How Much Does it Cost to Move to the Cayman Islands From the UK in 2026?

It will cost between £13,000 to £30,000 on average to move to the Cayman Islands in 2026. 

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 (£90 to £270).
   
2. Authentication Fees – You might need certain documents authorised or notarised which will cost between CI$16 to CI$82 (£14.46 to £74.13) per document. Document certification fees range from CI$8 to CI$41 (£7.23 to  £37.07).
   
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 (£271.22 to £452).
   
4. Police Clearance Certificate – A valid police clearance certificate is required for the Work Permit and Permanent Residence visas. The RCIPS charges CI$25 for a standard certificate (about £22), or CI$75 for the two-day express service (£67.80). You can apply online once you have been resident for at least three months on a work permit.
   
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.
   
   Annual work permit fees are set by occupation and vary enormously. They run from nil for teachers, around CI$550 for labourers, up to CI$13,650 for accountants and CI$32,400 for equity partners in law firms. Skilled trades sit at the lower end, but professional and senior roles are far more expensive, so the figure depends entirely on the job. On top of the occupation fee there is a separate administration fee, which the 2026 reform raised to between CI$150 and CI$500 depending on the permit’s fee band. These fees are the employer’s legal responsibility, not the employee’s.
   
   After eight years of legal residence you can apply for Permanent Residence (a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate). Following the immigration fee reform that took effect on 1 May 2026, the application fee is no longer a flat figure: it is tiered by the annual work permit fee for your occupation, at CI$1,500, CI$2,500 or CI$5,000 (roughly £1,350 to £4,500). PR holders with the right to work then pay an annual fee equivalent to the work permit fee for their occupation, which ranges from nil for some roles to tens of thousands for senior professionals.
   
6. Visa Assistance –  Basic visa assistance fees will cost between £82 to £410 (CI$ 90.70 to CI$ 453.51).

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 £400 to £750+ (CI$442 to CI$830).
   
2. Removals to the Cayman Islands: To ship your belongings to the Cayman Islands, it’ll cost £4,733 (CI$5.235.29) 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 around CI$3,900 to CI$4,700 (£3,500 to £4,200) a month for a three-bedroom, depending on area You’ll likely have to pay 1-2 months’ rent upfront.
   
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 (£148.27 to £296.53) per month. 
   
5. Shipping Your Car: It’ll cost £4,553 (CI$ 5,036.18) 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 (£741.33 to £2,223.98) depending on the size of the animal. 

Average Salaries in the Cayman Islands

Salary data for the Cayman Islands is patchy because the government publishes limited wage statistics, but independent surveys put the median salary at around CI$34,000 to CI$39,000 a year and the average near CI$40,000 (roughly £31,000 to £36,000). Pay varies widely by sector rather than by district: financial services, legal and accountancy roles sit at the top and can reach well over CI$100,000, while hospitality, retail and entry-level roles are much lower. The islands have no income tax, so the headline figure is close to take-home pay. The statutory minimum wage rose to CI$8.75 an hour on 1 January 2026.

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.