Moving to Cayman Islands: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Cayman Islands: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In Cayman Islands the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Cayman Islands from arrival once you take up residence (Residence permit (e.g. independent means / permanent residence) + home; no tax test). The typical route is Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means (25-yr): Invest CI$1m (≥CI$500k developed real estate, Grand Cayman) + CI$120k/yr income or CI$400k local deposit; issue fee CI$20k + CI$1k/dependant/yr There are 7 open residence programmes in Cayman Islands — see the list below.
Living there
George Town has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 28.5 °C and summer highs around 32 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 0% |
| 세법상 거주지 | 도착 즉시 — Residence permit (e.g. independent means / permanent residence) + home; no tax test |
| 귀하의 경로 | Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means (25-yr) — Invest CI$1m (≥CI$500k developed real estate, Grand Cayman) + CI$120k/yr income or CI$400k local deposit; issue fee CI$20k + CI$1k/dependant/yr |
| 기후 유형 | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 28.5° / 32° (George Town) |
Residence programmes in Cayman Islands
- Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means — 투자 CHF 480'000 · open · 2026-10
- Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means — 투자 CHF 1'920'000 · open · 2026-10
- Certificate of Direct Investment — 투자 CHF 960'000 · open · 2026-10
- Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence) — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Special Economic Zone Employment Certificate (Cayman Enterprise City) — 소득 / 년 CHF 36'000 · open · 2026-10
- Work Permit — employment · open · 2026-10
- Residency and Employment Rights Certificate / Dependant status (spouse & children) — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Cayman Islands to become tax resident?
도착 즉시. Residence permit (e.g. independent means / permanent residence) + home; no tax test No income, gains or wealth tax; old country may still claim residence (no treaties)
How much tax will I pay in Cayman Islands?
In Cayman Islands the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Cayman Islands offer?
Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means (CHF 480'000); Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means (CHF 1'920'000); Certificate of Direct Investment (CHF 960'000); Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence); Special Economic Zone Employment Certificate (Cayman Enterprise City)
What is the usual way to move to Cayman Islands?
Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means (25-yr). Invest CI$1m (≥CI$500k developed real estate, Grand Cayman) + CI$120k/yr income or CI$400k local deposit; issue fee CI$20k + CI$1k/dependant/yr
Compare with nearby countries
Anguilla · Antigua & Barbuda · Aruba · Bahamas · Barbados · Bermuda · British Virgin Islands · Curaçao · Dominica · Grenada · Montserrat · Saint Lucia
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