Doing Business in the Cayman Islands

Doing business in the Cayman Islands means enjoying a relaxed island lifestyle alongside a highly professional financial sector. As a British Crown Colony, the islands benefit from a stable legal system that appeals to entrepreneurs and international corporations.

You should be prepared for a formal yet courteous business environment where respect for hierarchy and cultural awareness are essential. Respect for authority and those in senior positions is vital when doing business in the Cayman Islands. Local business professionals value politeness, discretion, and professional courtesy.

Fast facts

Business hours

Standard office hours are 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although some industries vary.

Business language

English is the official and primary business language. Spanish and Portuguese can be useful due to the diverse expat community.

Dress code

Business attire varies depending on the industry and company type. In local firms, business casual is more common, with men wearing dress shirts and trousers (frequently without a tie) and women in blouses with skirts or dress pants.

In international firms, more formal attire is expected, especially in finance and law. Men typically wear suits and ties, while women wear business suits.

When meeting senior officials, bank executives, or attending corporate events, opt for formal business attire.

Gift-giving

Gifts are not a common part of business culture. If you choose to give a gift, keep it modest.

Gender equality

While gender equality is protected by law, women still face challenges in achieving leadership positions.

Business culture in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands has a professional yet relationship-driven business culture, where hierarchy and respect for seniority play a significant role. While decision-making tends to be top-down in local firms, multinational companies often encourage a more collaborative approach. Building trust is essential, and long-term relationships hold great value in the local business community.

Greetings

A firm handshake is the standard business greeting. Address people by their title and surname unless invited to use first names. Business cards are commonly exchanged, typically at the beginning or end of a meeting. It is considered polite to take a moment to look at a business card before putting it away.

Communication

Business communication is generally direct, especially in finance and law, but always polite and professional. Confrontation is avoided, and disagreements are typically resolved through diplomacy. In service industries, communication pairs directness with a warm, customer-friendly approach.

Decision-making

Business structures are typically hierarchical, with senior executives making key decisions. In local firms and government, decision-making is centralised, while international companies operating in Cayman tend to adopt a mix of structured leadership and collaborative input from employees.

Meetings and punctuality

Meetings in the Cayman Islands are typically formal but friendly. An agenda is usually followed, and punctuality is valued – arriving late may be seen as unprofessional. A bit of small talk is common at the start of meetings as a way to build rapport, but meetings generally move efficiently towards business discussions.

Business networking and expat relationships

Expats comprise over half of the Cayman Islands’ workforce, particularly in finance, law, and hospitality. Networking is a key part of doing business, and many professional gatherings, industry conferences, and social events offer opportunities to build connections.

Dos and don’ts of business in the Cayman Islands

• Do be punctual. Arriving on time is expected and shows professionalism.
• Do use formal greetings, and address people as Mr/Ms/Dr unless invited to use their first name
• Don’t be overly aggressive in negotiations. Business culture values politeness and diplomacy.
• Do respect hierarchy. Deference to senior executives and decision-makers is customary.
• Do engage in small talk before meetings, covering safe topics like local events, the weather, and sports
• Don’t rush decisions. Relationship-building and trust are key before closing a deal.