Offshore Company Formation and Maintenance

Registration of an Exempted Company in Cayman Islands

Q1. How long does it take to incorporate a Company?
A1. Once we receive the "Company Formation Questionnaire" as well as the information listed under "Company Formation Requirements", a Company can be incorporated in a day. It usually takes in the region of a further five to seven days for all the incorporation documentation to be received from the Cayman Islands Government. Then there is delivery time. in total, it could take up to 4 weeks for client to receive the whole set of incorporation documents.

Q2. Do the directors have to be residents of the Cayman Islands?
A2. It is not a requirement that a Cayman Islands company have a resident director.

Q3. How many directors can a company have?
A3. A company can have as few as one director and as many as required subject to the provisions of the Articles of Association of the company.

Q4. Do we provide Directors?
A4. We do not provide director services, however we can provide an introduction to other local companies and individuals that provide resident director services.

Q5. Do the directors have to hold any meetings in the Cayman Islands?
A5. For exempt companies, the Directors are not required to hold a meeting in the Cayman Islands at any time.

Q6. Are there any taxes in the Cayman Islands?
A6. In the Cayman Islands we do not have any corporate tax, personal income tax, inheritance tax or withholding taxes.

Q7. How easy is it to change shareholders and/or directors?
A7. Shareholders and directors can be changed easily by way of a Directors' meeting.

Q8. Is a Cayman Islands company required to have a bank account in the Cayman Islands?
A8. A Cayman Islands company is not required to have a bank account in the Cayman Islands. Additionally, if a Company does require a bank account, there is no restriction on which jurisdiction the account is held.

Q9. Is a Cayman Islands company required to prepare annual financial statements?
A9. In accordance with the Companies Law (2001 Second Revision) a Cayman Islands company is not required to prepare annual financial statements as long as it maintains proper books of account with respect to: 1) all receipts and payments, 2) all sales and purchases, and 3) all assets and liabilities of the Company. These books should give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company.

Q10. Does the Company need an audit?
A10. There are no requirements under Cayman Islands law for a Company to have its accounts audited unless the Company is a bank, insurance company or licenced or regulated mutual fund.