Zone Employment Certificate

The Zone Employment Certificate (ZEC) enables entrepreneurs to establish a company within a Cayman Islands Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and obtain a 5-year renewable work and residency visa. Created under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2011 and administered by the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA), the program targets knowledge-based businesses in technology, science, media, commodities and derivatives, and maritime and aviation sectors. Companies operate through Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) with 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate, income, and capital gains taxation through 2061.

• Business must fall within an eligible SEZ sector: internet and technology, biotechnology and life sciences, media and marketing, commodities and derivatives, maritime and aviation services, or green/environmental technology
• No specific educational qualifications required
• Minimum expected salary of approximately USD 45,000 per year (plus USD 7,500 per dependant)
• No minimum capital investment to incorporate a Special Economic Zone Company (SEZCo)
• Valid passport
• Police clearance certificate from previous country of residence
• Valid health insurance covering the Cayman Islands

• Notarised/certified colour copy of valid passport
• CV/resume
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical questionnaire
• Health insurance documentation
• Pension plan details
• Certificate of Incorporation, Register of Directors, Register of Members
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Notarised utility bill and address verification or bank/professional character reference

• Company setup: USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 per person (includes Zone Trade Certificate, ZEC, and serviced office space)
• Company incorporation: USD 3,500 to USD 5,500 in government fees and legal charges
• Existing Cayman exempted companies may convert to SEZCo status for CI$600

The ZEC is valid for 5 years and renewable. After 8 years of continuous residence, holders may apply for permanent residency through a points-based system requiring a minimum of 110 points, covering occupation, education, local investment of at least CI$50,000, financial stability, and community involvement.

Spouses and children (under 18, or up to age 24 if in full-time education) can be added as dependants at no additional cost. Dependants receive residency rights for the same 5-year period as the primary holder.

SEZCos are exempt from all direct and indirect taxes through 2061, including corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, sales tax, and payroll tax. Business equipment can be imported with 100% duty exemption. Personal items may be imported duty-free during the first 6 months of residency.

ZEC holders may only work for their SEZ-licensed company. Holding a standard work permit concurrently or taking employment with a non-zone company is prohibited. The ZEC is tied to the specific SEZCo -- if the holder leaves the company, the certificate is no longer valid.

The process begins with CEC evaluating whether the business falls within an eligible sector. The applicant then incorporates a SEZCo through a local attorney, signs a licence agreement with CEC, and CEC submits the Zone Trade Certificate and ZEC applications to SEZA. ZEC approval is granted within 5 business days. The entire process from engagement to operational status takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

• SEZCos may conduct business worldwide but activities within the Cayman Islands are restricted to offshore business -- they cannot compete with local domestic companies
• No requirement to prefer Caymanians for employment, and no local job advertising required
• Virtual asset service providers are an approved SEZ business category
• Companies must maintain a genuine physical presence and registered office in the Cayman Islands