Cayman Islands Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Création d'entreprise en Cayman Islands
The LLC is best suited for: US-style fund structures where flow-through tax treatment is desired, Joint ventures between institutional parties, GP (general partner) vehicles for Cayman exempted limited partnerships, Holding vehicles where LLC operating agreement flexibility is preferred over articles of association. Cayman LLCs enjoy the same 0% tax environment as Exempted Companies. No corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax applies. The LLC can obtain a Tax Undertaking Certificate from the government. For US tax purposes, a Cayman LLC can make a "check-the-box" election to be treated as a partnership (fiscally transparent) or as a corporation, depending on the desired tax treatment for US members. Annual government fees are comparable to those for Exempted Companies.
- US-style fund structures where flow-through tax treatment is desired
- Joint ventures between institutional parties
- GP (general partner) vehicles for Cayman exempted limited partnerships
- Holding vehicles where LLC operating agreement flexibility is preferred over articles of association
Faits essentiels
Processus de constitution étape par étape
Engage a registered office provider
As with the Exempted Company, a Cayman LLC must maintain a registered office. The service provider handles formation filings and ongoing compliance.
Complete KYC and due diligence
Submit identity documents, proof of address, source-of-funds documentation, and professional references for all members and managers.
Prepare the LLC Agreement
The LLC Agreement (equivalent to an operating agreement) governs the rights and obligations of members, management structure, profit allocation, and dissolution terms. This is a private document — not filed publicly.
File registration with the Registrar of Companies
File the registration statement with the Registrar, including the LLC name, registered office address, and a declaration that the LLC is formed under the Cayman LLC Act.
Receive Certificate of Registration
The Registrar issues the Certificate of Registration confirming the LLC is legally formed. The service provider delivers the certificate and constitutive documents.
Documents requis
- Certified passport copy of each member and manager
- Proof of residential address for each individual
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth documentation
- Professional and bank reference letters
- Signed LLC Agreement
- Registration statement for filing with the Registrar
Aperçu des coûts
Traitement fiscal
Cayman LLCs enjoy the same 0% tax environment as Exempted Companies. No corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax applies. The LLC can obtain a Tax Undertaking Certificate from the government. For US tax purposes, a Cayman LLC can make a "check-the-box" election to be treated as a partnership (fiscally transparent) or as a corporation, depending on the desired tax treatment for US members. Annual government fees are comparable to those for Exempted Companies.
Avantages et inconvénients
- Flexible management structure — managed by members or designated managers (no board of directors required)
- LLC Agreement is private and not filed with the Registrar
- US-compatible tax treatment — can be structured as fiscally transparent for US tax purposes
- Same 0% tax environment as the Exempted Company
- Members' liability limited to their capital contributions
- Can be used as the GP vehicle for a Cayman exempted limited partnership
- Less well-known internationally than the Exempted Company — some counterparties may be unfamiliar with the structure
- Relatively newer structure (introduced 2016) with less legal precedent than the Exempted Company
- Annual fees comparable to the Exempted Company
- Banking challenges similar to other Cayman entities
Autres structures en Cayman Islands
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CommencerThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.