Moving to Jersey, Channel Islands: the practical guide

British and Irish citizens do not need immigration permission to live in Jersey, but housing and work are controlled by a separate law. Most newcomers arrive with "Licensed" status through an employer, or as "Standard" status, which limits you to Registered (unqualified) rental property. Full rights come after ten years' continuous residence. See Housing qualifications.

If you arrive on Licensed status you can buy one home straight away, as long as you live in it and it is not first-time-buyer restricted. If you arrive on Standard status you generally cannot buy until you reach Entitled status after ten years. Wealthy applicants can get Entitled status from day one under the high value residency route (formerly 2(1)(e)), which historically came with a £3.5 million house price floor^†.

Yes, 20 per cent is the maximum rate on personal income, with no higher bands. Lower earners pay less through marginal relief at 26 per cent above a £21,250 exemption threshold (2026). On top of that there is social security at 6 per cent (capped) and a long-term care contribution of up to 1.5 per cent. See Tax.

No. Jersey has no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no wealth tax. There is stamp duty on property purchases and a small probate duty on estates. GST of 5 per cent applies to most goods and services. Always take advice on your personal position, particularly if you keep UK assets.

Asking rents in autumn 2026 run roughly £1,350 to £1,750 a month for a one-bed flat, £1,600 to £2,500 for a two-bed, and £2,500 to £3,500 for a three-bed house, with coastal and country homes well above that^†. Statistics Jersey reported advertised rents 2 per cent lower year on year in Q2 2026. See Cost of living.

Yes. GP surgeries are private businesses and the average appointment was just under £34 at the end of 2025, with a range from free to £45. For your first six months you pay the full unsubsidised fee. After six months of paying social security you get a health card, which brings the subsidy and free prescriptions. A&E at the General Hospital is free. See Healthcare.

States primary and secondary schools are free and generally well regarded. Jersey also has two fee-paying States schools, Victoria College for boys and Jersey College for Girls, at about £2,900 a term, which is far cheaper than UK independent schools. There are private Catholic and prep schools too. See Schools.

Flights take around an hour. British Airways flies to Heathrow and Gatwick, easyJet to Gatwick, Luton and a long list of regional airports, and Loganair covers Southampton, Exeter, Bristol and more. DFDS runs ferries from Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo. Blue Islands stopped flying in November 2025, so check current schedules.

Yes to both. Dogs and cats from the UK need no pet passport or vaccinations, just a parish dog licence once you are here. Cars must be registered straight away, with 5 per cent GST unless you have owned the car for over six months, plus Vehicle Emissions Duty. You swap your UK licence for a Jersey one at the Parish Hall. See the checklist.

Jersey is bigger, better connected and has more going on. Guernsey is smaller and quieter, has no GST yet, and its Open Market housing is simpler for wealthy newcomers. Social security is heavier for high earners in Guernsey. Read the comparison before deciding.