Over the past five years, the Cayman Islands has seen a noticeable shift in its technology sector, welcoming startups and established companies seeking to relocate to a safe, sophisticated and progressive jurisdiction. As an established tax-neutral financial centre, this British Overseas Territory is attracting innovators in blockchain, cryptocurrencies, biotech, fintech, digital banking, software development, Web3, AI and more. The country also boasts a growing network of investors, family offices, angel investors and successful tech entrepreneurs.
Business-friendly environment
Tax neutrality, booming economy, excellent infrastructure
Focus on technology
Strategic initiatives from government and private sector
International IP legislation
A robust registry and strong international IP legislation
Innovative business structures
Favourable business structures tailored to tech companies
Global presence
Home to over a significant international business community
Lifestyle benefits
Safety, natural beauty, quality healthcare, education and housing
As technology companies struggle with immigration challenges, complexities in IP laws and tax regulations, the Cayman Islands has become a compelling choice for tech investment and innovation. Recognised as an easy place to do business, the country is ideal for companies looking to scale and grow, with supportive policies that ensure the physical presence of staff and promote business expansion.
Strong regulatory environment
The Cayman Islands offers an excellent regulatory framework with a robust financial services system. The absence of taxes such as income, corporate and capital gains provide a significant advantage for tech companies looking to optimise their operational costs and maximise profits.
Advanced telecommunications infrastructure The Cayman Islands boasts a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure and reliable connectivity, which is crucial for tech businesses that depend on constant and fast communication.
Proximity to major markets
Located in the Caribbean just 90 minutes from Miami by air, Grand Cayman offers a strategic location for businesses seeking easy access to significant markets in North America. With over 150 international flights per week, getting to and from the Cayman Islands is convenient. Its observance of Eastern Standard Time year-round allows businesses to seamlessly coordinate with partners across North America.
Quality of life
Residents of these islands enjoy an excellent quality of life – arguably the best in the Caribbean. The high standard of living attracts people from across the globe seeking a safe place to earn tax-free income and to raise their families. Its sophisticated infrastructure, modern housing and amenities, world-class healthcare and education, quality culinary and entertainment offerings, and vibrant social scene with ample networking opportunities make it an attractive destination in which to settle down.
Skilled workforce and talent pool
The country has a growing pool of skilled professionals and a population from over 130 countries, providing tech companies with access to a diverse and educated workforce. This includes legal professionals who can expertly assist with structuring companies, many of whom have vast experience working with VC funds and their portfolio companies.
Political and economic stability
Known for its political and economic stability, this democracy’s legal system is based on English common law and offers a secure environment for businesses to operate and grow. This stability is particularly appealing to tech companies that require a predictable and reliable operating environment.
Support for innovationThe Cayman Islands Government Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development (MIISD) supports entrepreneurship and the growth of tech startups through a range of programmes designed to help grow the economy. MIISD extends access to funding, mentorship and resources to motivated entrepreneurs while cultivating an environment conducive to innovation.
Additionally, the Cayman Islands Government expanded intellectual property law in recent years, modernising the country’s protection of creative and business ventures – a move that gives peace of mind to entrepreneurs and artists alike.
By harnessing the transformative potential of technology and entrepreneurship to drive inclusive economic growth and fortify social safety nets, we are forging a future marked by prosperity and equity for all residents of the Cayman Islands.
Relocating your tech company or staff to the Cayman Islands is a strategic decision with substantial benefits. If you choose to establish an exempt company, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up your business, courtesy of TechCayman.
One of the biggest advantages of being a TechCayman Sponsored Enterprise is that there are no restrictions around the location of your office. Read Dart’s comprehensive relocation guide here or contact TechCayman and ask about relocating your company to the Cayman Islands in as little as 45 days.
Click here for more information and a detailed guide on how to register your company in the Cayman Islands.
The future of technology and innovation in the Cayman Islands is unfolding in classrooms and training rooms around the country thanks to several STEM and tech education programmes such as Code(Cayman), Minds Inspired and TechCayman’s education initiatives. As a result, a growing number of individuals – including Cayman’s youth – are exploring the emergence of new technologies, discovering how the business landscape is evolving and learning about their own potential to innovate.
Code(Cayman)
Code(Cayman) is a non-profit community organisation that supports and develops active contributors to Cayman’s technology industry. With a vision to fuel an engaged and active local tech ecosystem, the group aims to enhance the growth of the Cayman tech community in preparation for the opportunities of the future.
With nearly 1,000 adult and youth course participants to date, Code(Cayman) designs and organises free programmes for individuals interested in software development and fosters the growth of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology start-ups.
Courses include Youth Coding, Girl.Code, Intro to Blockchain, Intro to AI and more. For more information, visit CodeCayman.com.
Minds Inspired
Dart’s STEM education initiative, Minds Inspired, uses innovative and exciting programmes, activities and awards to encourage Cayman's youth to embrace STEM subjects.
A few of Minds Inspired’s unique learning experiences include the FIRST Global robotics programme, annual Maths Challenge and inter-school SDG Challenge - which develop creative thinkers and problem solvers.
For more information, visit MindsInspired.ky.
TechCayman Education
TechCayman Education offers several education programmes including robotics and programming. All are available at zero cost to participants, with no restrictions other than a minimum age in some cases.
Kids as young as 11 can sign up for a monthly introductory to robotics and programming camp, while older kids ages 12 and older can participate in a weekly programming workshop. All programmes are supported by experienced and professional mentors with professional programming experience.
TechCayman also provides direct ongoing support to Cayman Islands Government schoolteachers in Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman, assisting them with integrating technology and programming curricula into their standard lessons.
The TechCayman robotics camp has seen around 300 participants from 19 local schools while the career fairs and presentations reach over 200 students every year.
For more information on TechCayman Robotics and TechCayman Hackerspace, visit TechCayman.com.
