Caribbean · Exempted Company
Cayman Islands Company Formation 2026
Filing $850 · Annual $850 · Corp tax 0% · Banking 6/10
The numbers
| Entity type | Exempted Company |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $850 |
| Annual government fee | $850 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | ~$1,500/yr |
| Headline corporate tax | 0% |
| Effective tax notes | 0% corporate income tax. 0% capital gains. Economic substance regulations apply. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 0% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | Nominal |
| Processing time | 7 business days |
| Remote formation | Yes |
| UBO public | No (private register) |
| Banking accessibility | 6/10 |
| Privacy score | 8/10 |
| Stripe | ❌ Not supported |
| PayPal Business | ❌ |
| Wise Business | ❌ |
Why people choose Cayman Islands
- 0% corporate tax
- No exchange controls
- Common law jurisdiction
Trade-offs to know
- High annual cost
- Economic substance rules
- Limited fintech rails
Who Cayman Islands is best for
- Funds
- Crypto
- Holding structures
Used by Web3/funds. Be ready for substance testing if you hold IP or financing.
Other commonly compared Caribbean jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in Cayman Islands?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $850. A registered agent or local representative typically costs around $1500/year. Annual maintenance is approximately $850.
What is the corporate tax rate in Cayman Islands?
Cayman Islands's headline corporate income tax rate is 0%. 0% corporate income tax. 0% capital gains. Economic substance regulations apply.
Can a non-resident form a company in Cayman Islands?
Yes, remote formation is generally possible in Cayman Islands.
Is Stripe available for Cayman Islands companies?
Stripe is not officially supported for businesses incorporated in Cayman Islands. You may need to incorporate in a supported country (such as the US, UK, or Singapore) to access Stripe.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Effectively none — companies can be formed with a nominal $1 of share capital.