The Cayman Islands is an exceptional place to live, work, and operate a business. Our pro-business jurisdiction welcomes individuals from all over the world. The Global Corporate Citizen Programme by Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) enables entrepreneurs and business owners to live and operate their global businesses within a tax neutral environment in the Caribbean.
You may have heard of the Cayman Islands' "Global Citizen Concierge Programme" - a digital nomad visa that offered temporary residency to remote workers. That programme was discontinued in 2024. If you're searching for a way to legally live and work in Cayman as a digital nomad or remote entrepreneur, CEC's Global Corporate Citizen Programme is the active, permanent alternative that's available now.
Unlike the government's expired programme, CEC's offering isn't a temporary visa. It's a business setup that includes a Zone Trade Certificate (business license), a 5-year renewable work/residency visa, and a documented pathway to permanent residency after eight years. You retain 100% ownership of your business, operate in a tax-neutral environment, and get access to CEC's Global Mobility Team for everything from banking to housing to relocation logistics.
Many remote workers and entrepreneurs search for "Cayman Islands digital nomad visa" because they want to know if they can legally live and work there. The answer is yes - but the pathway has changed.
The Cayman government's Global Citizen Concierge Programme (which required $100,000–$180,000 annual income and cost about $1,469 per year) expired in 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. If that's what you were researching, it's no longer an option. CEC's Global Corporate Citizen Programme fills this gap. It's open to entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and digital business owners who want a legitimate, tax-efficient way to establish residency and operate globally from the Cayman Islands.
There's no minimum income requirement (unlike the government's programme), no cap on how many team members you can hire, and you own your business outright.
Becoming part of the programme allows you to live and work in the Cayman Islands, and provides access to a wealth of strategic benefits.
With CEC you can benefit from Cayman’s tax neutral platform for both corporate income and your personal income. Additionally, Cayman Islands companies are not subject to capital gains tax. This allows you to earn a higher rate, realise higher profit, and reinvest profits to ensure long-term corporate sustainability.
With CEC, 100% foreign ownership is permissible, and you’ll receive a business licence (called a Zone Trade Certificate) to operate your global business from within the Cayman Islands.
In addition to business licences, CEC offers renewable five-year work/residency visas called Zone Employment Certificates. With a CEC work/residency visa you will be considered to be a resident of the Cayman Islands. After eight years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
With CEC, there is no minimum earning requirement. You have the freedom to assemble global teams at any level in their career, from interns to C-suite executives. there is no minimum salary requirement. Plus, 100% full 100% foreign ownership is permitted, so you have the freedom to operate your global business from within the Cayman Islands.
As a Global Corporate Citizen import duties are waived for all business-related items – including servers, PCs, laptops, and other technical equipment. For individuals relocating to the Cayman Islands, personal items may be imported duty-free during within the first six months of residency.
With CEC, local health insurance is required, however as a Global Corporate Citizen you can take advantage of group discounts on a variety of health insurance packages. Learn more about medical care in the Cayman Islands.
Corporate banking relationships are available to special economic zone businesses. Our team will be happy to recommend preferred banking partners who can assist you with setting up corporate bank accounts in the Cayman Islands.
With CEC, once your work/residency visa approval is granted, you may come and go as you please.
As a Global Corporate Citizen, you will be part of CEC's vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs. Upon arrival, you will be invited to an extensive programme of events and happenings. You'll also become a member of our Enterprise Cayman outreach initiative and be invited to take part in CEC's corporate social responsibility programmes.
The CEC Global Mobility Team helps with all the details: travel, banking, housing, pets, drivers' licenses, schools, networking, health & wellness activities, and more! offers support for travel, banking, housing, pet relocation, driver's licences, schools, networking, health and wellness activities, and more. CEC has developed a comprehensive support programme. Unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean, CEC helps new tenants, and their employees settle comfortably into life in the Cayman Islands.
As part of CEC's turn-key solution you will have access to world-class facilities and innovative solutions designed for growth. From enterprise-grade connectivity and flexible meeting spaces to artisanal coffees and dining. Our campus offers secure 24/7 access, convenient parking, and sustainable features throughout. Join a thriving community of innovators and industry leaders while enjoying premium facilities that enhance your workday.
Cost is one of the most common questions when comparing CEC's Global Corporate Citizen Programme to the government's now-discontinued GCCP. The two are substantially different financially. The government's old digital nomad visa cost about $1,469 per year and had strict income requirements ($100,000–$180,000 annually depending on family size). It was purely a visa - no business setup, no support infrastructure.
CEC's programme is a full business setup. Setup costs, annual fees, and application processing differ based on your business structure and team size. There's no minimum income requirement, which makes it accessible to freelancers and bootstrapped founders. For exact pricing and a detailed cost breakdown for your situation, contact CEC's business development team directly - they'll provide a transparent quote based on your specific needs.
Beyond programme costs, your personal cost of living in Cayman depends on your lifestyle. A one-bedroom apartment in George Town (Cayman's business district) ranges from $1,800–$2,800 per month. Two-bedroom condos typically run $3,500–$5,000 monthly. Groceries, dining, and utilities are moderately higher than the US mainland. Internet infrastructure is reliable and fiber connections up to 1 Gbps are available in most areas, which is essential for remote work.
The tax-neutral business environment often offsets higher living costs, especially for founders and consultants with six-figure income streams. Running a business with no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, and no personal income tax creates substantial savings over time.
The application process is straightforward. Most applicants move from initial inquiry to visa approval within 4-8 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and any additional regulatory review.
Step one is to contact CEC's business development team. You'll discuss your business type, funding structure, team composition, and timeline. They'll provide a detailed proposal and cost estimate.
Step two is to submit required documentation: proof of identity, business plan overview, financial statements or funding documentation, and background information for visa processing.
Step three is regulatory approval — CEC coordinates with Cayman authorities for your Zone Trade Certificate and Zone Employment Certificate.
Step four is your arrival and orientation — the Global Mobility Team helps you settle, set up banking, secure housing, and get oriented to the community.
Your 5-year visa is renewable. After eight years of continuous residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, which removes any visa renewal requirement and provides long-term security for you and your family.
Several Caribbean jurisdictions offer digital nomad or residency programmes.
Barbados has a popular "Welcome Stamp" visa (12-month renewable, no minimum income).
Bermuda offers residency but with stricter employment requirements. Antigua has a citizenship-by-investment programme targeted at investors, not remote workers.
What sets Cayman apart is the business licensing infrastructure combined with permanent residency eligibility. You're not just getting a visa, you're setting up a legitimate offshore business with full legal status in a special economic zone. This matters if you want to hire local employees, open bank accounts in your business name, or establish economic substance for tax treaty purposes. The eight-year path to permanent residency is also a significant differentiator - most Caribbean programmes offer temporary visas only.
Cayman's financial services regulation is stricter than other Caribbean islands (which attracts more serious investors and entrepreneurs), its internet infrastructure is world-class, and its pro-business stance is consistent across administrations.
Do I need a minimum income to qualify for CEC's programme?
No minimum income requirement. CEC accepts freelancers, founders, consultants, and remote workers at all earning levels. Your business model and ability to operate legally are what matter, not your current revenue.
Can my family move with me?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included in your application. CEC's Global Mobility Team assists with family relocation, including school enrollment and healthcare setup. View details about schools in Cayman.
What happens after my 5-year visa expires?
Your Zone Employment Certificate is renewable for another 5-year term. After eight years of continuous residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, which eliminates the need for future visa renewals.
Is my business subject to Cayman tax law?
CEC businesses operate in a tax-neutral environment: no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, no personal income tax for residents.
Your business remains subject to local regulatory requirements and compliance obligations, but you benefit from the zero-tax structure.
If you have clients or contracts in other jurisdictions, consult a tax advisor about economic substance requirements.
How reliable is the internet for remote work?
Cayman's internet infrastructure is among the best in the Caribbean. Fiber-optic connections up to 1 Gbps are available in most residential and commercial areas. Average broadband speeds exceed 50 Mbps. This is more than adequate for video conferencing, cloud work, and remote development.
Unlock Your Global Potential with CEC
The Global Corporate Citizen Programme offers more than just a relocation opportunity — it’s a gateway to unparalleled growth, innovation, and success. By moving to the Cayman Islands, you’re not just choosing a stunning Caribbean lifestyle; you’re strategically positioning your business in a tax-neutral jurisdiction designed for global impact.
gain access to world-class infrastructure, a vibrant business community, and comprehensive support to ensure a seamless transition. From flexible visas and corporate tax advantages to robust networking opportunities and cutting-edge facilities, CEC is committed to your success.
Embrace the future of work and business by joining a thriving ecosystem of innovators and entrepreneurs. Start your journey today and experience the ultimate advantage of living, working, and thriving in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.