Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean and are globally known as a finance and fund domicile. For private clients, the defining feature is the absence of direct taxation, paired with a high-cost lifestyle and a residency system that is selective and asset-driven.

On tax, the Cayman Islands Government states there are no direct taxes, including no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax, and no inheritance tax. Revenue is raised through indirect taxes and fees (for example, import duties, stamp duty, work permit and government fees), which matters for cost-of-living and transaction planning even in a "zero-tax" setting.

Immigration and residence permissions for longer-term categories are administered through Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) under the Immigration (Transition) Act framework. Cayman offers "Persons of Independent Means" routes that grant long-term residence based primarily on substantial real estate and local investment, with different requirements depending on the specific certificate and island.

Practical considerations: Cayman residency-by-investment is real estate-centric and expensive, and maintaining status has ongoing compliance, insurance, and fee expectations. Because Cayman is not in the EU or Schengen, residency does not itself create European travel rights; travel outcomes depend on your passport.