Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Cayman Islands?

Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a Cayman Islands exempted company, which is the entity type most commonly used for international business conducted mainly outside the Islands. The Cayman Islands General Registry states that exempted companies are typically used when business activities are conducted mainly outside the Cayman Islands. Local ownership requirements generally apply only to companies that carry on business within the Islands under separate legislation.

The key distinction is between an international structure and a locally operating business. For companies that conduct business within the Cayman Islands, the Local Companies (Control) Act may impose certain Caymanian ownership or licensing requirements. These rules are different from the exempted company structure, which is designed for international or cross-border business activities.

For example, a foreign entrepreneur may establish a Cayman exempted company as a holding company for subsidiaries in other jurisdictions, with shares fully owned by non-Cayman individuals or foreign corporate shareholders. That type of structure reflects how exempted companies are typically used in international business.

Overall, the Cayman Islands allows full foreign ownership for company structures commonly used in international business. However, businesses should choose the appropriate entity type depending on whether their activities will take place inside or outside the Islands.