The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean. Our main industries include Financial Services, Tourism, Real Estate and Development, the Special Economic Zone and our latest industry Medical Tourism.
The Department of Commerce & Investment (DCI) is central in providing the necessary framework conducive to a successful business environment through our Licensing, Regulatory and Enforcement functions.
DCI provides business licensing services to specified sectors, ensuring compliance of licenced businesses with local commerce legislation and local and international standards. This includes administration and issuance of Trade & Business Licences, Local Company (Control) Licences, Tobacco Permits, Liquor Licences, Public Film Exhibition Premises Licences, and Special Economic Zone Company Licences.
For more information on the economic climate and the business community you can visit the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce website at: https://www.caymanchamber.ky/
Further details on establising financial entities and investment vehicles is also available on the website of the Cayman Islands General Registry: https://www.ciregistry.ky/
Every person carrying on a trade or business mentioned in the Schedule to the Trade & Business Licensing Act (2021 Revision) must, unless exempted from this requirement under that law, take out an annual licence in respect of each place where such business is carried on.
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) is responsible for the processing and licensing of Tobacco Licenses in the Cayman Islands. Applications for new licenses can be submitted at any time, however all tobacco applications for license renewals must be submitted no later than 1st November annually or late submission fees will be incurred.
Local Companies (Control) Licenses (LCCL) are issued under the Local Companies (Control) Law (2007 Revision) when a business is not owned solely by a Caymanian National or Caymanian Status Holder.
Cayman Islands Liquor Licensing Board is responsible for Liquor and Music & Dancing Licences
Because of the Cayman Islands’ recently passed Special Economic Zone Law, international companies looking for business opportunities in the Cayman Islands now have more options.
THE FILM EXHIBITION CONTROL LAW, 2015 and THE FILM EXHIBITION CONTROL BILL, 2015 outline the considerations for all applications made in relation to the issue, suspension and revocation of a cinema licence.
The Department of Commerce & Investment is responsible for the administration and execution of processes for a number of key licensing and enforcement functions. We strive to provide our clients with excellent customer service and quality assistance in all areas of the department’s responsibility. Below you will find the latest information regarding a number of hot topics and issues we are engaged in.
If you would like to share your comments or feedback on any topic of interest, please email us at: info@dci.gov.ky
