The Cayman Islands is an amazing expat location that offers an excellent standard of living, a safe environment, and great weather year-round. The Islands boast a strong economy, a very high GDP per capita, and a tax-free status on incomes. Many expats have noticed the great potential this destination has and decided to move here permanently. If you find this idea appealing but you’re afraid of quitting your job, read on for some helpful tips on how to find a job in the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands’ expatriate population

Around 50,000 people live on the Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands. The island has a large expat population of around 15,000 people (125 different nationalities). Most of them hail from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica, Central and South America, and the Philippines. Hong Kong citizens are increasingly moving abroad and some of them are looking for a job in the Cayman Islands, too.

The Grand Cayman job market

Expats from all around the world are flocking to the Islands looking for work. Most Cayman companies receive many overseas applications from job-seekers hoping to find a job in the Cayman Islands. This doesn’t come as a surprise since many sectors of the Grand Cayman job market are thriving. The two major industries are finance and tourism. Other big industries include education, construction, and medical.

How to find a job in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman government does not restrict foreign land ownership, but it does insist on strict immigration rules. Employers must favor Cayman citizens over foreigners. In case there are no Cayman candidates suitable for a certain position, foreign candidates can be considered.

If you want to work in the Cayman Islands, you need to find a job before moving to the Caribbean.
The strict immigration rules can make finding employment in the Cayman Islands as an expat time consuming and complicated. However, one third of the Islands’ population consists of expat workers, as there are not enough locals for all the positions that are in high demand. Expats often find work in hotels, bars, restaurants, construction, retail and water sports. 

If you want to get a job in the Cayman Islands as a non-resident, you’ll need a work permit before moving here. When you get a work permit, you can register with the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) in order to access their job database. You can also look for available positions in the local classifieds and the internet. Word of mouth and meeting with employers face to face would be the best ways to find a job. Unfortunately, this is not the most practical option if you live far away.

Bear in mind that the local employment classifieds may be misleading and responding to them should only be a part of a more direct and proactive job hunting approach. What the best strategy is depends on what type of position you are interested in and when you want to relocate. Contacting one of the recruitment agencies based on the Islands would be a great first step.

Popular jobs for expats

• The tourist industry, one of the most developed sectors on the Cayman Islands, employs many of their citizens. Tourism is aimed at the luxury market and offers first-class accommodation and entertainment. The Islands welcome nearly a million visitors each year and most of them come from North America. Due to the seasonal nature of this industry, finding a job in the Cayman Islands in tourism can be difficult for an expat. 
• The Cayman Islands is a popular business and financial centre. The financial service sector has some of the best jobs in the top companies. If you are an expat with expertise and qualifications in finance, your chances of finding a job on the Cayman Islands are pretty good, especially in insurance or investment. Many large financial services employers find new employees through recruitment agencies. If you wish to work for one particular employer, contact them directly to express your interest in the position before registering with a recruitment agency.
• Many teachers who work in the Cayman Islands come from the United States, Canada, and England. If you are interested in a teaching position, the best time for job hunting is between December and February every year. Teaching and education jobs in government schools are advertised during this period on the website of the Ministry of Education where you can find the job application form.
• When it comes to construction jobs, expats are usually hired for management positions as there are not enough qualified local professionals. To apply for a job, it is recommendable to find a list of local construction firms and approach them directly, although many companies have started collaborating more closely with local recruitment agencies.
• IT positions are also in demand in the Cayman Islands. As the tech industry continues to grow, organizations need more and more skilled professionals within areas such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, and cyber-Security. The number of positions available in software development and network administration in increasing. Project management and business analyst positions are also available.
• There are various office support jobs you can apply for in the Cayman Islands. Jobs that are in demand include trust officers, legal secretaries, corporate administrators, and compliance administrators. Personal assistants and support staff in accounting firms are usually Caymanians. Office support jobs are typically found through an agency. You would probably start with a six-month work permit that is later upgraded to a full-time position in the company you have worked for.
• All electrical and plumbing professionals need a local license in order to find a job in the Cayman Islands. The Plumber’s Examination Board issues plumbing licenses. CI Electrical Board of Examiners checks whether the candidates’ qualifications meet the requirements of the Electricity Regulations. In addition to your job application, you must submit a certified copy of your license, trade references, and a recommendation from the jurisdiction you want to transfer from. Only after you complete this process can you receive your work permit. If you are a qualified MEP worker, contact local MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) companies directly to find out whether they have any openings.