Incorporate in Cayman Islands
Establishing a company in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is widely recognized as a premier offshore financial center, known for its robust legal system, political stability, and extensive professional services network. Its legal framework is based on English common law, supplemented by modern statutes tailored to meet the needs of international finance and investment.
Among the most commonly utilized entities in the Cayman Islands are the Exempted Company and the Limited Liability Company (LLC). These vehicles serve a broad range of functions in global finance, including use in private equity, hedge funds, venture capital structures, and securitization transactions. The jurisdiction is also a popular choice for multinational groups—particularly those from North America, Asia, and the Middle East—seeking efficient holding structures or vehicles for public listing. Notably, a substantial portion of the companies listed on U.S. exchanges such as NASDAQ and the NYSE, as well as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), are Cayman-incorporated.
The Cayman Islands also ranks among the top domiciles globally for investment funds, sharing that distinction with jurisdictions like Luxembourg and the United States. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under Cayman law are commonly used in structured finance transactions, including asset-backed securities and other complex financial instruments.
The Exempted Company, governed by the Companies Act (Part VII), is a traditional company limited by shares. Shareholders subscribe to shares issued by the company, and their liability is restricted to any unpaid amounts on those shares. These shareholders typically possess voting rights, entitlements to dividends when declared, and a claim to surplus assets upon liquidation, subject to the specific terms of different share classes. Governance of the company lies with a board of directors, who are elected by the shareholders. The internal affairs and corporate powers of the company are defined in the articles of association, which must align with statutory requirements under the Companies Act.
In contrast, the Cayman LLC, governed by the Limited Liability Companies Act, operates as a hybrid structure, combining aspects of corporate and partnership law. Rather than shares, ownership is represented by membership interests, and members’ liability is limited to their capital contributions and any agreed financial commitments. The LLC can be managed either directly by its members or by appointed managers, depending on the provisions set out in the operating agreement. This contract-centric model allows for significant flexibility in structuring governance, profit sharing, and internal arrangements, making the LLC a versatile option for bespoke commercial and investment ventures.
The incorporation of an Exempted Company includes a standard set of legal documents and certifications, which are essential for establishing its legal identity and structure. These documents include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (officially stamped by the General Registry)
- Articles of Association (stamped by the General Registry)
- Register of Members
- Register of Directors and Officers (stamped by the General Registry)
- Certificate of Incumbency
- A notarized document set including the above items
- Board Resolutions addressing the appointment of directors, issuance of shares, and establishment of a registered office
- Subscriber Resolutions for the appointment of the initial directors
- Directors’ Acceptance Letters
- Subscription Agreement
For an LLC, the foundational document package similarly confirms the entity’s establishment and outlines its operational structure. This package includes:
- Certificate of Registration
- Registration Statement in accordance with section 5(2) of the Limited Liability Companies Act (stamped by the General Registry)
- Limited Liability Company Agreement
- Register of Managers and Officers (stamped by the General Registry)
- Register of Members
- Certificate of Incumbency
- A notarized set comprising all of the above
The jurisdiction’s longstanding reputation for regulatory compliance and investor protection, continues to make Cayman Islands entities a preferred choice for sophisticated cross-border transactions and global structuring strategies.
Learn more about exempted companies and LLCs in the Cayman Islands:
In the Cayman Islands, the two most common corporate structures are the Exempted Company, incorporated under the Companies Act (Part VII), (Revised), and the Limited Liability Company (LLC), registered under the Limited Liability Companies Act, (Revised).
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services to incorporate a Cayman Islands Company, and keep it in good standing, as well as government fees and duties, disbursements such as courier fees, and assignments such as the preparation of a certificate of incumbency, and the notarization of documents, which are generally required for opening bank accounts.
Cayman Islands Exempted Company Formation Services and Government Fees – USD 3,550.00 (All Included)
- All applicable Registration and Government Fees and Duties (General Registry of the Cayman Islands)
- Preparing and executing mandatory affidavit that no business will be carried on within the Cayman Islands
- Preparing Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association and filing such articles with the General Registry
- Acting as Subscriber and executing the Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association
- Providing the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the General Registry of the Cayman Islands
- Preparing Subscription Agreements
- Preparing Director’s Acceptance Letters
- Preparing and executing Subscriber Resolutions for the appointment of the first Directors
- Preparing and executing the Share Transfer Instrument for the transfer of Shares from the Subscriber to the Shareholder
- Preparing the First Board Resolution resolving the Issuance and Allotment of Shares, Appointment of Directors, Registered Office, etc
- Preparing the Register of Directors, file the Register with the General Registry, and Providing Stamped Copy
- Filing Ultimate Beneficial Ownership information with the Private Register of Beneficial Owners
- Preparing the Register of Members
- Providing Registered Office Services, including Business Address, for the calendar year
- Preparing and executing a Certificate of Incumbency
- Preparing the Notarized set of Corporate Documents
- Preparing the Share Certificates, if applicable
- Delivery of Corporate Documents, inclusive of Courier Fees
Cayman Islands Limited Liability Company (LLC) Formation Services and Government Fees – USD 4,150.00 (All included)
- All applicable Registration and Government Fees and Duties (General Registry of the Cayman Islands)
- Providing the Certificate of Registration issued by the General Registry of the Cayman Islands
- Preparing and executing Limited Liability Company Registration Statement
- Preparing and executing mandatory affidavit that no business will be carried on within the Cayman Islands
- Preparing a tailored Limited Liability Company Agreement for Members’ review and execution (unlimited reviews)
- Preparing the Register of Managers, file the Register with the General Registry, and Providing Stamped Copy
- Filing Ultimate Beneficial Ownership information with the Private Register of Beneficial Owners
- Preparing the Register of Members
- Providing Registered Office Services, including Business Address, for the calendar year
- Preparing and executing a Certificate of Incumbency
- Preparing the Notarized set of Corporate Documents
- Preparing the Membership Certificates, if applicable
- Delivery of Corporate Documents, inclusive of Courier Fees
Time to form
We prepare all the incorporation documents and file the company with the General Registry within one day. At the time of filing your company with the General Registry, there are two procedures available:
- Standard Procedure: It may take for the Cayman General Registry 3 to 5 business days to process the company registration, and issue the certificate of incorporation and stamped M&AA.
- Express Procedure: The Registrar of Companies will process the registration of the company in 1 day, upon payment of an additional ‘express’ fee of USD 650 to the Cayman General Registry (Government Fee).
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Cayman Islands.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 700.00Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesOwners/shareholders need to have a strong justifiable nexus to the Cayman Islands.Bank 2USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesBank 3USD 25,000YesUSD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUDYesBank 4USD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accountsBank 5USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEntities must have a level of physical presence on the island. Eligibility: Cayman Islands incorporated companies
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Cayman Islands companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Bank 2EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Bank 2USD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.Bank 3USD 100,000YesMulticurrencyYesOnly companies registered in the Bahamas. Economic substance required.Bank 4USD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.Bank 5USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Bank 6USD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesBank 2USD 2,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Bank 3USD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.Bank 2USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingBank 2N/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2N/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Bank 3N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 4N/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1HKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.Bank 2HKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!Bank 2USD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 3USD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2USD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesBank 3USD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 4USD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2N/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Bank 3USD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Bank 4USD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1SGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 2USD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesBank 3SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 4USD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 5SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1CHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Bank 2CHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 3CHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MBank 2from 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.Bank 3USD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Bank 4Typically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.Bank 5N/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteEMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesKazakhstan EMI AccountDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLuxembourg EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesSGD, USDYesSingapore EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoUSD, EUR, GBP, CADYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
Cayman Islands Company Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees (Payable every January)
Exempted Company – USD 2,980.00
Limited Liability Company (LLC) – USD 3,475.00
- General Registry Annual Fees (Government Fees)
- CIMA Annual Levy per serviced company (Government Fees)
- Providing Registered Office Services, including registered address, for the calendar year
- Annual UBO compliance reporting and AML compliance review
- Preparing and filing the Annual Return
- Preparing and filing the Economic Substance Notification (ESN)
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
Other Services (Optional)
- Formation and Maintenance of Foundation Companies, Exempted Limited Partnerships, and Segregated Portfolio Companies.
- Establishment of Trusts, STAR Trusts, and Private Trust Companies, and provision of Trustee Services
- Continuation of Foreign Companies
- CIMA Registration of Investment Funds and Securities Investment Businesses, and related services
- Economic Substance Services (Local Directorship, Physical Office, Outsourcing of CIGA, etc.)
- Secretarial Services
- Local Director Services
- Accounting Services
Please, contact us for further information.