Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, located in the English Channel between France and the UK. Though independently governed, the Channel Islands are under the protection of the British Crown.
Guernsey is the second largest Island in the group with a population of c.60,000 in an area of 25 square miles. Whilst the Island is not in the European Union/EEA, it does have a special relationship with it. The local goverment is called the States of Guernsey.
Guernsey properties fall into either “Local Market” or “Open Market” categories.
Local Market housing is for locally qualified residents or for people whose employer has applied for an Employment Permit on their behalf.
Open Market properties are generally much more expensive than Local Market. If you hold a British or EEA passport or have been granted “Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK”, you can move over to Guernsey, live in a single occupancy Open Market property and work on the Island for as long as you wish, or you can live in a multi-occupancy Open Market dwelling and work here for a maximum of 5 years then you must leave the Island.
Guernsey does not have VAT.
VAT can be refunded or deducted from the price of most goods which are exported/mailed to Guernsey, if certain conditions set by HM Revenue & Customs are met.
Guernsey has strong links to its sister-island, Jersey, as well as various UK cities via air, the main ones being London Gatwick and Southampton, with several flights per day.
There are also ferries that travel on most days to the UK, France and Jersey.
Guernsey has an outstanding work life balance, it has amazing restaurants, pubs, golden beaches, historic sites, a great music and art scene and an extensive network of sports clubs.
Most Guernsey residents have a stress-free commute, whether it be by bike, bus or car, and everyone can get home from work within 30 minutes.
Guernsey has an excellent education system, with 24 schools (government or private) all following the UK curriculum.
BTEC courses, adult evening courses and professional qualification studies are available at The Guernsey Institute - www.tgi.ac.gg
Guernsey has a very active sports scene and a wide range of sports clubs. Whether you love golf, football, tennis, cycling, swimming or boxing, amongst many others, there will be a club for you to join!
In the summer there are plenty of outdoor sporting activities and social clubs to keep both adults and children entertained.
1. Stunning Scenery & Views
2. 21 Beaches- you are always close to a beach
3. Very Family Friendly
4. Outdoor Activities
5. Free Parking
6. Guernsey Milk – world class
7. Very low crime rate
8. Island hopping to Herm & Sark – our small sister paradise islands, just a short boat ride away
9. International offshore centre with a thriving finance industry and entrepreneurial spirit
What more can we say! Guernsey is a slice of heaven and there is no other place like it.
Due to the size of this Island, its offshore status and the density of the population, strict controls have been imposed on who is allowed to live and work here.
All employees require an up to date “Right to Work” document (Employment Permit) issued by the States of Guernsey Population Management Department to confirm that they are lawfully housed and permitted to work.
Guernsey has a global reputation of being a financial centre of excellence, with a huge selection of job sectors to choose from including Banking, Trust Management, Fund Management, Captive Insurance, Accountancy, Investments, Co Sec and Compliance, to name just a few. In addition, there is a thriving entrepreneurial commercial industry in Guernsey with job opportunities including Marketing, Advertising, Management, Sales & Customer Service, Procurement, Retail, Hospitality, etc.
If you hold a British or Irish passport or have been granted “Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK”, you can move over to Guernsey, live in a single occupancy “Open Market” property and work on the Island for as long as you wish, or you can live in a multi-occupancy Open Market dwelling and work here for a maximum of 5 years then you must leave the Island.
As mentioned above, if you hold a British or Irish passport or have been granted “Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK”, you can move over to Guernsey, live in a single occupancy Open Market property and work on the Island for as long as you wish, or you can live in a multi-occupancy Open Market dwelling and work here for a maximum of 5 years then you must leave the Island.
All non-EEA nationals travelling to Guernsey for employment purposes will be required to apply for a visa ("Work Permit") to enter the United Kingdom and Bailiwick of Guernsey, prior to travel. For further information, please visit https://gov.gg/eunationalsbrexit.
Depending on the field and level of role you seek (if the job is considered “essential” to the Island and your skills cannot be easily sourced locally), your new employer may apply for a Work Permit (visa) on your behalf. In addition to the Work Permit, you will also need an Employment Permit (Guernsey Right to Work document) from your new local employer, which is issued by the Guernsey Population Management Department - https://www.gov.gg/populationmanagement. Employment Permits are either Medium Term (5 years) or Long Term (8 years) and depend upon the type and level of role you undertake.
Work Permits are issued by the Immigration & Nationality Division of the Guernsey Border Agency for a maximum of 5 years. Depending on the field and level of role you seek, your employer may apply for a Work Permit on your behalf. In addition to the Work Permit, you will also need an Employment Permit (Guernsey Right to Work document) from your employer, which is issued by the Guernsey Population Management Department.
The Guernsey Income Tax rate is 20% of earnings, however there is a standard single person’s allowance, which means that you do not pay income tax on the first several thousand pounds of your annual earnings. Check out the current Single Person's Allowance for income tax on https://www.gov.gg/tax You will also see a general guide to Guernsey Income Tax on there.
Guernsey doesn’t have Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax or other wealth tax.
If you have just moved to Guernsey permanently or are about to, you will need to register with the States of Guernsey Revenue Service. You can find the online registration form here –https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=168959&p=0
The correct tax contributions will be automatically deducted from your salary by your employer.
Yes, Guernsey residents must pay Social Security (national/social insurance), and the current rate (2024) is 7.2% of earnings and applies to everyone over school leaving age. The correct social security contributions will automatically be deducted from your salary by your employer.
The reason we contribute to the Guernsey Social Insurance Scheme is to receive various local benefits according to whether you work and how you are employed. As an employed person, you are entitled (subject to fulfilling certain conditions) to: Sickness Benefit, Invalidity Benefit, Industrial Injury Benefit, Industrial Medical Benefit, Industrial Disablement Benefit, Unemployment Benefit, Old Age Pension, Bereavement Benefit, Death Grant and Maternity Benefit.
For more information regarding Guernsey Social Security (national insurance), please visit their website: www.gov.gg/SScontributions
No there is no council tax in Guernsey, however, there is an annual Tax on Real Property and annual parish (local village) Rates to cover infrastructure costs.
For further information on housing control, eligibility to live and work on this Island and tax and social security issues, please visit:
If you are thinking about relocating to Guernsey permanently and have either a local partner, Guernsey connection or an EEA passport, contact our Directors today for more details:-
Jenny Mitchell
FIRP Cert RP - Director & Shareholder
+44 (0) 1481 710639
Melissa Campbell
FIRP CertRP MInstLM ACMI - Director & Shareholder
+44 (0) 1481 710639
