Immigration and Local Licensing

Nelsons provide comprehensive Immigration Law advice regarding applications for short-term visitor work visas, business visitor permits, temporary and long-term work permit grants and renewals for expatriate staff. We also assist with applications for permanent residency (for work permit holders, those of independent means or those making a significant financial investment on the Islands), naturalisation and the right to be Caymanian, together with appeals to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal.

We also advise in relation to the establishment of Cayman Islands offices and branches, including registration, licensing and/or exemption applications under the Companies Law, the Companies Management law, the Securities Investment Business Law, the Mutual Funds Law, the Banks and Trust Companies Law, the Insurance Law, the Trade and Business Licensing Law and (if necessary) the Local Companies (Control) Law.

Permanent Residency

We advise in connection with preparing the application for any individual to become a permanent resident of the Cayman Islands including preparing the permanent residency application form and the necessary accompanying documentation.

Caymanian Status / Naturalisation

We also advise in connection with preparing applications for Caymanian status and naturalisation including preparing and submitting all documentation and covering letter to the Immigration Board including advertising in the Caymanian Compass

Trade and Business and Cayman Islands Monetary Licensing

We regularly advise in connection with preparing and submitting applications for the grant or renewal of a Trade and Business Licence or Operational Licence and required applications to the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.

Local Companies (CONTROL) Law Licence

We also advise in connection with preparing applications for a Local Companies (Control) Law Licence, reviewing all relevant documentation, preparing application form, return of shareholdings and covering letter.

Work Permit Appeals

We can and frequently assist in connection with the preparation and submission of statements of appeal, the collation and revision of all information required for such appeals, the preparation and submission of such appeals to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal together with required filing fee.

Immigration Appeals Tribunal

We also advise in connection with appeals to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal for Residency, Caymanian Status and Local Companies (Control) Law Licence applications, the collation and revision of all information required for such appeals, the preparation and submission of such appeals to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal together with required filing fee

Cayman Islands Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Nelsons is experienced at guiding eligible clients into the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in the Cayman Islands. Entry into the zone is suitable for those entities primarily engaged in knowledge and technology-based activities and may be available for certain investment advisers trading in commodities and derivatives.

As is the case throughout the Cayman Islands, there are no corporate taxes, income taxes, payroll taxes, capital gains taxes or sales taxes applicable to companies within the SEZ. We can assist with company registration and structuring, along with setting-up in the SEZ, which entitles zone companies to significant concessions granted by the Cayman Islands Government. These include an exemption from many import duties and preferential terms for approvals for employment of non-Caymanian staff. Significantly, Cayman Islands SEZ companies can own intellectual property which can then be licensed internationally. Any business which is developing proprietary software or other intellectual property  can consult with us in regard to the considerable benefits of a Cayman Islands SEZ company.