Local Government

IMMIGRATION/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All citizens entering the Turks and Caicos Islands are required to hold a valid passport. The only exception to this rule is that Canadians may enter with a birth certificate and one photo I.D card. An onward or return ticket is a must for non-residents.

If you are looking to reside in the Turks and Caicos you will need to obtain a residency certificate through our immigration department. As a visitor you may stay for up to 30 days. If you intend to stay for a longer period you will need to visit the immigration department for an extension. You may only follow this process once.

If it is your intention to work in the Turks and Caicos you will be required to hold a full work permit. Your employer will be responsible for assisting you with this process prior to your arrival.

LEGISLATION

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Crown colony, one of 14 overseas territories still in existence. These colonies are governed under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.

The Islands are overseen by a Governor (currently Gordon Wetherall) who is appointed by the Queen. The Governor presides over an Executive council that is elected every four years. This elected local self-government is headed by the Premier. The current elected party is the Progressive National Party (PNP).

Our legal system is based on English Common Law and the Torrens land registry system guarantees outright title to Turks and Caicos property.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• Visitors entering the Turks & Caicos may bring in Duty Free items for their personal use. This may consist of one carton of cigarettes/cigars, one bottle of alcohol and a small amount of perfume.
• Returning residents are granted a concession of $400 worth of duty free goods per person, which must be declared on the custom arrivals form.
• If you are looking to import goods these will generally be subject to a 10% - 30% duty charge. This area tends to be one of the major revenue generators for the Turks and Caicos government.

TAXES

Perhaps the most fundamental attraction to our shores are the many tax free incentives to foreign investors, as there are no direct taxes imposed on income or capital for individuals or companies, including:

• No annual property taxes
• No income taxes on revenue generated
• No capital gains taxes on disposal of property

STAMP DUTY

Upon the purchase of property the buyer is subject to a stamp/transfer tax.

Take a look at our Turks and Caicos real estate fees section for further information

DEPARTURE TAX 

All persons over 2 years old will be subject to an airport departure tax of $40.

NATIONAL INSURANCE

If you are gainfully employed you will be required to make a weekly or monthly contribution to the Turks and Caicos National Insurance board. For further details regarding registration and payment please visit www.tcinib.tc for more information.

ECONOMY

Historically, the economy of the Turks & Caicos islands has been driven by the salt and conch meat industries. The exportation of sisal, fish, cotton and lobster have also made significant contributions to the local economy over the years.

However, in more recent times this trend has shifted towards the tourism industry as a result of many multi-million dollar resorts lining the shores of Providenciales. One of the main revenue generators for the country continues to be the ‘stamp tax’ applied to purchases of Turks and Caicos property.

The financial sector is also proving to be a valuable contributor to the local economy and has enjoyed significant growth, offering many services for offshore investors such as;

• Company formation
• Offshore Insurance
• Trusts
• Limited partnerships
• Limited life companies

TCI invest are the countries financial services commission and they are responsible for regulating, developing and promoting the industry in foreign markets. Please visit www.tcinvest.tc for further information.

CURRENCY

Due to its proximity to the USA, the Turks and Caicos utilizes the US dollar as its national currency. Our islands supermarkets, restaurants and most resorts accept major credit cards and travelers checks. Travelers checks may also be cashed at our local banks.

ELECTRICITY

The Turks and Caicos Islands adopt the same industry standard as the USA.

• 120/240 volts/60 cycles

TRANSPORTATION

There is no official public transportation system within the Turks and Caicos. It is possible to hire a local taxi and your resort can usually pre-arrange this for you. However, if you are searching for car hire be sure to check out our getting around the islands feature.

PETS

For those of you looking to bring a family pet into the Turks and Caicos you must make sure that you have adhered to the TCI Environmental Health Department Veterinary and Animal Control Unit checklist prior to arrival.

You must have the following documentation in order;

• Import permit
• Veterinary health Certificate
• Laboratory test results
• All of the above information must be submitted at the port of entry where clearance will be obtained

*IMPORTANT* Please note that if you do not have the necessary documentation in place your pet could be quarantined, deported or in some cases euthanized.

For further details you can reach the EHDVACU directly on 1.649.946.2801