Residency Requirements in Turks and Caicos
In order to take up living in the Turks and Caicos for part of a year or
permanently, one will need a government permission. Residency Permits can be a
"Temporary Residency Certificate" . Temporary permit needs to be
renewed annually for about $1,000.00 plus $150.00 for spouse and $50.00 for each
child residing (at the time of this writing). When on a temporary permit, there are
three requirements of the government granting the certificate:
1. One must not work while in the Islands
2. One must be in good health
3. One must be able to support oneself and family
Another way to reside in Turks and Caicos is to have a "Work
Permit".
This permit allows you to have gainful employment while residing here. This permit
your employers may obtain for you. Fees are different for different forms of
employment and again, like the Temporary Residency Certificate, the Work Permit
must be renewed annually. In order to start your own business in TCI, you
additionally need to get a Business License.
and $125,000 in outer islands. A one time fee is also necessary.
Another permit is the "Permanent Residency with a Right to
Work".
This is only granted after the applicant has had work permits and been working
already on the Island for some time...(a 5 year requirement but will probably be a
requirement of 10 years working here before application is considered. It is
unclear at this time the amount of the investment required by an applicant
in business or in residence but it was in the past at least $100,000 in
Providenciales and $75,000 in outer islands. Both Permanent Residency Certificates
require a one time fee of at least $5,000.00 up to $50,000. Even qualifying for the
time requirement and the offering of the fee does not necessarily buy you a
certificate. The application may take a long time to process and personal
references must be obtained and submitted to Immigration for their consideration.
Once received, though, these certificates allow lifetime residency and with the
Certificate with the Right to Work, once granted, allows one to reside an work in
the Islands without further pemissions.
Sometimes, people who have lived in Turks and Caicos and made a considerable
contribution and have shown good character might be granted the
"Belongership Status" which is usually reserved only for the
native people ("Belongers" or sometimes called "Turks Islanders") with voting
rights in Turks and Caicos.
When considering residing in Turks and Caicos, it is best to talk to your lawyer
orimmigration specialist to help you decide which of the permits you should apply
for.
Ask me to recommend names of such professionals.