Hemingway Scott focuses on the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and Bermuda markets, each of which presents a unique and appealing proposition to lawyers interested in a move offshore.
The Cayman Islands are a self-governing British Oversea Territory located in the north-west of the Caribbean, directly south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. There are three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman), with Grand Cayman being the largest and main island and home to the financial services industry and all the law firms.
Grand Cayman is 480 miles south of Miami and is approximately 22 miles long and 8 miles wide at its widest point. The population of Grand Cayman as of 2025 is circa 70,000.
The topography of Grand Cayman is very different to the British Virgin Islands, with the latter being rugged and hilly while Grand Cayman is very flat. Grand Cayman is also a lot more developed in terms of infrastructure and service industries than the British Virgin Islands, which are more rustic.
Grand Cayman, particularly in the suburbs around the capital George Town and along the popular Seven Mile Beach corridor, is more akin to Florida in layout and appearance.
Grand Cayman enjoys an outstanding climate, with between seven and ten hours of sunshine per day, average daily high temperatures of 29C - 32C and average daily low temperature of 22C - 25C.
There are regular direct flights to several major North American cities including Miami (1.5 hours), New York (4 hours), Chicago (4 hours), Washington DC (3 hours) and Houston (3 hours), as well as Toronto (4 hours), Cuba (1 hour), Jamaica (1 hour), Panama (2 hours) and London (11 hours). Flights to the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman take only 40 minutes.
The official language is English but the Cayman Islands are home to a vibrant mix of cultures, with more than 130 nationalities living and working across the three islands. While Jamaica and the Philippines continue to represent the largest expat groups among work permit holders, many others come from the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and the United States, reflecting the Islands’ diverse and global community.
Economy
Financial services dominate the economy, representing 30-33% of GDP, and Grand Cayman is a major global financial centre, ranking among the top 10 worldwide (often cited as 5th largest globally). The banking sector hosts over 280 banks managing USD 1.5 trillion in liabilities. It is home to 85% of the world’s hedge funds and over 10,500 mutual funds. It is the world’s second largest captive insurance domicile. Cayman’s economic success has developed as a result of its zero-tax environment, regulatory sophistication and proximity to the Americas, allowing it to act as a critical conduit for international capital flows.
Tourism forms the second economic pillar, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. The sector focuses on luxury markets and primarily attracts North American clientele.
Emerging sectors include Health City Cayman Islands, opened in 2014, developing medical tourism with state-of-the-art facilities. Cayman Enterprise City, a special economic zone created in 2011, attracts technology, finance, and education companies. The blockchain and digital assets sector is experiencing rapid development supported by adaptive legislation. Knowledge-based and technology activities are gaining ground, gradually diversifying the economy.
The economic success of the Cayman Islands allows its inhabitants to enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.
The Cayman Islands are a tax-neutral jurisdiction, with no income tax, corporation tax, property tax or inheritance tax.
The currency is the Cayman dollar which is pegged to the US dollar with 1 CI dollar equal to 1.25 US dollars or 1 US dollar equal to 0.8 US dollars. Both currencies are accepted on the island. Salaries are paid in US dollars.
Lifestyle & entertainment
The lifestyle in Grand Cayman is enviable, combining high quality accommodation with a superb climate. Most lawyers live in condominium complexes with shared pools, tennis courts, gyms and gardens, within a 15-20 minute drive of work.
The Cayman Islands are regarded as one of the world’s premier scuba diving locations because of the incredible clarity of the ocean waters, with some 160 dive sites situated around Grand Cayman alone. There are a wide range of other water sports activities on offer including kiteboarding), snorkelling, sailing, jet-skiing, fishing, wakeboarding and paddleboarding.
Grand Cayman has two golf courses and there are a large number of sporting leagues to participate in, including rugby, football, Gaelic football, hockey, basketball and American touch football. Tennis, cycling and running are also popular, with marathons, half-marathons and triathlons being held every year. There are a significant number of bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs, particularly along the Seven Mile Beach corridor.
Camana Bay is a very upscale outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, unrivalled in the Caribbean, mixing international boutiques, restaurants, and leisure spaces. It has proved to be very popular and attracts large numbers of people after work and on weekends.
George Town offers duty-free shopping, particularly for jewelry and spirits. The main supermarkets include Foster's, Kirk Market and Hurley's.
Healthcare
The Cayman Islands healthcare system combines quality public and private infrastructure with high medical standards and advanced technology. Mandatory health insurance guarantees healthcare access for all residents, though costs must be factored into your budget.
On Grand Cayman, George Town Hospital serves as the main public facility, while Doctors Hospital offers comprehensive private services. Health City Cayman Islands, located in East End, specialises in medical tourism and advanced specialist care. Numerous private clinics complete the care offering.
Education
The Cayman Islands offer a diversified education system combining free government schools for Caymanians and quality private international schools. For expat families, international schools generally represent the preferred choice, offering globally recognised curricula and facilitating transitions in case of future mobility.
Cayman International School (CIS) in Camana Bay represents the premium choice for many expat families. The school offers an American curriculum complemented by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and welcomes students aged 2-18, representing over 40 nationalities.
Cayman Prep and High School (CPHS) is one of the territory's oldest private schools and follows the British curriculum (UK National Curriculum) for students aged 4-18.
St. Ignatius Catholic School offers the British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels) for ages 3-18.
Accommodation
Apartments and condos dominate the rental market, from studios to spacious 3+ bedrooms. Many complexes offer pools, 24/7 security, and fitness facilities. Gated communities enjoy great popularity among expats, offering tranquility and services. Detached houses, townhouses, and luxury villas provide alternatives for families or larger budgets. Air conditioning equips all properties given the tropical climate. Construction adheres to strict hurricane-resistance standards, and parking is typically included.
There are no property taxes and no restrictions on foreign ownership of property by individuals.
Transport
Private vehicles prove practically essential in the Cayman Islands. Your foreign driver's license can generally be converted to a local permit through competent authorities. Roads are well-maintained on Grand Cayman. A public transport system exists but remains limited. Buses primarily serve George Town - Seven Mile Beach - West Bay routes. Variable frequency and restricted coverage make buses unsuitable for most daily travel, particularly work commuting. Taxis remain available but expensive. Cycling is possible but limited due to a lack of dedicated infrastructure and the hot climate discouraging long journeys.
Admission requirements for lawyers
The legal system is based largely on English common law and provided you satisfy the criteria to get admitted, no exams are necessary.
For an expat lawyer to get admitted and practise in Cayman, you need to be admitted in and have gained at least 3 years’ post qualification experience in one of a select number of different jurisdictions, being either the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Hong Kong.
Practice Areas
The major firms in Cayman focus predominantly on the following areas: banking & finance; corporate; dispute resolution; investment funds; private wealth; regulatory.
Remuneration
Lawyers in Cayman are some of the best paid in the world, with salaries ranging from USD180K (tax-free) for someone with 5 years’ PQE to as much as USD280K (tax-free) for senior/managing associates.
Salaries for salaried partners tend to start around USD300K and once bonus is added, total annual earnings can range from USD350K (tax-free) – USD700K (tax-free).
Equity partners can earn up to several million dollars (tax-free).
The British Virgin Islands are a group of over 50 beautiful islands in the Eastern Caribbean, located some 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, and are a British Overseas Territory.
The islands are natural, unspoilt and rugged, offering spectacular hillside views across to each other as well as the nearby US Virgin Islands. The islands are also multicultural, with many different nationalities from all over the world living and working there. Approximately half of the population is native to the BVI, with the remainder being expats.
The largest island is Tortola, which is the focus of the financial services industry and home for all the law firms, accountancy firms and fiduciary service providers. Road Town, the capital and administrative centre of the BVI, is located on the south coast of the island.
Tortola is some 12 miles long and 3 miles wide and has a population of approximately 25,000. Consequently, virtually anywhere on Tortola is within 10 minutes’ drive of a good beach.
The British Virgin Islands have an enviable climate, with between seven and nine hours of sunshine per day, average daily high temperatures of 27C - 30C and average daily low temperature of 23C - 26C.
There are direct flights to Miami (3 hours), Puerto Rico (45 minutes), the Dominican Republic (1.5 hours) and various other nearby Caribbean islands. Flights to London connect via Miami, Antigua or Barbados.
Economy
The main pillars of the BVI economy are the financial services sector and tourism, both of which make the BVI a flourishing economy within the Caribbean and with one of the highest standards of living.
BVI is one of the world’s largest centres for the incorporation of companies, especially those created to facilitate cross-border trade and investment. There are approximately 417,000 active BVI Business Companies, with approximately two-fifths of these businesses originating in Asia. The assets held by these vehicles have an estimated worldwide value of USD1.5trillion or approximately two per cent of global gross domestic product.
The BVI is the jurisdiction of choice for many of the world’s key developing markets, with investment from South West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa often being structured through BVI vehicles.
To expand its financial services sector, the BVI is developing an International Arbitration Centre, positioning itself as a premier destination for international dispute resolution. The BVI Arbitration Centre was the first international arbitration centre in the Caribbean, with a mission to become the leading arbitration provider for the Caribbean and the Americas.
The currency is the US dollar. The BVI is a low-tax jurisdiction, with employee payroll tax at 8%, of which the first USD10K is exempt.
Lifestyle & entertainment
There is a wide range of recreational activities. There are numerous national parks with stunning scenery and tranquil beaches, lush mountains and sheltered coves and the BVI have become known as the sailing capital of the world, with calm turquoise waters and gentle trade winds making conditions ideal.
As well as sailing, other activities on offer include diving and snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
On land, there are numerous sporting and social opportunities including football, rugby, cricket, running, cycling, bars and restaurants.
There is a strong expat community which is very welcoming to newcomers.
BVI social life revolves around marinas, beach bars, and a few Road Town establishments. Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay remains an institution where sailboats anchor offshore and customers paddle to the bar, soaking their dollars in the process.
On Tortola, Pusser's Road Town Pub attracts regulars and expats with its house rum cocktails and authentic maritime atmosphere. Nanny Cay and Soper's Hole marinas regularly host social events, regattas, and barbecue evenings gathering the sailing community. For livelier evenings, Quito's Gazebo at Cane Garden Bay offers live music several times weekly.
The annual calendar features major sailing events that set the rhythm of local life. The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival in March/April attracts hundreds of sailboats and thousands of visitors for a week of racing, parties, and nautical celebrations. Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta on Jost Van Dyke in May celebrates traditional wooden boats with races, contests, and a unique festive atmosphere.
The Full Moon Party organized monthly by Foxy's Bar draws partygoers from across the archipelago for a memorable evening under the stars. These events provide excellent opportunities to integrate into the local community and experience the convivial spirit characterizing the British Virgin Islands.
Healthcare
The BVI healthcare system combines basic public coverage through National Health Insurance (NHI)with a developing private sector. NHI has operated since 2016, automatically covering all residents contributing to the social system.
This public scheme covers GP and specialist consultations, hospitalizations, laboratory tests and medical imaging, plus prescription medications from a defined list. Emergency services and maternity care also fall under NHI coverage.
Peebles Hospital in Road Town serves as the territory's main public healthcare facility. This 40-bed hospital offers 24/7 emergency services, general medicine department, intensive care unit, surgery and obstetrics services, plus laboratory and radiology. The facility employs approximately 200 healthcare professionals and handles over 7,000 annual admissions. Patients requiring specialized interventions or advanced treatments are transferred to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, or the United States.
Most expats subscribe to international private health insurance. These policies offer broader coverage including access to local private clinics, transfer to specialized centres, overseas treatment reimbursement, plus dental and optical services typically excluded from NHI.
Several private clinics supplement healthcare offerings in the territory.
Education
The BVI offers several educational options for expat families, combining the local public school system with a few private international establishments. School choice largely depends on your teaching style preference, budget and future mobility plans.
Cedar International School in Tortola represents the territory's main international school. It welcomes students from kindergarten through high school and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school teaches in English and attracts a multicultural student community composed of expat children and affluent local families.
Some families choose home schooling, a legal option in the BVI subject to declaration with the education department. This solution offers maximum flexibility but requires significant parental investment in time and energy.
Accommodation
Expats concentrate primarily in a few areas around Tortola. Road Town and immediate surroundings offer proximity to shops, services, and employers, though the urban environment is less attractive for families. Nanny Cay and Soper's Hole appeal to sailing enthusiasts with their marinas and sailing-oriented communities. Tortola's north coast, notably Cane Garden Bay and Carrot Bay, attracts those seeking quieter beach settings while accepting longer commutes to Road Town.
Transport
You will need to be able to drive or else you will be reliant on lifts from friends and colleagues, as there is no public bus system.
Admission requirements for lawyers
The legal system is based largely on English common law and provided you satisfy the criteria to get admitted, no exams are necessary.
For an expat lawyer to get admitted in BVI, you need to be admitted in either the UK or another Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court jurisdiction. No minimum level of post-qualification experience is necessary, although firms usually prefer candidates who have gained at least 1–2 years’ PQE.
Practice areas
The major firms in BVI focus largely on the following areas: banking & finance; corporate; dispute resolution; investment funds; private wealth; regulatory.
Remuneration
Salary for a 3 year qualified lawyer ranges from circa US$130K to US$150K and for a 5 PQE from circa US$150K to US$170K.
Senior associate salaries go up to circa US$220K.
Counsel level salaries range from US$220K to US$280K and salaried partners from US$280K to US$350K.
Bermuda is an archipelago of some 138 islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean (and not the Caribbean as is sometimes thought), approximately 650 miles east of South Carolina in the US and 960 miles north of the British Virgin Islands. It has a population of circa 65,000.
Bermuda is the UK’s oldest British Overseas Territory and is self-governing with its own parliamentary government (dating from 1620) and constitution.
Bermuda's four main islands are Main Island (Grand Bermuda), St. George's Island, St. David's Island, and Somerset Island, which are connected by small bridges and which create a single landmass for practical purposes. The capital Hamilton, which is based on Main Island, is the financial and administrative hub.
English is the main language.
The expat community is substantial, representing approximately 20% of the population (around 13,000 people), primarily from the UK, US, Canada, and Portugal.
Bermuda has a sub-tropical climate with warm, humid weather and a wetter/windier season in late fall. Average daily high temperatures range from 21C – 30C and average daily low temperatures range from 15C to 25C.
There are regular direct flights to several major North American cities including New York (2hrs 15 mins), Boston (2 hrs 15 mins), Miami (2hrs 45 mins), Toronto (2hrs 50 mins) and Montreal (2hrs 35 mins), as well as to London (7 hrs 50 mins).
Economy
Bermuda has the third highest GDP per capita in the world (USD 138,935) and is a highly reputable and sophisticated offshore financial centre, with a stable political environment and effective regulation. The largest contributor to Bermuda’s GDP is international business, followed by tourism.
Bermuda is a global reinsurance hub, being the third largest reinsurance market in the world, with over 1,100 operators and total assets in excess of $1.6 trillion. It is also a leading captive insurer market and the largest insurance-linked securities market globally. In addition to (re)insurance, a number of investment funds and investment businesses operate in Bermuda.
Bermuda has developed a regulatory framework to regulate and encourage the growth of digital assets businesses and it operates the largest offshore aircraft registry globally and a highly regarded ship registry.
The currency is the Bermuda Dollar (BMD), which maintains 1:1 parity with the US dollar.
Bermuda is a tax-neutral jurisdiction and there are no taxes imposed on profits, income (with the exception of large multinationals with consolidated annual revenues of EUR 750M+) or capital gains, nor is there any withholding tax, estate tax or death duty.
Payroll tax is charged on a progressive basis up to a maximum of 12.5% for income of $500k-$1m. Someone on a salary of $200K will pay circa 7.5% tax.
Lifestyle & entertainment
Bermuda is a high-end tourist destination with a relaxed community-focused lifestyle and a strong emphasis on family and local heritage.
Bermuda boasts stunning pink sand beaches with abundant water activities: scuba diving on pristine coral reefs and historic wrecks, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing.
Bermuda has a vibrant culture of sport, with numerous options for both fans and players alike. Football and cricket are the two most popular sports on the island, with multiple clubs of varying skill levels representing each. In addition to football and cricket, there are active communities built around rugby, running, hockey and several other sports. Every year, Bermuda is home to the World Rugby Classic, attracting teams from all over the globe to participate. Other popular sports in Bermuda include tennis, swimming, cycling and triathlon.
Bermuda has seven golf courses including Port Royal Golf Course, which hosts an annual US PGA tour event and Mid Ocean Club, which is regularly ranked in the world’s top 100 courses.
Despite its small size, the island offers excellent hiking opportunities. The Railway Trail follows the former railway route for approximately 18 miles, crossing all nine parishes and offering varied views of coastlines, residential areas, and natural spaces. Shorter sections allow for 1-3 hour walks.
Bermuda's calendar features festivities reflecting island identity. Bermuda Day in late May celebrates local heritage with parades, boat races, and fireworks. Cup Match in late July/early August transcends cricket to become a true national celebration. The Bermuda Music Festival in October welcomes international artists. The Newport Bermuda Race, a legendary sailing race, occurs in June of odd-numbered years. Year-end holidays are celebrated with flair, mixing British traditions and tropical ambience.
Restaurants range from casual local spots to high-end fine dining. Front Street in Hamilton concentrates numerous restaurants and bars with waterfront terraces.
Nightlife, while quieter than major cities, offers several options including traditional British pubs, lounge bars, beach clubs and regular live music events. Robin Hood Pub and Hog Penny Pub draw loyal crowds.
Healthcare
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget is the main hospital, providing comprehensive services including 24/7 emergency care, surgery, maternity, and intensive care. For complex conditions requiring specialised treatment unavailable locally, patients are typically transferred to US medical centres, particularly in Boston, New York, or Florida. Many residents therefore opt for insurance covering medical transfers. Several private clinics and medical practices operate across the island. Appointments with general practitioners are usually available within days, though specialist consultations may require longer waits.
Education
Bermuda's education system offers a choice between public schools following the British curriculum and prestigious private international schools. Expat families typically choose private schools offering high academic standards and internationally recognized curricula, such as Bermuda High School, Saltus Grammar School, Warwick Academy and Somersfield Academy.
Accommodation
Bermuda's housing stock primarily consists of traditional white limestone houses with stepped roofs for rainwater collection, condominium apartments, and cottages. Single-family homes or townhouses are most common, while modern apartment buildings are less prevalent. Most properties have 2-4 bedrooms. Expats typically rent spacious apartments, cottages, or houses depending on budget and family size.
There are strict restrictions on foreign property ownership to protect the local market. Only properties designated with an annual rental value above a high threshold can be purchased by non-Bermudians, and these are very limited.
Transport
Bermuda has excellent public transport as a result of limited private car ownership (one car per household rule) and tourists not being allowed to drive, thus keeping traffic low. Scooters and mopeds are a popular alternative. Ferries are also a popular method of commuting to work in Hamilton.
Admission requirements for lawyers
The legal system is based largely on English common law and provided you satisfy the criteria to get admitted, no exams are necessary.
For an expat lawyer to get admitted in Bermuda, you need to be admitted in and have gained at least 3 years’ post qualification experience in either the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa or a jurisdiction whose standard, law, practice and procedure are comparable to England.
Practice areas
The major firms in Bermuda focus predominantly on the following areas: banking & finance; corporate; dispute resolution; insurance & (re)insurance; private wealth; regulatory
Remuneration
Salary for a 3 year qualified lawyer ranges from USD130K to USD150K and for a 5 PQE from USD150K to USD170K.
Senior associate salaries go up to circa USD220K.
Counsel level salaries range from circa USD250K to USD300K and for salaried partners from circa USD300K to USD350K.
.png)
