🇰🇾 How to Apply for the Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa
Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and west of Jamaica, lies The Cayman Islands - a British Overseas territory comprising three stunningly beautiful islands; Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac & Little Cayman.
These three tropical isles perfectly balance elements needed for remote island life. And with the introduction of the "Global Citizen Concierge Program Certificate" by the Cayman Islands government in 2020 allows remote workers who meet the requirements to call this paradise home for up to two years.
In this article, we'll refer to it as the digital nomad visa to avoid confusion and highlight the four most important steps when applying.
Before you depart, make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a temporary resident permit that allows those working remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer the chance to immerse themselves in a new country for a specific period, typically 12 months or more.
As technology allows for more job opportunities that can be done remotely, these digital nomad visas have become a desirable option for those wanting to travel whilst maintaining a steady income source.
Requirements for the Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa
📄 Valid Travel Document
At least three months validity from the date of arrival in the country.
💶 Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
💰 Meet the Minimum Monthly Income
Self-employed applicants must meet the minimum annual income requirement of $3,000 per month.
One must submit bank certification and authenticated bank statements to establish proof of sufficient income and funding.
🏴☠️ Clean Criminal Record
You must provide a clear criminal record from your country of residence.
🚑 Medical Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance upon arrival and for at least the first 30 days of your stay. Once the initial time period has passed, you must apply for local coverage.
4 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
Preparing and organizing your paperwork before applying is wise to ensure a smooth application process. Ensure that all documents are translated into English.
To complete your application, you will need the following documents:
❗️ Required Documents
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of income with Certified Bank Statements from the last six months
- Remote Work Verification
- Document of Health Insurance Protection
- Certified Criminal Background Check from the previous six months
- Legal documentation must be presented to prove the legal existence of a company or business entity
👨👩👧 Required Documents when Applying with Dependents
- Copy of passport
- Proof of marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
- Letter showing proof of evidence of relationship for children (if applicable)
- Certified Criminal Background Check from the previous six months
- Document of Health Insurance Protection
✔️ Step 2: Submit an online application
Once you have gathered and digitized the necessary documents, begin filling out your application.
You can submit your application online, where you'll be prompted to upload all necessary documents. Each application is limited to 15 MB for file uploads.
Along with submitting your application, a non-refundable fee is required for processing. For a single person or couple, the total application fee is $1,469 - and if you're bringing extra family members along for the journey, it's an additional $500 per head.
Having attained all of the essential documents and authenticated them with a notary, you can now move on to complete your application.
💰 Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Along with submitting your application, a non-refundable fee is required for processing.
The visa fee costs:
- $1,469 for a single person or a couple
- $500 additional fee for extra family members
⏳ Step 4: Wait for Approval
After submitting your application, the visa processing and approval timeline is approximately three to four weeks.
After your visa request is approved, you'll be issued an official document announcing that you are officially permitted to reside in the Cayman Islands for two years. 🥳
🇰🇾 Step 5: Enter the Cayman Islands within Three Months
After you receive your Global Citizen Certificate, you must enter the Cayman Islands within three months or risk your visa becoming void.
The Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of the Cayman Island's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $100,000 per year Duration of Visa 2 years Cost of Visa $1,469 Processing Time 30 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying /10 Tax Obligations None
🌴 Why the Cayman Islands is a great place for Remote Workers
The Cayman Islands is a great destination for digital nomads looking to make a lifestyle change abroad.
Its warm climate, white sandy beaches and optimal Wi-Fi perfectly balance work and leisure.
For anyone looking to settle down long term and take on new experiences and challenges in a stunning setting, the Cayman Islands is the ultimate destination for this goal.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
How do I get a digital nomad visa for the Cayman Islands?
To be eligible for the Global Citizen Concierge program in the Cayman Islands, you must meet the visa requirements, apply online with the required documents, and pay the processing fee.
What is the cost of a digital nomad visa for the Cayman Islands?
The visa processing fee for a single person or couple is $1,469, and an additional $500 per family member. A 7% fee will be charged when paying with a credit card.
Can I bring my family to the Cayman Islands?
Yes, you can bring your family to the Cayman Islands if they meet the immigration requirements.
What is it like to work in the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands is a great place to work remotely. It has a warm climate, white sandy beaches and optimal Wi-Fi connection making it the perfect balance between work and leisure.
How long does a work permit take to process?
The processing time for a visa application is three to four weeks. After your visa request is approved, you'll be issued an official document announcing that you are officially permitted to reside in the Cayman Islands for two years.
What is the Global Citizen Concierge Program?
The Global Citizen Concierge Program is a visa program catered to digital nomads. It enables them to travel and work in the Cayman Islands for up to two years with multiple entry privileges.
What is the Cayman Islands known for?
The Cayman Islands is known for its pristine beaches, like seven-mile beach, luxury resorts and tax haven status. It's a popular island for travellers who enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle while working remotely.
Why are the Cayman Islands a tax haven?
The Cayman Islands have no corporate tax, income tax, property taxes, capital gains taxes, payroll taxes, or withholding taxes. As a remote worker in the Cayman Islands, you are not liable for income tax or other taxes.
What is the difference between a Global Citizen Certificate and a tourist visa?
The Global Citizen Certificate is a visa catered explicitly to digital nomads who want to live and work in the Cayman Islands for two years. It has multiple entry privileges. Whereas a tourist visa only acts like a single entry visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
How long can you stay in the Cayman Islands with their digital nomad visa?
The Cayman Islands digital nomad visa allows you to stay for up to two years with the benefit of multiple entries into the country.