With cases of COVID-19 spiking across the US & UK, The Cayman Islands’ Government (CIG) postponed the reopening of its borders for general tourism. However, the CIG did launch the Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP) in October as the only path for non-citizen/non-resident travelers to legally enter Grand Cayman… for now.
So, what does that mean exactly? How is eligibility determined? What are the requirements for approval into the program?
Before you go packing your bags, we’ll outline the program’s requirements to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
What Is the Global Citizen Concierge Program?
The Global Citizen Concierge Program is a tourism initiative launched by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism welcoming affluent, remote-working international travelers back to Grand Cayman.
In its simplest terms, the GCCP is a digital nomad visa where travelers meeting certain criteria are approved to reside on-island and work remotely for up to 24 months. Once approved, travelers can travel back and forth between Cayman, but must reside on-island for 90-days out of the year.
The program was created to attract travelers—and their families—with the flexibility to work remotely and the financial means to live abroad for an extended period of time. All travelers must undergo an application screening process and pay processing fees.
What Are the Program’s Fees?
GCCP fees, listed below in US$, are as follows:
- • $1,469 fee for up to 2 persons annually
- • $500 for each additional dependent annually
- • A 7% processing fee on the total application fee
All fees are non-refundable.
Who Can Apply?
Annual income requirements, listed below in US$, for the program are:
- • $100,000 for singles
- • $150,000 for couples
- • $180,000 for a single/couple with one or more children
Applicant’s must provide a letter from their employer stating their work history, position, and annual salary on company letterhead.
What Other Documentation Is Required?
In addition to the letter from your employer, applicants must also submit:
- • A certificate of registration showing your employer in good standing
- • A copy of your passport photo page
- • A notarized bank reference and 6 months of bank statements
- • A police background check
- • Proof of travel health insurance for all members of your party
If you meet all of the above criteria, residing on a COVID-free island for the winter sounds pretty tempting.
To start your application for the Global Citizen Concierge Program, click here.
Once Approved, Where Can I Stay?
Current COVID regulations in Cayman require ALL ARRIVALS to self-quarantine for up to 14-days in either a government-run facility (think converted hotels and dorms), or quarantine in a private villa or condo.
The problem with the first option is that travelers will be confined to stay within their hotel suite for the entire quarantine period. They cannot leave the unit, use the pool or access public spaces, until a negative COVID test is registered on Day 15 of quarantine.
A private villa, on the other hand, provides more livable space—both indoors and outdoors—for travelers to enjoy and ride out during self-isolation.
High-speed internet is standard across many of our villas with some properties featuring incredible home offices. From lavish oceanfront estates to cozy beachfront cottages, our inventory of private villas can fit any budget.
We have already booked dozens of GCCP arrivals for extended stays at negotiated rates. We can also help with pre-arrival planning coordinating grocery delivery and stocking your villa with streaming devices (Apple TVs, bluetooth speakers), corn hole sets, or a volleyball court to help pass the time in isolation.
Should you qualify for the program and wish to apply, our reservations team can help with the application process. We can provide guidance on best practices for submitting your application and gathering all required documentation. Our on-island legal contacts can help navigate any road blocks that may arise during the application processing phase. Plus, we can fast-track accommodations approval for any of our properties and extend additional savings waiving all occupancy taxes for your stay and capping our service fee at 10-days of rent.
Just send us an email or use the chat box below and our reservations team will gladly assist.
Needless to say, the GCCP is not for everyone. But, until the government formalizes a reopening plan for tourism, this program offers an extended stay option for those who can work from home in the Caribbean.
