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Updated: Dec, 29 2025

Crypto License in Cayman Islands

Assistance in obtaining the Cayman Islands crypto license. Pricing and more information by contacting our team of cryptocurrency lawyers Cayman Islands.

Quick facts: Cayman Islands Crypto License

License Type Virtual Assets Services Providers (VASP)
Regulator Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA)
Timeframe 4-7 months
Government fees From 1,000 KYD (about 1,200 USD)
Minimal capital Not prescribed but adequate capital is expected
Corporate tax Exempt
Key advantages Prestigious offshore jurisdiction, two-tiered authorization system, no taxes, relatively fast set-up

In this page, we explore the Cayman Islands cryptocurrency regulation for businesses, including the pricing and process to successfully register as a Cayman VASP.

The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean sea, with the reputation of being a haven for turtles and an international center for offshore financial services.

The Cayman Islands commitment to establishing a regulated and transparent environment for digital assets and virtual asset service businesses is reflected in its robust legal framework and alignment with international standards.

  • Tax-free jurisdiction: Thanks to its territorial tax system, the Cayman Islands only levy tax on income generated within the country.
  • Friendly business environment: For crypto and blockchain projects, the Cayman Islands’ regulators are making their best effort to clear the path for conducting business.
  • Two-tiered authorization system: A VASP registration and a VASP license allows to apply the appropriate level of requirements for each crypto business.
  • For cutting edge innovators: A sandbox license is available and allows to provide virtual asset services that aren’t specifically covered otherwise by the regulation.

After being crypto-neutral since the genesis of crypto assets, the Cayman Islands has issued a first framework in 2020, which simultaneously names the local Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) as the governing body for everything related to crypto in the Islands, and voting a law on virtual assets service providers.

Get started now and register your crypto company in the Cayman Islands with the assistance of our legal experts. Forming a Cayman Islands company, including limited liability companies, is the first step in establishing your presence. Reach out today for a free consultation. Let’s work together.

The regulatory framework includes a two-tiered authorization system, with specific licensing requirements and an application process for VASP registration and licensing, ensuring compliance and transparency for all virtual asset service providers.

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Regulatory Overview: Virtual Assets Services Providers license in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are one of the most notorious offshore jurisdictions for business, especially in the financial services industry. It is not a surprise that it became a haven for the digital assets and virtual assets sector as well. Since the application, enforcement and development of the VASP Act, the Caymans have become a reputable option for asset service providers VASPs offering the provision of financial services related to virtual assets, including trading platforms, custody, and virtual asset issuance.

Who is the regulatory authority behind the Cayman crypto license?

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) overviews the VASP regime, aligning its regulations with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force.

Which activities are allowed with a Cayman VASP license?

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority issues two sorts of Virtual Assets Service Providers permits, each with specific licensing requirements and an application process. There are nuances to note:

Registration: This pathway is for entities only providing services such as exchanges (crypto-to-fiat or crypto-to-crypto), transfers, or virtual asset issuances. It authorizes the following activities:

  • Exchange between virtual assets and fiat currencies
  • Exchange between one or more forms of convertible virtual assets or other virtual assets
  • Transfer of virtual assets
  • Virtual asset issuances (e.g., ICOs), which includes the creation and sale of newly created virtual assets to the public or through private sales, subject to regulatory requirements and exceptions such as airdrops

Licence: This is a more stringent pathway required for entities that provide virtual asset custodial services or operate a virtual asset trading platform. The license permits the following services:

  • Providing virtual asset custody services, with a requirement to exercise control over client assets and segregate them from proprietary assets
  • Operating a virtual asset trading platform, which refers to trading platforms that facilitate trades and control virtual assets. These platforms may purchase virtual assets from sellers to provide liquidity. Platforms operating in a peer to peer manner, where users trade directly without the platform exercising control, may be excluded from this definition. A separate platform that only hosts bids and offers without facilitating trades or custody is also not considered a virtual asset trading platform under the regulation.

Issuing cryptocurrencies and organizing an ICO is permitted in the Cayman Islands, provided that the issuing entity has first obtained prior approval for the issuance of the virtual assets from CIMA. Prior approval is also required for certain activities, such as changes in ownership or issuing shares.

It stands noting as well that issuing security tokens is not permitted without proper . A Caymans VASP willing to issue security tokens can do so by requesting approval from the CIMA and by applying and obtaining a Securities Investment Business license from the CIMA, in accordance with the Securities Investment Business Act.

It is possible to apply for a sandbox license, when the planned business activity isn’t described by the different possibilities laid out in the Virtual Assets Service Providers law. This license lasts for 12 months and allows for innovative services under the direct supervision of the CIMA. After 12 months, a definitive license can be issued.

Entities and persons carrying out relevant financial business, including the provision of financial services related to digital assets for payment or investment purposes, must comply with the crime act (Proceeds of Crime Act) and anti-money laundering regulations. VASPs are classified as relevant financial business and must ensure that fit and proper persons are appointed to key roles.

The VASP Act also covers investment funds and private funds that issue digital assets, with relevant requirements under the Mutual Funds Act, Private Funds Act, and Securities Investment Business Act.

Entities in-scope of the VASP Regime in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands’ Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Regime establishes a robust regulatory framework for entities that provide virtual asset services, ensuring the jurisdiction remains a leading hub for digital asset innovation while upholding global standards. Under the VASP Act, any business that offers virtual asset services in or from within the Cayman Islands falls within the scope of this regime.

Types of licenses in the Cayman Islands

Different crypto licenses in the Cayman Islands and covered activities

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority issues a single Virtual Assets Service Providers license. There are nuances to note:

  1. A company can register for one or more of 6 activities;
  2. If the business model fails to qualify as one of the activities described in the law, or present an innovative idea, it is possible to apply for a sandbox license.

The activities listed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority are the following:

  • Exchange between virtual assets and fiat currencies; 
  • Exchange between one or more other forms of convertible virtual assets; 
  • Transfer of virtual assets; 
  • Virtual asset custody service;
  • Participation in, and provision of, financial services related to a virtual asset issuance or the sale of a virtual asset;
  • FinTech;
  • Other activities.

Issuing cryptocurrencies and organizing an ICO is permitted in the Cayman Islands, provided that the issuing entity has first obtained an approval for the issuance of the virtual assets.

It stands noting as well that issuing security tokens is not permitted. A Cayman Islands VASP willing to issue security tokens can do so by requesting approval from the CIMA and by applying and obtaining a Securities Investment Business license from the CIMA.

It is possible to apply for a sandbox license, when the planned business activity isn’t described by the different possibilities laid out in the Virtual Assets Service Providers law. This license lasts for 12 months and allows for innovative services under the direct supervision of the CIMA. After 12 months, a definitive license can be issued.

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Making progress together: the words of our clients

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What are the application requirements for a Cayman Islands crypto license

To receive the VASP license in the Cayman Islands, a crypto project should prepare itself to respond to numerous requirements. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority has issued clear guidelines, in addition to the content of the Virtual Asset Services Providers law, in order to lead crypto companies into structuring a proper application file.

Duration 4-7 months
Local office Registered office only
Local director The directors can be remote
Accounting and auditing Audits for the License regime (not for the Registration regime)
Economic substance Minimal
Government fee Yes (depending on the chosen tier)
Corporate income tax (CIT) No (territorial corporate taxation)
Withholding tax (WHT) 0%

A legal entity should be formed in the Cayman Islands, with a registered office. This is the compulsory step number one to the Cayman Islands crypto license.

On the corporate level, the applicant to the VASP license in the Caymans should disclose information about the organization and the structure of the company. The CIMA expects at least the three following pieces of information from candidates:

  • A chart detailing the group’s companies and ultimate beneficial owners;
  • Among the entities composing the group, a detail of the regulated entities and their regulated activities;
  • All the services provided, group-wise, by any entity related to the VASP.

The CIMA will pay close attention to the people involved in the VASP company. The board, the team members and the managers will be required to pass a fit & proper check. In addition, the applying company should prepare, at least:

  • Resume, diplomas and other certificates demonstrating professional qualification;
  • Certificates of non criminal record;
  • Professional and financial references;
  • A notarized document of identity with a photo;
  • Declaration of source of funds and source of wealth with supporting evidence for major shareholders;
  • Detail of every shareholder holding 10% or more of the company;
  • A personal questionnaire issued by the CIMA.

Next comes the business activity and the virtual assets services to be provided by the new licensed company. The CIMA suggests presenting a single document in the form of a business plan, that should include at the very least the following information:

  • A description of the business activity;
  • A description of the products and services being offered or to be offered in the future;
  • Financial projections and statements on a 2 years sight;
  • Description of the physical place of business (can be outside the Cayman Islands);
  • Information about the customers (targeted markets, number of customers, location, etc);
  • Information regarding third parties (affiliates, service providers and outsourcing companies) including their location and regulatory framework.

Finally, the application should include forms, policies and any supporting documents on the matter of compliance with Cayman and international laws. The goal for the CIMA is to get a clear overview of the risks and how they are mitigated by the company:

  • AML-CFT policies;
  • Cybersecurity policies (must be compliant with the CIMA’s cybersecurity guidelines);
  • Information on the Chief Information Officer or Chief Information Security Officer, responsible for ensuring the safety and security of customers’ personal data and virtual assets;
  • Appointment of an approved officer with responsibility for the procedures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing;
  • Implementation and demonstration of compliance with the Travel Rule (can be included in the AML policies);
  • Transaction flow charts;
  • The application fee and license fee if applicable.

What is the step-by-step crypto licensing process in the Caymans?

Obtaining a crypto license in the Cayman Islands isn’t a long process. It consists of three major steps: registering a legal entity, preparing the application, and carrying out the application. The difficulty lies in having all of the required documents and information ready and validated by the regulator.

STAGE 1
1 week

INCORPORATION OF A LEGAL ENTITY IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

It is recommended to form an exempted company, but different types of legal entities registered in the Cayman Islands can work for the purpose of getting a crypto license.

  • Pass the KYC check of directors and shareholders
  • Provide notarized copies of passports, utility bills and letters of reference
  • Diplomas, CV and other supporting evidence of professional qualification
  • Certificates of non criminal record
  • Professional and financial references
  • Have a registered office in the Cayman Islands
  • Produce an organizational chart explaining the roles and positions of each team member
  • Deposit the share capital (no obligation to do so)
STAGE 2
Provide the documents

PREPARATION OF THE APPLICATION TO THE VIRTUAL ASSETS SERVICE PROVIDERS LICENSE

Once the legal entity has been created, the future crypto business should prepare its application very seriously. The CIMA is asking for a lot of information with a lot of details, which are mandatory.

  • AML-KYC policies compliant with the Cayman AML Regulations
  • Appointment of an AML officer (doesn’t need to be a resident of the Cayman Islands)
  • Cybersecurity policies
  • Policies pertaining to the safety of customers’ virtual assets and personal data
  • Source of funds for every major shareholder
  • Detailed business plan with financial projections
  • Outsourcing agreements
  • File the application on the REEFS platform
STAGE 3
from 4 months

CARRYING ON AND SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS MONETARY AUTHORITY

After paying the mandatory fees, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority will review the application and engage a conversation. The applicant should expect to be asked for additional information and to perform interviews before the license is granted.

  • Full payment of the application fee + licensing fee (once the license is granted)
  • Demonstration of compliance with the VASP and AML laws
  • Presentation of the Chief Information Officer of Chief Information Security Officer
  • Adjustment of the share capital if demanded by the CIMA
  • Provision of detailed information about customers
  • Provision of information about third parties interacting with the VASP
  • Filling questionnaires both for individuals and for the company

FAQ - Crypto license in the Cayman Islands

How much is a crypto license in the Cayman Islands?

The cost of a crypto license in the Cayman Islands depends on a few factors: your existing structure, your ability to present existing policies and procedures for compliance, and the activity to be regulated. One should expect a front cost going well into the six figures. And one should also take into consideration the cost of running a Cayman Islands VASP company, month by month and year by year, as the Cayman VASP regime requires economic substance in its territory.

How can I run a crypto company in the Cayman Islands?

Companies with a crypto license can perform crypto activities in the Cayman Islands. Obtaining the crypto license requires setting up a legal entity in the Cayman Islands and applying to the domestic regulator. It does not require establishing the whole company within the Cayman Islands, though it is required to have a registered office where audits reports and books are physically saved.

Do I need to visit the Cayman Islands in order to start my crypto licensed business?

No. All the process of registration, operation and reporting to the authorities can be conducted 100% remotely.

Is cryptocurrency activity legal in the Cayman Islands?

Yes, cryptocurrency activity is legal in the Cayman Islands. It is authorized by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, which has the authority to regulate cryptocurrency businesses in the Cayman Islands.

Are there any limitations on shareholders from certain countries?

No, only individuals from blacklisted countries (f.e. North Korea), will not be able to proceed with that license

Is it possible to purchase an existing crypto company in the Cayman Islands to speed up the process?

Yes. It is possible to purchase a licensed company with, most of the time, its assets and contracts

Can you assist me in finding good business partners to fulfill the personnel requirements in the Cayman Islands?

Yes. Finding experienced and motivated business partners in the Cayman Islands is key for a successful project. LegalBison can assist you in finding the best people for your team

Can you help me design the business plan of my crypto company in Cayman Islands?

Yes! We are able to design a business plan for any kind of business venture. We have experience dealing the granting authority and we know their expectations from applicants.

Do I have to pay tax on cryptocurrency in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands do not levy any sort of taxes and are regularly named as a tax haven. There is no taxation of the profits made by a cryptocurrency company in the Cayman Islands nor on capital gains made by holding and trading virtual assets.

Do I have to pay tax on cryptocurrency in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands do not levy any sort of taxes and are regularly named as a tax haven. There is no taxation of the profits made by a cryptocurrency company in the Cayman Islands nor on capital gains made by holding and trading virtual assets.

Start your crypto company in Cayman Islands today

Interested in forming a virtual asset service provider or a cryptocurrency fund Cayman Islands?

Leave a request today explaining your project and situation, and our blockchain lawyer Cayman Islands will address your inquiry with a free consultation.

At the end of the consultation, you will be provided with a custom quotation and roadmap for a turnkey solution and an easy start.

Crypto License image
Crypto License Consulting Team

Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.

Adrien Marchand image
Adrien Marchand Specialist - Associate

Former investment banker turned crypto & gambling regulation specialist.

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FAQ - Crypto license in the Cayman Islands

How much is a crypto license in the Cayman Islands?

The cost of a crypto license in the Cayman Islands depends on a few factors: your existing structure, your ability to present existing policies and procedures for compliance, and the activity to be regulated. One should expect a front cost going well into the six figures. And one should also take into consideration the cost of running a Cayman Islands VASP company, month by month and year by year, as the Cayman VASP regime requires economic substance in its territory.

How can I run a crypto company in the Cayman Islands?

Companies with a crypto license can perform crypto activities in the Cayman Islands. Obtaining the crypto license requires setting up a legal entity in the Cayman Islands and applying to the domestic regulator. It does not require establishing the whole company within the Cayman Islands, though it is required to have a registered office where audits reports and books are physically saved.

Do I need to visit the Cayman Islands in order to start my crypto licensed business?

No. All the process of registration, operation and reporting to the authorities can be conducted 100% remotely.

Is cryptocurrency activity legal in the Cayman Islands?

Yes, cryptocurrency activity is legal in the Cayman Islands. It is authorized by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, which has the authority to regulate cryptocurrency businesses in the Cayman Islands.

Are there any limitations on shareholders from certain countries?

No, only individuals from blacklisted countries (f.e. North Korea), will not be able to proceed with that license

Is it possible to purchase an existing crypto company in the Cayman Islands to speed up the process?

Yes. It is possible to purchase a licensed company with, most of the time, its assets and contracts

Can you assist me in finding good business partners to fulfill the personnel requirements in the Cayman Islands?

Yes. Finding experienced and motivated business partners in the Cayman Islands is key for a successful project. LegalBison can assist you in finding the best people for your team

Can you help me design the business plan of my crypto company in Cayman Islands?

Yes! We are able to design a business plan for any kind of business venture. We have experience dealing the granting authority and we know their expectations from applicants.

Do I have to pay tax on cryptocurrency in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands do not levy any sort of taxes and are regularly named as a tax haven. There is no taxation of the profits made by a cryptocurrency company in the Cayman Islands nor on capital gains made by holding and trading virtual assets.

Do I have to pay tax on cryptocurrency in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands do not levy any sort of taxes and are regularly named as a tax haven. There is no taxation of the profits made by a cryptocurrency company in the Cayman Islands nor on capital gains made by holding and trading virtual assets.

Start your crypto company in Cayman Islands today

Interested in forming a virtual asset service provider or a cryptocurrency fund Cayman Islands?

Leave a request today explaining your project and situation, and our blockchain lawyer Cayman Islands will address your inquiry with a free consultation.

At the end of the consultation, you will be provided with a custom quotation and roadmap for a turnkey solution and an easy start.

Crypto License image
Crypto License Consulting Team

Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.

Adrien Marchand image
Adrien Marchand Specialist - Associate

Former investment banker turned crypto & gambling regulation specialist.