How Much Does it Cost to Move to the Cayman Islands From the UK in 2024?

It’ll cost between £20,000 to £30,000 on average to move to the Cayman Islands in 2024. 

On-going visa fees can be high, but typically your work will cover these costs. Use our handy guide to help create a rough budget for your move to the Cayman Islands from the UK.

Breakdown of the costs of moving to the Cayman Islands

Visa and Document Costs

1. Skills Assessment – You’ll most likely need a skills assessment for the Work Permit visa which can cost between CI$100 to CI$300 (£95 to £285).
   
   
2. Authentication Fees – You might need certain documents authorised or notarised which will cost between CI$16 to CI$82 (£13.12 to £67.24) per document. Document certification fees range from CI$8 to CI$41 (£6.56 to  £33.62).
   
   
3. Mandatory Medical Check – Medical checks are necessary for the Work Permit and Permanent Residence visas. Costs vary depending on requirements but range from CI$300 to CI$500 (£285 to £475).
   
   
4. Police Clearance Certificate – A valid police clearance certificate is required for the Work Permit and Permanent Residence visas. Costs typically range from CI$50 to CI$100 (£45 to £95).
   
   
5. Visa Application Fee – A Work Permit is needed if you plan to live and work in the Cayman Islands. Typically paid for by your employer, costs can range significantly depending on your profession. Costs for skilled trades and technical roles vary between £2,900 to £4,300 (CI$2,755 to CI$4,085) annually. The visa is valid for up to three years, with an opportunity to renew it for up to 9 years. After living in the Cayman Islands for 8 years, you can apply for Permanent Residency which costs CI$500 (£480) to apply then an annual fee based on your job which can vary between CI$1,000 to CI$10,000 (£950 to £9,600).
   
   
6. Visa Assistance –  Basic visa assistance fees will cost between £82 to £410 (CI$ 100.04 to CI$ 500.20).

Travel and Relocation Costs

1. Flights from the UK to the Cayman Islands: for a one-way flight ticket from the UK to the Cayman Islands, you can expect to pay between £250 to £750 (CI$237.50 to CI$712.50).
   
   
2. Shipping Your Belongings: To ship your belongings to the Cayman Islands, it’ll cost £4,733 (CI$4,496.35) for the contents of a 3-bedroom house.
   
   
3. Rental Deposits & Advance Rent: The average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the Cayman Islands is CI$3,928.57 (£3,225.43) on average. You’ll likely have to pay 1-2 months’ rent upfront, so you should budget around CI$7,857.14 (£6,444.86).
   
   
4. Health Insurance:  It’s not legally required, but getting health insurance for private and sometimes public health services is recommended. Basic cover ranges from CI$ 164 to CI$ 328 (£134.48 to £269.76) per month. 
   
   
5. Shipping Your Car: It’ll cost £5,494 (CI$ 6,703.88) for car shipping costs to the Cayman Islands. There will also be duty and tax fees. 
   
   
6. Shipping Your Pet: International pet shipping costs from the UK to the Cayman Islands range from CI$820 to CI$2,460 (£672.40 to £2,018.80) depending on the size of the animal. 

Average Salaries in the Cayman Islands

In 2024, the average annual salary in the Cayman Islands is between CI$40,000 and CI$60,000 (£32,800 to £49,200). Your salary will depend on the location, job profession and demand for your skills. To help with your research, we’ve listed the average salaries in some popular cities in the Cayman Islands: 

• George Town: CI$50,000 to CI$70,000 (£41,000 to £57,000)
• West Bay: CI$35,000 to CI$55,000 (£28,700 to £45,100)
• Bodden Town: CI$30,000 to CI$50,000 (£24,600 to £41,000)
• East End: CI$25,000 to CI$40,000 (£20,500 to £32,800)
• North Side: CI$25,000 to CI$40,000 (£20,500 to £32,800)

Final Thoughts

Many British people move to the Cayman Islands for its high quality of life, tax benefits and career opportunities. The initial costs of moving to the Cayman Islands from the UK are high, but many view this as an investment into their new life abroad. Salaries are higher than in the UK and come with many tax benefits for workers. 

Creating a realistic budget for your move to the Cayman Islands will help tackle the upfront costs and keep you on track. Use our guide to know what to expect from visa fees and other important services.

Moving to the Cayman Islands – We Can Help

1st Move International are here to help with your move to the Cayman Islands. We’ve helped thousands of people over the years make the move from the UK. From providing an initial tailored quote for the move, right up until final delivery to your new home, we’re here throughout the whole process. When you’re ready to move, get in touch for a free, tailored quote for your removals to the Cayman Islands.