Jersey: all programs

Jersey in brief

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, 22 kilometres off the coast of France. It is a British Crown Dependency: the island is part of neither the United Kingdom nor the European Union, it has its own parliament, laws, taxes and courts, and the UK is responsible for defence and international relations. The area is about 118 square kilometres, and the 2021 census counted about 103,000 people. The capital and main port is St Helier.

Jersey suits very wealthy families who want low taxes, British law, safety and life an hour's flight from London. It is one of the leading centres for private wealth management, with banks, trust companies and funds. It suits less those with income below a million pounds a year: for them a move is almost closed by strict housing and work controls.

History and government

Jersey was part of the Duchy of Normandy and stayed with the English Crown when England lost mainland Normandy in 1204. Hence the French names of parishes and streets and the old Norman law on property. From 1940 to 1945 the island was occupied by Germany, and Liberation Day on 9 May is Jersey's main holiday. The island is divided into 12 parishes, laws are passed by its own States Assembly, the government is led by the Chief Minister, and the King is represented by the Lieutenant Governor. The UK cannot impose taxes on Jersey, so the island decides for itself how much to levy and on whom.

How to move in 2026

Foreigners other than British and Irish citizens also need immigration permission under rules close to the UK's. More on conditions, documents and timelines on the page about Jersey residence for wealthy individuals.

Taxes

Jersey income tax is 20%, with allowances for smaller incomes that lower the effective rate. High value residents pay 20% on the first 1.25 million pounds of income and 1% on everything above, but no less than 250,000 pounds a year. There is no capital gains, inheritance, gift or wealth tax, though stamp duty is paid on probate. Goods and services tax is 5%, one of the lowest in Europe. Most companies pay 0% corporate tax, financial services companies 10%, and utilities and income from local property 20%. Employees and employers pay social security contributions, and homeowners pay a small annual parish rate.

Housing

The right to buy or rent a home depends on residential status. A newcomer on an employment basis can only rent housing for their category, and buying is closed to them. A high value resident immediately receives full rights and can buy any home, but is expected to make an expensive purchase: a house from 3.5 million pounds (about $4,630,000) or a flat from 1.75 million pounds (about $2,320,000). On a 3.5 million pound house stamp duty is about 195,000 pounds (about $258,000). The first months can be spent renting. House prices in Jersey are among the highest in the British Isles, and supply is limited by the size of the island.

Business and companies

Jersey companies are registered by the Financial Services Commission, each must have a registered office on the island, and beneficial ownership details are filed with the registry. Since 2019 some activities require real presence: directors, decisions and staff on the island. A company can hire residents and foreigners only within its licence. Trusts and foundations for managing family wealth and succession are also popular in Jersey. More on the page about company registration in Jersey.

Cost of living

Life in Jersey is expensive: groceries and services cost more than the English average, and renting or buying a home is on a par with expensive parts of London. The currency is the Jersey pound, equal to the British pound, and shops accept both. GP visits are paid, and many residents hold private health insurance. State schools are free for residents, and there are also fee-paying private schools.

Practicalities

• Climate. The mildest and sunniest in the British Isles: about 8 degrees in winter and 20 in summer.
• Getting there. An airport with flights to London and other UK cities, about an hour. Ferries run to Saint-Malo in France and to ports in southern England.
• Roads. Traffic drives on the left, and the island speed limit is 40 miles an hour, about 64 kilometres.
• Language. English, with many French place names, and the local Norman dialect survives.
• Healthcare. A general hospital in St Helier, with complex treatment in the UK.
• Safety. Crime is very low.

Where to live

• St Helier. The capital with bank offices, shops and restaurants, and flats by the sea and in the centre.
• St Brelade and St Aubin. The south-west coast with the best beaches and expensive villas.
• St Clement and Grouville. The quiet south-east with views of France, convenient for families.
• Northern parishes. The rural part of the island with cliffs, farms and old granite houses.

Leisure

Jersey has some of the largest tides in the world, up to 12 metres, and at low tide kilometres of beaches and rocks are revealed. There are many walking and cycling routes, the medieval Mont Orgueil castle, and museums and tunnels from the wartime occupation. The island is famous for its potatoes, its own breed of dairy cow and its seafood. At weekends it is easy to visit neighbouring Guernsey or France by ferry.

Who Jersey suits

Jersey is a choice for a family with income of several million pounds a year that values predictable taxes, British courts and a quiet life close to London and Paris. Those with more modest income should look at countries with ordinary residence programmes. Write in the chat and we will compare Jersey with other options for your income and capital.