Moving to Cayman Islands: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Cayman Islands: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
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. The economy grew +2.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2.3% for 2026. Its passport opens about 162 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 0% |
| Skatterättslig hemvist | från ankomst — Residence permit (e.g. independent means / permanent residence) + home; no tax test |
| Er väg | 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 |
| Pass | visumfritt eller vid ankomst till 162 länder |
| Economic growth | +2.5% (2025), forecast 2.3% (2026) |
| Klimattyp | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 28.5° / 32° (George Town) |
| Krig & konflikter | none — No conflict exposure |
| Alla naturrisker | 6.5/10 |
| Bankernas styrka | 8/10 · AA- |
| Äganderättsskydd | 8/10 |
| Varma bostäder på vintern | 7.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Cayman Islands
- Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means — Investering CHF 480'000 · open · 2026-10
- Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means — Investering CHF 1'920'000 · open · 2026-10
- Certificate of Direct Investment — Investering CHF 960'000 · open · 2026-10
- Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence) — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Special Economic Zone Employment Certificate (Cayman Enterprise City) — Inkomst / år 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?
från ankomst. 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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