In a world where businesses face constant uncertainty, Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) offers something rare: stability, transparency, and a thriving ecosystem for innovation. Established by a unanimous act of Parliament in 2011, CEC is more than just a location; it's Cayman's dynamic special economic zone (SEZ), an inclusive hub designed to help globally focused businesses grow with confidence.
1. Built on a Transparent Legislative Framework
CEC operates the only special economic zone in the Cayman Islands, underpinned by a fully transparent legislative and regulatory foundation that is overseen by a dedicated statutory Authority. The incentivising concessions available to SEZ businesses are guaranteed until 2061, creating a stable and predictable environment where businesses can plan for the long term.
2. Cost-Effective, Time-Efficient Economic Substance
CEC offers the most affordable and efficient way to establish a genuine physical presence in the Cayman Islands, a world-class, tax-neutral jurisdiction:
- A 4–6 week licencing process
- >Low cost, flat-rate business licenses and work visas
- Fully serviced office solutions
- An import duty waiver on items imported for business use
- Up to 40% savings on setup and ongoing operational costs
This makes CEC substantially more cost-effective as compared to alternative offshore structures and/or outsourced arrangements and enables easy access to the best kind of economic substance — being a genuine physical presence of your own.
3. A Diverse Ecosystem of Businesses and Builders
CEC isn't a single-option, narrow solution. It features five specialised business parks catering to a broad variety of knowledge- and technology-focused industries:
- Cayman Internet Park – Software Development, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Businesses
- Cayman Media Park – Digital Media, Marketing, and Creative Services
- Cayman Science & Technology Park – Life Sciences, BioTech, and R&D
- Cayman Commodities & Derivatives Park – Commodities, Derivatives, and Virtual Asset Trading
- Cayman Maritime & Aviation Services Park – Maritime and Aviation Services
This diversity makes CEC the ideal hub for innovation and global connectivity. If you're exploring whether CEC aligns with your goals, our Global Mobility team is available to provide guidance and answer questions about the process.
4. A Vibrant Community That Fuels Growth
CEC is home to 425+ companies and over 800 members, creating a collaborative environment where ideas and innovation thrive. Members enjoy:
- 150+ curated events annually, from networking meetups to expert-led panels
- Entrepreneurship programmes supported by mentors, founders, and investors
- Workforce development initiatives that build a future-ready talent pool
- Built-in corporate social responsibility (CSR) opportunities ensuring that your business growth contributes to local socio-economic development
Joining CEC means becoming part of a dynamic ecosystem that drives innovation and growth.
Why Choose CEC?
When you join CEC, you gain:
- A platform for growth with a strong legislative and regulatory foundation that guarantees the available incentives
- Fast-tracked setup with a dedicated global mobility team (4–6 weeks)
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Bundled solutions that reduce costs and complexity
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Access to a dynamic network of like-minded businesses
In an unpredictable world, CEC offers certainty, transparent credibility, and opportunity, a combination that's hard to find anywhere else.
Ready to Accelerate Your Global Expansion?
To learn more about moving your business to the Cayman Islands, get in touch with CEC today and we can talk you through your options for setting up a special economic zone business.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
