Cayman Islands work permit fees (2026)
Cayman Islands work permit fees are set by the Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026, in force since 1 May 2026. The annual work permit fee depends on the occupation (for example CI$150 for a domestic helper, CI$1,050 for a registered nurse and CI$13,650 for a qualified bank accountant in Grand Cayman). On top of that there is an application fee of CI$150, CI$250 or CI$500 depending on the annual fee, a CI$250 non-refundable repatriation fee and a CI$50 ID card fee. This is an independent summary, not legal advice; check the Regulations and WORC.
Independent summary, not legal advice. Cayman Job Finder is free and independent. We are not WORC or the Cayman Islands Government. Every figure is copied from the Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026 (SL 14 of 2026), which came into force on 1 May 2026 (Cayman Islands Government). The Regulations are long and have special cases; check them and WORC before relying on a figure.
Annual work permit fee: set by occupation
The annual fee is listed occupation by occupation in Part 2 of the Schedule, by industry, with separate columns for Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Hotels with 200 or more rooms have their own schedule (Part 2, Category B). Some examples, in CI$ a year:
| Occupation | Listed under | Grand Cayman | Cayman Brac | Little Cayman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Helper | Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Registered Nurse | Human health activities | 1,050 | 787.50 | 787.50 |
| Receptionist | Human health activities | 2,100 | 1,575 | 1,575 |
| Accountant (CA, ACCA, CPA) (bank) | Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding | 13,650 | 10,237.50 | 10,237.50 |
Hotels with 200 or more rooms (one fee column):
| Occupation | Annual fee (CI$) |
|---|---|
| Bartender | 1,890 |
| Chef | 2,520 |
| Concierge, hotel | 900 |
| Cleaner, Hotel | 600 |
The same job title can carry different fees in different industries. Find the occupation and industry in the Regulations. Where a permit covers more than one occupation, the higher fee applies. Where a permit is granted or renewed for six months or less, 50% of the annual fee is payable.
Fees added to every annual permit
| Fee | Amount (CI$) | Schedule item |
|---|---|---|
| Application for grant or renewal | 150 if the annual fee is 2,100 or less; 250 if 2,101 to 10,400; 500 if more than 10,400 | 19.1, 20.1 |
| Non-refundable repatriation fee | 250, for the applicant and for each dependant | 19.5 |
| Work permit ID card (non-refundable) | 50 | 19.6 |
| Each dependant, every year | 350, 525 or 750, by the same three annual-fee bands | 19.4 |
| Variation of a permit | 150, 250 or 500, by the same bands | 19.3 |
Temporary work permits
Application fee for a temporary permit: CI$150, CI$250 or CI$500 by the same annual-fee bands (item 16.1). Fee for a temporary permit of up to 90 days (item 18.5):
| Occupation's annual work permit fee | Grand Cayman | Cayman Brac & Little Cayman | Express fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| CI$375 or less | 100 | 75 | 300 |
| CI$376 to CI$875 | 200 | 150 | 450 |
| CI$876 to CI$2,100 | 300 | 225 | 600 |
| CI$2,101 to CI$10,400 | 750 | 563 | 750 |
| CI$10,401 to CI$32,400 | 1,500 | 1,125 | 900 |
From 91 to 180 days the fee is 50% of the annual work permit fee. Dependants on any temporary permit are CI$250 each. A seasonal worker's temporary permit costs 66% of the annual fee and is issued for eight months; it can't be extended or renewed (item 17, notes 1 and 2).
Who doesn't pay work permit fees
Item 24.1 exempts, as well as children under 18: the spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian; a surviving spouse or civil partner who hasn't remarried or entered a civil partnership with a non-Caymanian; Government employees on contract; people declared exempt by Cabinet; Cayman Islands Monetary Authority employees; people working for a non-profit organisation; and employees of the Health Services Authority and UCCI.
Never pay a middleman
WORC and the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration warn about people who ask for money to secure or guarantee a work permit (21 October 2025). Read how to spot a Cayman job scam and, if you are applying from abroad, can foreigners work in Cayman?
Frequently asked questions
How much is a work permit in the Cayman Islands in 2026?
It depends on the occupation. The Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026 set an annual work permit fee for each occupation, for example CI$150 for a domestic helper, CI$1,050 for a registered nurse (human health activities) and CI$13,650 for an accountant (CA, ACCA, CPA) at a bank, in Grand Cayman. Application, repatriation (CI$250) and ID card (CI$50) fees are added.
What is the work permit application fee in Cayman?
For the grant or renewal of an annual work permit: CI$150 where the annual work permit fee is CI$2,100 or less, CI$250 where it is CI$2,101 to CI$10,400, and CI$500 where it is more than CI$10,400 (Fees Regulations 2026, items 19.1 and 20.1).
How much does it cost to add a dependant to a Cayman work permit?
An annual fee of CI$350, CI$525 or CI$750 per dependant, depending on whether the holder's annual work permit fee is CI$2,100 or less, CI$2,101 to CI$10,400, or more than CI$10,400 (item 19.4). The CI$250 repatriation fee also applies to each dependant (item 19.5, note 1). For temporary work permits the dependant fee is CI$250 per dependant.
How much is a temporary work permit in Cayman?
For a temporary permit of up to 90 days in Grand Cayman the fee is CI$100, CI$200, CI$300, CI$750 or CI$1,500 depending on the occupation's annual work permit fee band, plus an application fee of CI$150, CI$250 or CI$500. From 91 to 180 days the fee is 50% of the annual work permit fee (item 18.5 and item 16.1).
Who is exempt from Cayman work permit fees?
Item 24.1 lists, besides children under 18: the spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian, a surviving spouse or civil partner who has not remarried a non-Caymanian, Government employees on contract, people declared exempt by Cabinet, CIMA employees, people working for a non-profit organisation, and employees of the Health Services Authority and UCCI.
Should I pay someone to get me a Cayman work permit?
No. WORC and the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration warn about people who ask for money to secure or guarantee a work permit. Fees are paid to WORC through its own office or online payment service. See our job scams guide.
Last checked 29 October 2026 against the Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026 (SL 14 of 2026). Cabinet may refund, waive or reduce fees (regulation 3).