--- title: "Cayman Islands Direct Investment certificate: KYD 1M+ needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cayman-islands/certificate-direct-investment/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-10 --- Cayman Islands · Investing # Cayman Islands Direct Investment certificate **Investment needed:** KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M Certificate of Direct Investment First checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026, some details partly verified [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Investment needed:** KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M (An investment of at least KYD 1,000,000 (≈ $1,200,000) · Investment in a licensed employment-generating business in the Cayman Islands, new or existing, in which the holder exercises substantial management control; the holder must keep at least this investment in place. A fee of KYD 1,000 (≈ $1,200) · Application fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). A fee of KYD 50,000 (≈ $60,000) · Issue fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). A fee of KYD 3,000 (≈ $3,600) · Issue fee per dependant included in the application (CI$). A fee of KYD 3,000 a year (≈ $3,600) · Dependant fee per dependant per year (CI$). A fee of KYD 500 a year (≈ $600) · Filing fee for the annual declaration (CI$).) - **First stay:** 25 yrs (Certificate valid for 25 years and renewable at the discretion of the Director of WORC, preceded by an Approval-in-Principle Certificate valid for six months.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport - **Work:** Limited (Right to reside and to work in the business or businesses invested in, in occupations approved by the Director of WORC.) ## Key facts Direct Investment certificate is an investing route for Cayman Islands. Applicants need an investment of KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M. You can stay 25 yrs, renewable. Local work: limited. Checked 2026-10-10 against the official source. - **Money needed:** KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M - **Government fees:** KYD 1,000 ≈ $1,200 · +4 more - **First stay:** 25 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: 3 government fees listed below; investment KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: KYD 1,000 ≈ $1,200 · +4 more** - KYD 1,000 (≈ $1,200) Application fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). - KYD 50,000 (≈ $60,000) Issue fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). - KYD 500 a year (≈ $600) Filing fee for the annual declaration (CI$). - KYD 3,000 (≈ $3,600) Issue fee per dependant included in the application (CI$). - KYD 3,000 a year (≈ $3,600) Dependant fee per dependant per year (CI$). **Invested and held: KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M** - KYD 1,000,000 (≈ $1,200,000) Investment in a licensed employment-generating business in the Cayman Islands, new or existing, in which the holder exercises substantial management control; the holder must keep at least this investment in place. **Renewal: Renewable** The certificate is valid for 25 years and can be renewed on application, at the discretion of the Director of WORC. [Cayman Islands Legislation](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2018/2018-0033/2018-0033_2022%20Revision.pdf) **Permanent residence: Time here doesn't count** Holders of a Certificate of Direct Investment are excluded from the general route to permanent residence after eight years of legal and ordinary residence. [Cayman Islands Legislation](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2018/2018-0033/2018-0033_2022%20Revision.pdf) **Presence rules: At least 90 days** Holders confirm in an annual declaration that they were physically present in the Islands for at least 90 days in total in the previous calendar year. [Cayman Islands Legislation](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2018/2018-0033/2018-0033_2022%20Revision.pdf) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Time on this route doesn't count toward permanent residence - Work rights are limited ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant has made, or will make, an investment of at least CI$1,000,000 in a licensed employment-generating business. - The applicant exercises, or will exercise, substantial management control of that business. - The applicant has a substantial business track record or entrepreneurial background relevant to the business. - The applicant and spouse or civil partner have a clean criminal record. - The applicant, spouse or civil partner and dependent children are in good health with adequate health insurance. #### What you must show - The applicant proves personal control of funds equal to the investment, or proves the minimum has already been invested. - The application fee is CI$1,000 and the issue fee is CI$50,000. #### Documents - Satisfactory evidence of the investment, funds, track record and management control is submitted. #### Steps 1. The Director of WORC may issue an Approval-in-Principle Certificate valid six months, after consulting the Department of Commerce and Investment. 2. Within those six months the investment is made and all required licences are obtained, then the full certificate is issued on payment of fees. 3. The certificate gives no right to a licence under the Local Companies (Control) Act or the Trade and Business Licensing Act. #### After you arrive - The certificate is valid for 25 years and renewable at the discretion of the Director of WORC. - The holder submits audited financial statements and employment details at the end of the second and fifth year, and on request. - An annual declaration confirms the CI$1,000,000 investment is maintained and 90 days were spent in the Cayman Islands in the previous calendar year. - The holder pays an annual fee equal to a work permit fee in the same occupation, plus CI$3,000 per dependant per year. ## When you become tax resident How Cayman Islands decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **25 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** No residence test is required because no income tax is levied. - **Foreign-source income:** **No direct taxes** 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. [All tax rules for Cayman Islands](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cayman-islands/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026 ## What you need to arrange - **Health insurance** The applicant, spouse or civil partner and dependent children are in good health with adequate health insurance - **Police certificate and civil documents** The applicant and spouse or civil partner have a clean criminal record Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts. **Full official text** Certificate for an investor of at least CI$1,000,000 in a licensed employment-generating business in which they exercise substantial management control. The certificate is valid 25 years and renewable; holders file annual declarations. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4) #### What you must show and pay - An investment of at least KYD 1,000,000 (≈ $1,200,000) · Investment in a licensed employment-generating business in the Cayman Islands, new or existing, in which the holder exercises substantial management control; the holder must keep at least this investment in place. (sources 1, 2) - A fee of KYD 1,000 (≈ $1,200) · Application fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). (source 3) - A fee of KYD 50,000 (≈ $60,000) · Issue fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). (source 3) - A fee of KYD 3,000 (≈ $3,600) · Issue fee per dependant included in the application (CI$). (source 3) - A fee of KYD 3,000 a year (≈ $3,600) · Dependant fee per dependant per year (CI$). (source 3) - A fee of KYD 500 a year (≈ $600) · Filing fee for the annual declaration (CI$). (source 3) #### Requirements - The applicant has made, or will make, an investment of at least CI$1,000,000 in a licensed employment-generating business. (sources 1, 2) - The applicant exercises, or will exercise, substantial management control of that business. (source 1) - The applicant has a substantial business track record or entrepreneurial background relevant to the business. (source 1) - The applicant and spouse or civil partner have a clean criminal record. (source 1) - The applicant, spouse or civil partner and dependent children are in good health with adequate health insurance. (source 1) - The applicant proves personal control of funds equal to the investment, or proves the minimum has already been invested. (source 1) - The application fee is CI$1,000 and the issue fee is CI$50,000. (source 3) - Satisfactory evidence of the investment, funds, track record and management control is submitted. (source 1) - The Director of WORC may issue an Approval-in-Principle Certificate valid six months, after consulting the Department of Commerce and Investment. (source 1) - Within those six months the investment is made and all required licences are obtained, then the full certificate is issued on payment of fees. (source 1) - The certificate gives no right to a licence under the Local Companies (Control) Act or the Trade and Business Licensing Act. (source 1) - The certificate is valid for 25 years and renewable at the discretion of the Director of WORC. (source 1) - The holder submits audited financial statements and employment details at the end of the second and fifth year, and on request. (source 1) - An annual declaration confirms the CI$1,000,000 investment is maintained and 90 days were spent in the Cayman Islands in the previous calendar year. (source 2) - The holder pays an annual fee equal to a work permit fee in the same occupation, plus CI$3,000 per dependant per year. (sources 3, 4) #### Stay - Certificate valid for 25 years and renewable at the discretion of the Director of WORC, preceded by an Approval-in-Principle Certificate valid for six months. - Initial permitted stay: 300 months. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Work Right to reside and to work in the business or businesses invested in, in occupations approved by the Director of WORC. #### Family Spouse or civil partner and dependent children receive Direct Investment Holder’s (Dependant’s) Certificates to reside; a child’s right ends at 18 unless in full-time tertiary education. Checked 2026-10-10 · partly verified ## Official sources 1. [Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision), ss. 41-47: independent means and direct investment certificates](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2018/2018-0033/2018-0033_2022%20Revision.pdf) · Cayman Islands Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Caymanian Protection (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (SL 16 of 2026): annual declaration particulars](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/AMENDING/2026/2026-0016S/2026-0016S.pdf) · Cayman Islands Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026 (SL 14 of 2026)](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/2026/2026-0020/2026-0020_SL%2020%20of%202026.pdf) · Cayman Islands Government (Legislation Gazette No. 23, 16 April 2026) · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-04-16 4. [Caymanian Protection Act (2022 Revision): Immigration Reform Guide (Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration, 18 June 2026)](https://gov.ky/documents/35692/0/MCEI+Immigration+Reform+Guide+Book+-+18JUNE2026.pdf/b046f01c-ec85-b32d-9065-41dbac3ac221?t=1781806639221) · Government of the Cayman Islands · checked 2026-10-10 ## Direct Investment certificate and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Direct Investment certificate | Needs an investment of KYD 1M+ ≈ $1.2M | 25 yr, renewable | Limited | | [Investor residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/mexico/temporary-resident-investor/) Mexico | Needs an investment of MXN 5.4M+ ≈ $294k | 4 yr | With a permit | | [Investor M · Property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/colombia/m-investor-real-estate/) Colombia | Needs an investment of COP 612.8M+ ≈ $192k | 3 yr | Limited | | [Investor residence · $200k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/costa-rica/temporary-investor/) Costa Rica | Needs an investment of $200k+ | 2 yr, renewable | – | | [Investor · R$500k in a company](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/brazil/investor-company/) Brazil | Needs an investment from BRL 150k ≈ $30k | – | – | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Direct Investment certificate? An investment of at least KYD 1,000,000 (≈ $1,200,000). Investment in a licensed employment-generating business in the Cayman Islands, new or existing, in which the holder exercises substantial management control; the holder must keep at least this investment in place. A fee of KYD 1,000 (≈ $1,200). Application fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). A fee of KYD 50,000 (≈ $60,000). Issue fee for the Certificate of Direct Investment (CI$). A fee of KYD 3,000 (≈ $3,600). Issue fee per dependant included in the application (CI$). ### How long can I stay on the Direct Investment certificate? Certificate valid for 25 years and renewable at the discretion of the Director of WORC, preceded by an Approval-in-Principle Certificate valid for six months. ### Can I work on the Direct Investment certificate? Limited. Right to reside and to work in the business or businesses invested in, in occupations approved by the Director of WORC. ### Can I bring my family on the Direct Investment certificate? Spouse or civil partner and dependent children receive Direct Investment Holder’s (Dependant’s) Certificates to reside; a child’s right ends at 18 unless in full-time tertiary education. ### Does the Direct Investment certificate lead to permanent residence in Cayman Islands? Time on the Direct Investment certificate doesn't count toward permanent residence in Cayman Islands. ### How are Direct Investment certificate holders taxed in Cayman Islands? No special regime in our records is tied to the Direct Investment certificate. The standard rules apply: 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. ## More in Cayman Islands [Independent means · PR](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cayman-islands/permanent-residence-independent-means/) [Independent means residency](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cayman-islands/residency-certificate-independent-means/) [Temporary work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cayman-islands/temporary-work-permit/) ## Investment visas elsewhere [🇺🇸 E-2 Treaty Investor](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e2-treaty-investor/) [🇵🇦 Qualified Investor · Deposit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/qualified-investor-fixed-deposit/) [🇨🇱 Investor · US$500k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/chile/investor/) [🇪🇨 Investor · $48k shares](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-investor-shares/) [🇵🇪 Investor residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/peru/investor-resident/) [🇩🇴 Investor residence · $200k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/dominican-republic/investor-permanent/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-10 against 4 official sources.** Status: partly verified; the page marks the facts an official source does not fully confirm. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision), ss. 41-47: independent means and direct investment certificates](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2018/2018-0033/2018-0033_2022%20Revision.pdf) · Cayman Islands Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Caymanian Protection (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (SL 16 of 2026): annual declaration particulars](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/AMENDING/2026/2026-0016S/2026-0016S.pdf) · Cayman Islands Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Caymanian Protection (Fees) Regulations, 2026 (SL 14 of 2026)](https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/2026/2026-0020/2026-0020_SL%2020%20of%202026.pdf) · Cayman Islands Government (Legislation Gazette No. 23, 16 April 2026) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Caymanian Protection Act (2022 Revision): Immigration Reform Guide (Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration, 18 June 2026)](https://gov.ky/documents/35692/0/MCEI+Immigration+Reform+Guide+Book+-+18JUNE2026.pdf/b046f01c-ec85-b32d-9065-41dbac3ac221?t=1781806639221) · Government of the Cayman Islands · checked 2026-10-10 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.