Cayman Islands
Incorporation package includes
- Incorporation of a Cayman Islands company
- 1 year Registered Office Address
- 1 year Company Secretary Services
- Preparation of necessary resolutions and documentation
- Guidance to ensure your company remains in good standing
- Reminders and support for annual filings, renewals, and business registration renewals
Why form a company in Cayman Islands?
Tax-Neutral Jurisdiction
The Cayman Islands does not levy corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax, making it an attractive location for international businesses seeking tax efficiency.
Reputation and Legal Framework
The Cayman Islands is a leading financial center with a strong legal framework based on English common law, providing a stable and respected environment for business.
Confidentiality
The Cayman Islands offers high levels of confidentiality, as it does not publicly disclose the identities of company directors and shareholders.
Flexibility in Corporate Structure
Cayman companies have flexible requirements for director and shareholder structures, making them ideal for businesses with unique needs.
No Exchange Controls
There are no exchange controls in the Cayman Islands, which facilitates unrestricted movement of capital in and out of the country.
Efficient Incorporation Process
The Cayman Islands offers a straightforward incorporation process, allowing businesses to set up quickly and efficiently.
Ideal for Investment and Fund Structures
The Cayman Islands is one of the most popular jurisdictions for investment funds and holding companies, thanks to its favorable regulatory environment.
Enjoy Cayman Islands' tax benefits
No Corporate Tax
Offshore companies pay no corporate or income taxes.
No Capital Gains Tax
Gains from asset sales are exempt from taxes.
No Withholding Tax
Payments to foreign entities are free of withholding taxes.
No Exchange Controls
Full freedom in the movement of capital.
Confidentiality
High levels of corporate and personal privacy.
Delivery timeline
The Cayman Islands provides a relatively swift incorporation process, typically taking 3-5 business days. Here’s the general timeline:
Pre-Incorporation
Selecting a company name, preparing the necessary documents, and finalizing the company structure.
Company Registration
Submitting documents to the Cayman Islands General Registry for approval.
Issuance of Certificate & Documents
After registration, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation and official company documents.
Post-Incorporation
Finalizing the appointments of directors and shareholders, opening a bank account, and fulfilling other formalities.
Differences between LLC and LTD
Feature
Limited Liability Company
Exempted Company
Structure
An LLC is a flexible business entity that combines the features of a corporation and a partnership. It is a separate legal entity, offering limited liability protection to its members.
An Exempted Company, or LTD, is a more traditional corporate entity. It is commonly used for international business, as it cannot conduct business within the Cayman Islands.
Taxation
LLCs in the Cayman Islands are tax-exempt and are not subject to income, corporate, or capital gains taxes, making them highly tax-efficient.
LTDs are also tax-exempt and not subject to local taxes on income, capital gains, or withholdings on foreign-sourced income.
Management
LLCs can be member-managed, meaning the members have direct control over the company’s operations, or they can appoint managers.
LTDs require at least one director, but there are no residency requirements for directors or shareholders. The structure is ideal for companies with shareholders who want limited liability and clear management roles.
Profit distribution
An LLC allows flexibility in profit distribution among members, which is typically based on the operating agreement rather than shareholding.
LTDs issue shares to shareholders, with voting rights and profit distributions based on share ownership.
Suitable for
Businesses seeking a flexible management structure, investment funds, and joint ventures.
Larger businesses or international companies that need a structured corporate framework, especially holding or investment companies.
Speedy Incorp's
recommendcation
Choose LLC if: You need a flexible structure with member involvement in management and a customized approach to profit distribution. LLCs are particularly useful for investment structures and entities where direct management by members is desired.
Choose LTD if: You prefer a more formal corporate structure with shareholders and traditional roles, such as directors and officers. LTDs are suited to holding companies, companies raising capital, and businesses needing a clearly defined shareholding structure.
Limited Liability Company
Structure
An LLC is a flexible business entity that combines the features of a corporation and a partnership. It is a separate legal entity, offering limited liability protection to its members.
Taxation
LLCs in the Cayman Islands are tax-exempt and are not subject to income, corporate, or capital gains taxes, making them highly tax-efficient.
Management
LLCs can be member-managed, meaning the members have direct control over the company’s operations, or they can appoint managers.
Profit distribution
An LLC allows flexibility in profit distribution among members, which is typically based on the operating agreement rather than shareholding.
Suitable for
Businesses seeking a flexible management structure, investment funds, and joint ventures.
Speedy Incorp's recommendcation
Choose LLC if: You need a flexible structure with member involvement in management and a customized approach to profit distribution. LLCs are particularly useful for investment structures and entities where direct management by members is desired.
Exempted Company
Structure
An Exempted Company, or LTD, is a more traditional corporate entity. It is commonly used for international business, as it cannot conduct business within the Cayman Islands.
Taxation
LTDs are also tax-exempt and not subject to local taxes on income, capital gains, or withholdings on foreign-sourced income.
Management
LTDs require at least one director, but there are no residency requirements for directors or shareholders. The structure is ideal for companies with shareholders who want limited liability and clear management roles.
Profit distribution
LTDs issue shares to shareholders, with voting rights and profit distributions based on share ownership.
Suitable for
Larger businesses or international companies that need a structured corporate framework, especially holding or investment companies.
Speedy Incorp's recommendcation
Choose LTD if: You prefer a more formal corporate structure with shareholders and traditional roles, such as directors and officers. LTDs are suited to holding companies, companies raising capital, and businesses needing a clearly defined shareholding structure.
Required documents
Once we receive the required documents, we will handle the entire incorporation process, ensuring full compliance with Cayman Islands’ laws and regulations. To incorporate a company in Cayman Islands, the following documents are required:
Director and Shareholder Information
- Copies of passports or government-issued ID for each director and shareholder
- Proof of residential address (such as a utility bill or bank statement) for each director and shareholder
Company Name
Proposed company name (subject to approval by the Cayman Islands General Registry).
Business Activities
A description of the intended business activities of the company.
Registered Office Address
Proof of the company’s registered office address in the Cayman Islands, which we can provide as part of our service.
Memorandum & Articles of Association
These documents outline the company’s structure, share capital, and shareholder rights.
Frequently answered questions
Find answers to common questions about our services and the company formation process. We’re here to provide clarity and support for your business journey.
What are the main benefits of incorporating a company in the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands offer a range of advantages for international businesses:
- Tax Neutrality: No corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- Reputation and Stability: The Cayman Islands is one of the world’s most respected offshore financial centers.
- Asset Protection: A strong legal framework for protecting business assets.
- Flexible Company Structures: A variety of options for different business needs, including investment funds, holding companies, and trusts.
- Ease of Incorporation: The process is fast and efficient, typically completed within 1-2 business days.
What types of companies can be formed in the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands offer a variety of company structures for different business needs:
- Exempted Company: The most common structure for offshore companies, often used for international trading, investment, and holding.
- Exempted Limited Partnership (ELP): Ideal for investment funds, joint ventures, and partnerships.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Provides limited liability to owners and is becoming increasingly popular in the Cayman Islands.
- Foreign Branch: Foreign companies can establish a branch in the Cayman Islands without forming a separate entity.
Is it necessary to have a local director or shareholder to form a Cayman Islands company?
No, the Cayman Islands do not require local directors or shareholders to incorporate a company.
- Full foreign ownership is permitted, and there are no restrictions on the nationality of directors or shareholders.
- Nominee services can be provided for directors and shareholders to maintain privacy or simplify the corporate structure.
- Speedy Incorp LLP can assist with nominee director and shareholder services if required.
How long does it take to set up a company in the Cayman Islands?
Incorporating a company in the Cayman Islands is fast and straightforward:
- The incorporation process typically takes 1-2 business days.
- Speedy Incorp LLP ensures a seamless process by handling all necessary documentation and submission to the authorities.
- Once incorporated, your company will be legally recognized and ready to conduct business.
What ongoing compliance requirements exist for companies in the Cayman Islands?
Cayman Islands companies have relatively low compliance requirements:
- Annual Return: Companies must file an annual return with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies.
- Registered Office and Agent: All companies must maintain a local registered office and agent in the Cayman Islands.
- No Audits: There are generally no audit requirements unless your company is operating in a regulated sector.
- No Financial Statements: Companies are not required to submit financial statements unless specifically requested by the authorities.
