Relocating to the Cayman Islands

Date: 09 Jan 2026

Vanessa Dal Busco

A Guide for Globally Mobile High-Net-Worth Individuals

By Maxine Bodden Robinson, Founder, IMG Trust Company

Why Cayman?

The Cayman Islands offer political stability, world-class professional services, and a tax-neutral environment – making them one of the most attractive relocation destinations for high-net-worth individuals and families worldwide.

Key benefits:

No direct taxation

  • No income tax.
  • No capital gains tax.
  • No inheritance tax.
  • No corporate or property tax.

This creates a highly efficient environment for wealth preservation and intergenerational planning.

Exceptional island lifestyle

  Year-round sunshine, world-class beaches and natural beauty.Luxury real estate, residential communities with first-class amenities.A world-class fine dining and food scene.  Excellent healthcare and private education options.Daily flights to London, Miami, New York, Toronto, and more.Enviable safety, security and privacy.

Globally respected legal system

  Based on English common law.Independent and highly regarded judiciary.Final court of appeal is the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.  Efficient and responsive court system compared to other IFCs.Experienced judges with deep trust and commercial law expertise.

Premier financial services hub

  Leading jurisdiction for family offices, funds, banking, captive insurance and private client structures.Robust regulation with a commercial mindset.  “Magic circle” quality professionals in law, fiduciary services, and wealth planning and structuring.

Residency options for HNWIs:

Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means

  • Minimum real estate investment: USD $2.4 million.
  • Annual residency requirement: Minimum 1 day.
  • Benefits: Permanent residency; eligibility to apply for British Overseas Territories Citizenship; potential path to Caymanian status.

25-Year Residency Certificate (Grand Cayman)

  • Minimum investment: USD $1.2 million (at least $1M in developed real estate).
  • Annual income requirement: USD $150,000.
  • Renewable after 25 years.
  • Right to reside but not work.

Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence)

  • For individuals establishing or managing a business in Cayman.
  • Residency granted for the duration of business operations.
  • Includes family members.

Who is this ideal for?

  Families seeking political and financial stability.Entrepreneurs and business owners requiring economic substance.  Individuals with existing Cayman trust or investment structures.UHNW families planning succession and legacy across generations.

Why work with IMG Trust?

IMG Trust is a boutique Cayman-based trust company that works closely with advisors and private clients considering relocation.

We provide:

An independent trustee services tailored to families.

Pre-arrival structuring guidance.

Trusted referrals for immigration, legal, and property professionals.

Ongoing trust administration and private office support.

View Maxine’s Leaders List profile here.


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