designlove

I am thinking of moving to the Caymans after finishing my masters degree, probably not for about three years though. In the mean time, I want to get to know everything I can about working as an interior designer there. I think I have a pretty good feel on living there without having visited as of yet (im working on a trip for december) but I am concerned about my work field. I would llike to own my own interior design firm after a while and was wondering if there was anyone that could provide me with some information. My bachelor's will be in interior design and I plan for my major to be in business management. I am also looking into purchasing real estate. Now your turn!

virginia

curious why you would choose to move somewhere you've never been?? what is it you think you'll like about it? what is the feel on living there that you have? i don't mean to be dismissive but it's highly unlikely you actually do and a week or 2 vacation in a resort in not particularly indicative of what real island life is like. i'd suggest you spend all next summer there - at the least. get a rest/bar job, have an apt, do laundry, shop, etc.
here's some reading to start on: http://www.caymannewresident.com/page_id_5.html
fyi: that $150,000CI they require for persons not wanting to work converts to US$187,500

there's a section titled 'establishing a business' on the left: " For a business that is not a 'Local Business', acquiring the T&B Licence is a matter of discretion for the Trade & Business Licensing Board who will consider, amongst other things, if the business will compete with local Caymanian owned businesses and whether it will bring any benefit to the Islands. A T&B Licence is rarely granted to a non 'Local Business'.
If you want to start a business but don't know a Caymanian or a Caymanian Status holder to go into business with, then it is possible to advertise for a Caymanian business partner and become a minority shareholder in the 'Local Business'. The relationship between shareholders can be governed by a shareholders agreement which can determine how shareholders will deal with profits etc"

RoamsAround

designlove won't be able to work on Grand Cayman without applying for and be granted a Work Permit. These are hard to get for permanant positions and virtually impossible to get for a "summer job".

The same website (www.caymannewresident.com) that Virginia referenced with respect to starting a business on Grand Cayman has information on what it takes to apply for a Work Permit.

If designlove is a US citizen he/she will find it infinitely easier to relocate/live/work/start a business in Pureto Rico, Vieques, Culebra or on any of the US Virgin island as he/she will already have "legal status". All other Carribean islands will have similar laws and restrictions as Grand Cayman so the immigration/work permit process is the only route available.

Similarily, if designlove is a citizen of an EU country then he/she will be able to easily relocate/live/work/start a business on any of the French or Dutch controlled islands.

All other islands are independent nations or federations - all with pretty strict rules regarding outsiders living and/or working on those islands.