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The main industries in the Caymans are hospitality and tourism, banking and finance, and insurance. Wages normally reflect an acknowledgement of the higher cost of living. It is against the law to work in the Cayman Islands without a valid work permit, and visitors must apply for and acquire work permits before arrival. Those who work in the Cayman Islands without a valid work permit are subject to arrest, fines, and deportation.

For most jobs your work permit will be for 12 months, and is known as a G.O.L. or gainful occupation license. This work permit can be re-applied for before it expires, to ensure continuation of tenancy. It is the worker's responsibility to ensure that all permits etc. are in place before they start work, penalties are stiff and frequently exacted on expats. Having said that, it is the employer's responsibility to apply for and pay for the permits, they cannot be applied for by the worker. It is also worth noting that your work permit is held by your employer which can make changing jobs on the Island a bit tricky.

Dependants are a consideration for the Immigration Board when the work permit application is reviewed. Expatriate spouses are generally offered work permits if they are qualified in areas of employment that are common, such as health care, banking, insurance, accounting, hospitality and tourism. The immigration department also recognizes two special categories of persons, "wealthy retiree" and "entrepreneurs or investors". Wealthy retirees can apply for a renewable 25-year certificate that grants residence in the Cayman Islands without the right to work. "Entrepreneurs or Investors" can get a 25 year renewable permit that includes the right to work, as long as the individual works for the business in which they invested.

Added March 2007 by Tom:
It may be worth adding to the Cayman working restrictions that there is currently a none too popular seven year rollover policy in place. An expat who has been working on GOLs for seven years has to leave the island for two years in order to reset the clock. They may have the opportunity to apply for residency but very few are being approved at the moment. The off-island period may be reduced to six months in the near future but that hasn't happened yet!

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