Making the Move from Canada to Cayman

Moving from Canada to Cayman Islands in the Caribbean

If you’re dreaming about packing your boxes and moving out to a tropical island in the Caribbean – we can help with that.

Maybe you (and your family) need a change from your current daily commute driving down the 401 in rush hour traffic, short days and winter weather, layers of winter clothing needed to step outside the house. For all of you Canadians out there, we feel your pain (kinda). Who wouldn’t want to move to a sunnier country?!

The Cayman Islands presents a world of possibilities – boasting world-class infrastructure, a thriving business environment, an envy-inducing lifestyle, and some pretty nice weather to boot. You won’t find lengthy commutes or have snow or ice to scrape off your car in the morning. Cayman is an excellent place to grow your business and truly balance work and life.

Cayman is known as one of the best Caribbean countries for div, and its close-knit community consists of a population of just over 87,866 people from more than 137 nationalities. Canadians are the 3rd largest component of the foreign workforce, which means making friends and finding a place to celebrate Canada Day with a refreshing Bloody Caesar is easy to find.

How to Travel to Cayman From Canada? 

There are direct flights from Toronto to George Town in Grand Cayman by Air Canada and WestJet. The flight time is about 4 hours so it’s ideal for being able to return to Canada to visit family. 

What is There to do in Cayman? 

With warm weather year-round, there is a wide variety of sporting activities for adults and children alike from soccer, to golf, tennis, swimming, sailing and more. There may not be ice, but you can get your hockey fix at King’s Sports Centre who has several hockey leagues and programmes, some of which have gone on to compete internationally.

Wherever you are on island, you’ll only be minutes from spectacular white sandy beaches. Cayman is home to a wide array of breath-taking snorkeling and scuba diving sites, with some excellent charter companies always ready to take you on your next aquatic adventure.

For all the foodies out there, Cayman is known as ‘the culinary capital of the Caribbean’ offering fantastic dining options from five-star restaurants to delicious island fare and other international cuisine options. Canadian thanksgiving is celebrated at a number of local restaurants and Foster’s, the largest supermarket chain, offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meat and fish, natural products, as well as IGA and President’s Choice products.

Health Care, Schools and Real Estate in Cayman 

Grand Cayman features top-notch public and private medical facilities, including CTMH Doctors’ Hospital, Doctors Express, and the internationally acclaimed Health City Cayman Islands. Our blog features more insights into what medical care is like in the Cayman Islands.

Parents need not worry about getting their children settled. There are some excellent schools in the Cayman Islands boasting fantastic facilities and great academics based on either the North American or British curriculum.

There is no restriction on ownership of property by foreigners and the procedure to purchase a house, land, or commercial space is quite simple. In fact, purchasing real estate in the Cayman Islands is much like Canada but with less bureaucracy. You don’t have to worry about paying property tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax and you can expect great returns due to the high demand of property rentals. Read more about owning real estate in Cayman Islands on our blog.

Moving Your Business From Canada to Cayman Islands

If you’ve read this far and haven’t been convinced to start packing, here’s the best part.

Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) which has been dubbed as the best way to move your business to the Caribbean, enables international businesses and start-ups to efficiently and cost-effectively set up a physical presence within Cayman’s special economic zones in as little as 4-6 weeks. Established in 2011, CEC has attracted more than 300 companies from over 20 countries and was recently recognised as the world’s top free zone in the Americas for small and medium-sized (SME) investors.

CEC’s affordable serviced packages are conveniently bundled to include everything you need to set up your business including – permits, visas, trade certificates, turn-key office solutions, recruitment support, and renewals. Oh, and did we mention businesses choosing the Cayman Islands as an international base of operations enjoy:

• 100% exemption from local Corporate Tax
• 100% exemption from Capital Gains Tax
• 100% exemption from local income, payroll and sales tax

Unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean, CEC helps new tenants and their employees settle comfortably into life in the Cayman Islands. Even after the application process is done and dusted CEC staff are in constant contact and remain in a supportive role to help companies grow. The CEC Global Mobility team offers concierge-style service and helps to connect new residents with the right professionals in every industry, from doctors to educators to top real-estate agents. As part of the vibrant CEC community, you can enjoy a rich calendar of events including business networking events, casual social meet-ups, educational seminars, international conferences, industry-focused leadership opportunities, as well as fun sporting and charitable events.

Embarking on a new chapter in the Cayman Islands is not just a business move; it's a lifestyle upgrade. The allure of pristine beaches, a vibrant community, and a business-friendly environment makes Cayman an ideal location for Canadians seeking a fresh start. The close-knit expat community, particularly the sizable Canadian contingent, ensures a seamless transition with familiar accents and shared traditions. Beyond the professional realm, CEC stands out as a catalyst for this transformation. Not only does CEC provide an expedited and cost-effective setup for international businesses, but it also nurtures a supportive ecosystem. Engaging with like-minded professionals, attending networking events, and participating in a range of activities facilitated by CEC further enriches the experience. In Cayman, the journey isn't just about business; it's about joining a thriving community where the transition from snow to sun is not just geographical but also cultural.

If you would like to hear more about Cayman’s thriving special economic zones and discover what our team can do to help your business grow please don’t hesitate to get in touch – trading in the snow for white sandy beaches is easier than you think.