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Can investors employ foreigners when starting an employment generating business in Cayman?

I'm an investor based in China looking to gain permanent residency by direct investment. I would like to run my business with people I trust and for me those are people I know from China. Would it be possible to run a company with 100 percent foreigners or would I have to hire locally as well?


Answers
  • Bedell Cristin
    May 20, 2022

    It would not be possible to employ 100% foreigners (maximum 70% and only once a thorough advertising process has been completed via the JobsCayman portal). Overall, there are a few points to note - (1) It is not possible acquire permanent residency by way of such investment but what we term extended residence (in this case a 25-Year Certificate of Direct Investment based upon a minimum CI$1m investment). (2) The investment must be in an "employment generating business" which is defined as one that employs at least 30% Caymanians unless overriding circumstances dictate a lower %. (3) As an investor, you must have a substantial track record and proposed to work as a Director in the business. (4) There is no ability to own a majority of nor control the business due to local licensing laws which dictate that despite your significant investment, you will never be able to own more than 40% of the shares and must always sit on the Board with at least two Caymanian Directors. For those reasons, this is by far the least popular residency option as individuals tend to prefer the residency by way of real estate investment options. Another route to consider may be a Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence) which would not require such levels of investment and may fit better with your needs and requirements.

  • Dart Real Estate
    June 24, 2021

    There are a number of factors to consider, including the type and size of business, if you will be doing business in the local economy and whether or not your company is located in the special economic zone.