$1,000 → CI$3,000); the investment threshold, 30% Caymanian-employment rule, 90-day presence, and 25-year duration were unchanged