Cayman Islands

"He hath founded it upon the seas"

overview

Welcome to Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are known for their world-class diving sites and as a leading offshore financial center. The islands offer a high standard of living, fueled by a thriving tourism and financial services economy.

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Cayman Islands Essentials

National Anthem

God Save the King

Independence Day

Constitution Day - first Monday in July

Haiko

Stingrays glide freely / Tax haven for the wealthy / Soft coral gardens

Interesting Tradition

Hosts Pirate Week festival with mock pirate invasions and costume contests

Weirdest Local Superstition

Whistling near the water at night summons spirits

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to work on Sunday

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the waters, stay for the wealth: The Cayman Islands offer more than just pristine beaches and crystal-clear diving spots. This sophisticated financial hub combines Caribbean leisure with world-class business infrastructure, creating an exceptional environment for global professionals. Strategic tax policies and innovative residency programs have established these islands as a premier destination for those seeking both tropical living and financial opportunity.

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Come

Dive into a world where excellence isn't just a goal, but a daily standard. Here, Caribbean charm meets global sophistication.

overview

Welcome to Cayman Islands

A tax haven with more registered businesses than people—talk about a business-friendly environment!

The Cayman Islands isn't just a destination—it's a masterclass in tropical sophistication. Here, time moves with the gentle trade winds, and even a simple shoreline stroll becomes an exercise in Caribbean luxury. This is a place where financial prowess meets island serenity.

From the pristine waters of Seven Mile Beach to the hidden mangroves of Little Cayman, the Cayman Islands offers refinement for every discerning visitor. Whether you're drawn to the culinary scene of Grand Cayman, the diving paradise of Bloody Bay Wall, or the quiet charm of Cayman Brac, you'll find an archipelago that perfectly balances luxury with natural beauty.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

turtle stew (traditional seafood stew) - heavy cake (cassava cake with coconut)Sunday is family and church day

Drink

swanky (local beer) - rum punch (spiced rum with tropical juices)

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Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Sunday is family and church day
#2
Casual dress except in business
#3
Marine conservation awareness is essential
#4
Local seafaring history shapes interaction
#5
British and Caribbean customs blend uniquely

overview

Cayman Islands Essentials

Representative Novel

The Amen Corner by Christopher Burns (Novel set in the Cayman Islands)

National Animal

National Pasttime

Sailing

National Souvenir

Black coral jewelry

National Dish

Turtle stew

Famous Festival

Pirates Week

Famous Dance

Quadrille

Famous Music

Soca

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Did You Know?

The Cayman Islands are home to the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.

Seven Mile Beach is consistently ranked among the Caribbean's best beaches.

The Cayman Islands are home to Stingray City.

Sting Ray City is a series of shallow sandbars, allows visitors to interact with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

The Cayman Islands boast a unique culinary tradition.

Local delicacies include conch fritters and Cayman-style beef showcasing the islands' diverse flavors.

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Cayman Islands’s Key Historical Events

1,503

April 2014

Christopher Columbus first sights the Cayman Islands, naming them 'Las Tortugas' due to the numerous turtles in the area.

1670

July 2014

Cayman Islands become a British dependency under the Treaty of Madrid, along with Jamaica.

1835

February 2015

Slavery is abolished in the Cayman Islands following British anti-slavery legislation.

1959

March 2015

Cayman Islands are granted a separate constitution as a British Overseas Territory, distinct from Jamaica.

1972

October 2016

The Cayman Islands' first constitution comes into force, establishing internal self-government.

MOBILITY

Access Cayman Islands Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
7 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

Performance Class

Passport Grade

Rank

Score

This visa grants access to:

• of the world's population 

• of UNESCO sites 

• of global GDP 

• of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Cayman Islands by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Cayman Islands
5,650
6,770
7,884
8,953
10,019
15,178
17,015

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Cayman Islands's Global Rankings 

The Cayman Islands while known for its financial services and quality of life does not appear in most global ranking systems. Current international indices do not provide sufficient data for comprehensive analysis.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
Cost of Living
2024
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
Happiness
2024
Tax Burden
2024
English Proficiency
2023
Rule of Law
2024
Healthcare System
2024
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

37.9

years

Life Expectancy

82.2

years

Obesity Rate

29.20%

Tobacco Use

13.00%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

of GDP

Hospital Beds

3.0

per 1000 people

Doctors

1.9

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Private Healthcare Dominates

The Cayman Islands healthcare system is largely private, with modern hospitals offering world-class care to both residents and expatriates.

Mandatory Health Insurance

All residents of the Cayman Islands, including expatriates, are required to have health insurance, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.

Medical Tourism Hub

The Cayman Islands is a growing destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in the Cayman Islands enjoy comprehensive healthcare services through private hospitals and clinics, with mandatory insurance covering most costs.

Advanced Medical Technology

Healthcare providers in the Cayman Islands have access to the latest medical technologies, ensuring top-tier care for patients.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

The Cayman Islands have a high cost of living, characteristic of offshore financial centers. Housing costs are very high, particularly in beachfront areas. Food prices are steep due to most items being imported. Utilities, especially electricity, are costly. Transportation expenses are high, with car ownership being expensive due to import duties. The absence of income tax partially offsets the high living costs.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.77

per liter

Cost of Meal

$30.00

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$2,899.55

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$395.71

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$7.20

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

0%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before moving to the Cayman Islands, it's important to understand its favorable tax environment.+The Cayman Islands do not impose personal income tax or corporate tax, making it an attractive location for expatriates and businesses alike. There are work permit fees for foreign workers and import duties on goods but no VAT or capital gains taxes apply. There is no specific tax identification system in place; thus, individuals typically do not require one for personal taxation matters.+The Cayman Islands do not have a double taxation treaty with the United States, but the absence of direct taxes minimizes concerns about double taxation.

Tax Residency Requirement

No

Worldwide Income Taxation

No

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

0%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%

Work Assignment

The Cayman Islands don't have a specific tax residency concept as the country has no personal income tax.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

No personal Income Tax

No personal Income Tax

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical marine climate; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Average Temperature

27.82 °C

Humidity

77

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1409

mm

Rainless Days per Year

274

Best Time to Travel

December-April

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in the Cayman Islands

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in the Cayman Islands.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in the Cayman Islands?

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What language do they speak in the Cayman Islands?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in the Cayman Islands with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to the Cayman Islands?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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