Exempted Company (EC)
Company formation in Cayman Islands
The EC is best suited for: Hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital fund vehicles, Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for structured finance and securitisation, International holding structures for institutional investors, SPAC and blank-cheque company structures, Reinsurance and captive insurance vehicles, Multi-asset family office structures. Cayman Exempted Companies pay no corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax. The government can issue a Tax Undertaking Certificate guaranteeing the company will remain tax-exempt for a period of 20โ30 years. There is no VAT or sales tax. Government revenue comes from annual registration fees based on authorised share capital. Companies with authorised capital up to CI$50,000 pay approximately CI$854/year; higher capital amounts attract higher fees. CIMA-regulated entities (registered funds, licensed funds) pay additional regulatory fees. The Economic Substance Act applies to companies conducting relevant activities in Cayman โ they must demonstrate adequate people, premises, and decision-making in the jurisdiction.
- Hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital fund vehicles
- Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for structured finance and securitisation
- International holding structures for institutional investors
- SPAC and blank-cheque company structures
- Reinsurance and captive insurance vehicles
- Multi-asset family office structures
Key Facts
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Engage a registered office provider in the Cayman Islands
All Cayman companies must maintain a registered office in the jurisdiction. Engage a licensed service provider who will act as your registered office and handle all filings with the Registrar of Companies. Major providers include Maples, Walkers, Ogier, and Harneys.
Complete KYC and provide company details
Submit certified passport copies, proof of address, source-of-funds documentation, and professional references for all directors and shareholders. Provide the proposed company name, share structure, and details of the business activities. Cayman AML requirements are rigorous.
Name search and reservation
The service provider conducts a name search with the Registrar of Companies. The proposed name must not be identical or confusingly similar to existing registrations. Certain words (Bank, Trust, Insurance, Fund) require additional regulatory approval.
Prepare and file the Memorandum and Articles of Association
The Memorandum of Association sets out the company name, registered office, objects, authorised share capital, and limitation of liability. The Articles of Association govern internal management, share transfers, and director powers. Both documents are filed with the Registrar.
Pay registration fees and receive Certificate of Incorporation
Pay the government registration fee to the Registrar of Companies. Upon acceptance, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation. The service provider delivers the certificate along with the constitutive documents, share certificates, and statutory registers.
Required Documents
- Certified passport copy of each director, shareholder, and beneficial owner
- Proof of residential address for each individual (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth documentation
- Professional reference letter (from a lawyer, accountant, or banker)
- Bank reference letter
- Description of proposed business activities and target markets
- Completed service provider application and due diligence forms
Cost Overview
Tax Treatment
Cayman Exempted Companies pay no corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax. The government can issue a Tax Undertaking Certificate guaranteeing the company will remain tax-exempt for a period of 20โ30 years. There is no VAT or sales tax. Government revenue comes from annual registration fees based on authorised share capital. Companies with authorised capital up to CI$50,000 pay approximately CI$854/year; higher capital amounts attract higher fees. CIMA-regulated entities (registered funds, licensed funds) pay additional regulatory fees. The Economic Substance Act applies to companies conducting relevant activities in Cayman โ they must demonstrate adequate people, premises, and decision-making in the jurisdiction.
Pros & Cons
- 0% corporate tax, 0% income tax, 0% capital gains tax, 0% withholding tax โ guaranteed by government undertaking for 20+ years
- The global standard for fund structures โ institutional investors and LPs expect Cayman vehicles
- Sophisticated and well-developed legal infrastructure with specialist financial courts
- CIMA (Cayman Islands Monetary Authority) regulation is respected by global institutional investors
- English common law with a body of Cayman-specific precedent in fund and corporate disputes
- No exchange controls โ free movement of capital in and out
- Confidentiality protections for registered shareholders (exempted companies do not file a public register of members)
- Significantly more expensive than BVI or Seychelles โ annual costs $1,500โ4,000+
- CIMA-regulated fund structures add compliance cost (audit, annual returns, fund administrator fees)
- Banking for non-fund Cayman entities is difficult โ similar challenges to BVI
- No tax treaty network โ cannot access reduced withholding tax rates
- Economic Substance requirements apply to companies conducting relevant activities in Cayman
- KYC and onboarding process with service providers is more rigorous and slower than BVI
Other Structures in Cayman Islands
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Get StartedThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.