Jurisdictions
Cayman Islands
Cayman is where you go when the jurisdiction itself needs to do work for you — because banks and prime brokers expect it. Over 100,000 companies are registered here — more than the resident population — because the legal, regulatory, and administrative infrastructure has been built for international business over decades. It’s the premium tier of offshore jurisdictions, and the cost reflects that.
What sets Cayman apart from other zero-tax jurisdictions is the weight the name carries. Banks, institutional investors, and fund administrators recognise it immediately — there’s no friction in onboarding, no explaining the jurisdiction to counterparties. The government guarantees zero direct taxation for up to 50 years depending on the entity type, and the 2020 Virtual Asset Service Providers Act gave the jurisdiction a regulated framework for crypto without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
We’ve been incorporating companies in Cayman since the late 1990s. We don’t recommend it for every structure — BVI and Belize handle most holding company needs at a lower cost. But when the counterparties on the other side of the table expect Cayman specifically, there’s no substitute.
Why businesses choose the Cayman Islands
Zero-Tax Certainty
No corporate tax, no capital gains, no withholding, no inheritance tax — and the government locks that in by law. Exempted companies get a 20-year guarantee; limited partnerships get up to 50 years. For businesses planning long-term structures, that statutory commitment gives you certainty most jurisdictions don’t offer.
Built for Institutional Capital
Cayman is one of the world’s leading fund domiciles and the jurisdiction that institutional investors, prime brokers, and fund administrators treat as a default. When a banking partner sees a Cayman entity on a structure chart, due diligence moves faster — there’s no explaining the jurisdiction.
Minimal Administration
No mandatory audits, no annual financial statements filed with the government. The only obligation is a yearly confirmation that the Memorandum of Association hasn’t changed and that business remains offshore. Accounting records must be kept and available on request, but they stay with you unless a regulator asks.
What You Can Do Here
Company Formation
Exempted companies, limited partnerships, and segregated portfolio companies. One-day incorporation, zero tax on offshore activity, and the institutional credibility that makes banking and deal execution straightforward.
View formation detailsInvestment Funds
One of the world's leading domiciles for hedge funds and alternative investment vehicles. Institutional-grade infrastructure with established regulatory oversight.
Learn moreNot for everyone
We’d recommend Cayman when the counterparties on the other side of the deal expect it specifically — fund administrators, prime brokers, and institutional LPs who treat Cayman as a requirement, not a preference. In those cases, BVI won’t substitute. It’s also the stronger choice for crypto businesses that need a regulated framework.
It’s not the right fit if cost is the primary driver. If your counterparties don’t specifically require Cayman, BVI gives you comparable institutional standing at a lower price point — that’s the trade-off most of our clients weigh. Belize and Seychelles work well for simpler holding structures where the jurisdiction name matters less. For EU market access, Cyprus is the more practical route. Cayman also doesn’t issue gaming licenses.