All work permit fees are the responsibility of the employer. The law prohibits employers from requiring employees to pay any part of such fees. Annual fees range from nil (for positions in education) to CI$32,400 for the most senior positions in the legal industry.
It is an offense for any resident non-Caymanian (who is not expressly exempted from the work permit regime) to engage in gainful occupation in (including from within) the Islands without a work permit or alternative permission.
Prior to granting or renewing a permit, the relevant Board or the Director of WORC will need to be satisfied as to a number of matters, including: 1) the need to engage the services of the prospective worker; 2) attempts to find a Caymanian or other person who is already legally resident to fill the role; 3) the character of the worker (and any dependants); 4) the sufficiency of the salary proposed for the position; 5) the availability of suitable accommodation; and 6) the protection of local interests. The person is also required to have proficiency in the English language if from a non-English speaking country. Many skilled workers are granted a permit for between two and five years, with a renewal fee payable each year. Note: Work permits for self-employed people are only issued in exceptional circumstances. Employers in the private sector, excluding those employing household staff, must hold a valid Trade and Business licence, or alternative licensing commensurate with the industry in which they are operating.
