Setting up a company in the Cayman Islands
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The institutional-grade offshore choice — zero tax, fast incorporation and the jurisdiction investors expect for funds. We handle the exempted company, substance and ongoing obligations.
Flat fee, answers in 24 hours. We specialise in non-US / EU jurisdictions.
Why founders incorporate in the Cayman Islands
Cayman is a British Overseas Territory under English common law, and the recognised home for funds and institutional capital. Here is what matters.
The exempted company
The exempted company is the standard offshore vehicle (alongside LLCs and exempted limited partnerships). It operates mainly outside Cayman, needs no 'Ltd' suffix, and can be incorporated on an expedited 24-hour basis.
Zero tax, with a guarantee
No corporate, income, capital gains, withholding, VAT, property or inheritance tax. Companies can obtain a government guarantee of tax-free status for 20 years (extendable to 30) in case taxes are ever introduced.
Economic substance regime
An economic substance regime applies to entities carrying on in-scope 'relevant activities'. Investment funds are excluded (but still file an annual notification), and pure equity-holding companies have reduced requirements.
Private ownership registers
The register of members and the beneficial-ownership register are not open to the public — available to the registered agent, authorities and on court order. Cayman is CRS and FATCA compliant.
Light filing, no general audit
Exempted companies file a simple annual return/declaration; most are not subject to a statutory audit, but must keep books of account for at least five years. Bearer shares are prohibited.
Funds & institutional capital
The expected choice for investment funds, private equity and venture structures, and institutional capital — also used for token and crypto structuring under a flexible legal framework.
How Point Legal helps with Cayman structures
Cayman's reputation is its value — getting substance and reporting right protects it. Your dedicated counsel and CFO-led tax team handle it on a flat monthly fee.
Exempted company formation
Name check, Memorandum and Articles, the subscriber declaration, registered office via a CIMA-licensed agent, and the Certificate of Incorporation — often on an expedited basis.
Economic-substance classification
Assessment of whether your activity is in-scope, the holding-company and fund exclusions, and the annual substance notification and return.
Fund & SPV structuring
Exempted companies, segregated portfolio companies and partnerships for fund, SPV and token structures, coordinated with your administrator and CIMA where needed.
Register & reporting upkeep
Beneficial-ownership register maintenance, the annual return, CRS/FATCA coordination, and books-of-account record-keeping obligations.
Redomiciliation
Inbound and outbound redomiciliation (continuation) between Cayman and other jurisdictions, with the supporting corporate documents.
Ongoing legal & finance partner
Always-on legal and CFO-led support across your structures, with quick questions and document reviews included in the subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Cayman Islands really tax-free?
For most structures, yes — there is no corporate, income, capital gains, withholding, VAT, property or inheritance tax in the Cayman Islands. Companies can even obtain a government guarantee of tax-free status for 20 years (extendable to 30). Public revenue comes from duties and registration/annual fees.
What is the Cayman economic substance regime?
Entities carrying on certain 'relevant activities' must demonstrate adequate economic substance in Cayman. Investment funds are excluded from the substance test (but file an annual notification), and pure equity-holding companies face reduced requirements. We assess where your entity falls and handle the filings.
Is ownership confidential in Cayman?
The register of members and the beneficial-ownership register are not open to public inspection. Information is available to the registered agent, to authorities, and on the basis of a court order. Cayman participates in CRS and FATCA information exchange.
Do Cayman companies need audited accounts?
Most exempted companies are not subject to a statutory audit and file only a simple annual return/declaration. They must, however, keep books of account and supporting documents for at least five years. Regulated entities such as public funds have their own audit requirements.
Why do investment funds choose Cayman?
Cayman is the recognised, institutional-grade offshore jurisdiction for funds: tax-neutral, flexible, well-regulated, and the structure most institutional investors and private equity expect. That credibility is usually the deciding factor over cheaper alternatives.
Book a discovery call about your structure bottlenecks
Tell us your current setup and where it's getting stuck — incorporation, tax, substance, or banking. You'll get a real lawyer's read within 24 hours, no billing and no commitment.
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