Settle AnywhereWhere could I even go?
EN
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, white sand and turquoise sea
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, white sand and turquoise seaPhoto: Coolcaesar · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Moving to Cayman Islands

5 ways to move to Cayman Islands in our guide: 1 investor route, 2 pay-to-stay routes, 1 work visa, 1 spouse visa.

No digital nomad visa. Smallest investment: Independent means residency, from KYD 500k ≈ $600k. Tax for newcomers: Cayman Islands: no direct taxation, No direct taxes. Checked against official sources on .

Smallest investment neededfrom KYD 500k ≈ $600kIndependent means residency
Longest first stay25 yearsIndependent means residency
Tax angleNo direct taxesCayman Islands: no direct taxation

The Cayman Islands is a Caribbean jurisdiction where the government states there are no direct taxes, including no income tax on foreign-source income. That makes it an option for people whose income comes from outside the Islands and who want a warm, English-speaking base with a straightforward tax position.

Remote employees paid from outside the IslandsPeople of independent meansInvestors in an employment-generating businessWorkers with an employer sponsorThose wanting a no-direct-tax base
Quick match

Investing · 1

Retire or live on savings · 2

Work · 1

Spouse visas · 1

For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident.

Tax

The Cayman Islands Government states there are no direct taxes: no income tax, company or corporation tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax or gift tax. Foreign-source income of residents is therefore not subject to an income tax, and no residence test is required because no income tax is levied. Government revenue comes from duties and fees, such as stamp duty on real estate sales and a mortgage fee.

Standard rules

Cayman Islands: no direct taxation

No direct taxes

Foreign-source income: No direct taxes
Details
  • On: No income tax base exists
  • Limit: KYD 300k ≈ $360k

The Cayman Islands Government states there are no direct taxes in the Cayman Islands: no income tax, company or corporation tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax or gift tax, so foreign-source income of residents is not subject to an income tax.

Taxed on

No income tax base exists. Government revenue is raised through duties and fees: stamp duty of 7.5% in most areas on the value of real estate at sale (reduced rates for Caymanians) and a mortgage fee of 1% on mortgages below CI$300,000 and 1.5% at CI$300,000 or higher.

Who it applies to

  • Applies to all individuals; no direct taxes on income exist.

Exclusions

  • No property taxes or rates (GOV.KY).
  • Stamp duty on real estate transfers, mortgage fees and import duties still apply.

Limits

  • KYD 300,000 (≈ $360,000) · Mortgage fee is 1% below this amount and 1.5% at or above it

Tax residence

No residence test is required because no income tax is levied.

Visas

Immigration status (work permits, residency certificates) does not alter the absence of income tax.

Other taxes

Customs duty applies to imported goods; stamp duty 7.5% on real estate sales in most areas (GOV.KY).

Checked against official sources on Change log

Full page →

Checked against official sources on Change log

Cayman Islands in pictures

A leaning palm over the sand of Grand Cayman
A leaning palm over the sand of Grand CaymanPhoto: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
A southern stingray gliding over the sand at Stingray City
A southern stingray gliding over the sand at Stingray CityPhoto: GANDALF_GREY · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
A blue iguana, found only on Grand Cayman
A blue iguana, found only on Grand CaymanPhoto: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

All photo credits

No digital nomad visa in Cayman Islands. Remote workers usually look at Independent means · PR, Independent means residency, or nomad visas elsewhere.
Path to permanent residence · 2
  • PR after 10 years · Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means
  • PR after 8 years · Residency and Employment Rights Certificate — eight years of residence

Arriving in Cayman Islands: first steps

  1. Arrange adequate health insurance for the whole period of your certificate or permit.
  2. Open a local bank account for everyday payments and fees.
  3. Register with the relevant immigration authority for your route and keep your certificate or permit current.
  4. If you have dependants, include them in your application or ensure they apply separately where required.

Questions people ask

How much do you need to invest for residency in Cayman Islands?

Cayman Islands has 1 investor route. Direct Investment certificate asks for an investment of at least KYD 1,000,000 (≈ $1,200,000) and gives a first stay of 25 years that can be renewed.

Can I retire or live in Cayman Islands on my savings or pension?

Cayman Islands has 2 retirement or pay-to-stay routes. Independent means · PR asks for an investment of at least KYD 2,000,000 (≈ $2,400,000) and gives a first stay of 10 years. Independent means residency asks for an investment from KYD 500,000 (≈ $600,000) and gives a first stay of 25 years that can be renewed.

What work visas does Cayman Islands offer foreigners?

Cayman Islands has 1 work visa. It is Temporary work permit.

Can I join my spouse or partner in Cayman Islands?

Yes. Cayman Islands has 1 spouse visa. It is Spouse of a citizen.

Compare with

🇲🇽 Mexico🇨🇴 Colombia🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇧🇷 Brazil🇦🇷 Argentina🇨🇦 Canada🇺🇸 United States🇺🇾 Uruguay

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

Ask the AI about Cayman Islands AI

An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.