Immigration: Moving to Guernsey

by on Aug 15, 2023  

Are you looking into making a move to Guernsey? In this blog, our team goes through what to expect when moving to Guernsey so that you can clearly understand what is and is not possible. Guernsey is an incredible place to work and live, so it's no wonder many people wish to call the island home. As a result, regulations have been implemented to manage population growth and safeguard the local population so that they are given ample opportunity before employers can look to import talent. 


This article will give you a breakdown of the immigration process and answer a few frequently asked questions that our recruitment team receive when an individual is looking to move to Guernsey.

Understanding the Basics

It’s worth noting that in Guernsey, they treat the right to enter and the right to work separately, meaning that you may be required to obtain both a UK visa as well as an employment permit, depending on your nationality. 

  • RIGHT TO ENTER

    An employment permit is different from a visa, and you should be reminded to check the entry requirements to the UK/Guernsey to ensure you can land in the Bailiwick. The Guernsey visa requirements are aligned to the UK visa requirements.โ€ฏFindโ€ฏout if you need a UK visaโ€ฏon the gov.uk website.โ€ฏ 

  • RIGHT TO WORK

    In Guernsey, to be able to live and work in the jurisdiction, not only must you have the right to enter, but you must also have the right to work. The following categories have the right to work without a permit under Guernsey's Immigration rules.  


    • British Citizens 
    • Irish Nationals 
    • Commonwealth citizens with the right to abode in the UK 
    • Other nationals with settled status (indefinite leave to remain) 

    Any person outside of these categories will require an employment permit. 

Employment Permit 

If you do not have the right to work via the above means, then you must have permission to take employment in the Bailiwick of Guernsey by way of an employment permit. An employment permit is usually issued as a joint permit from the Population Management Employment Permit system, we talk about this later in this article. 


This policy is designed to protect the local Guernsey employment pool. It also ensures that Employment Permits are granted to individuals who meet the skills and qualifications for specific roles where a labour shortage has been identified. 

  • SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT PERMIT(STEP)

    STEPs are issued to fill labour shortages, valid for one year but are renewable annually (provided the post cannot be filled by a local) for up to 3 years. Once the person completes a break in residence (time away from the island equal or greater to the last period of residence), they can return to Guernsey on another STEP. This permit type is tied to both a named role and employer and is for a full-time position.  

  • LONG-TERM EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (LTEP)

    Where a skill shortage in Guernsey and internationally exists, an LTEP is considered. Similar to the STEP permit, an LTEP is also tied to a named employer, and the role is full-time. The maximum validity for an LTEP is eight years, after which the permit holder can become an Established Resident and would no longer be tied to the named role or employers.  

Employment Permit Process 

As you have learned in this article, Guernsey has a complex structure relating to its residency and employment rights. Employment permits are granted to people invited to live in Guernsey because of their employment skills or because Guernsey needs more people with a specific skill set. Employment permits can only be applied for by your employer on your behalf. The Employment Permit Policy details a list of roles selected as being in short local supply. This helps employers know who and for what roles they can make Employment Permit applications. 

  • ADVERTISEMENTS

    An employer must conduct a genuine search for a suitable permit-free applicant by advertising the role with the Social Security Department, at local job centres and in the local press. Employers can also use recruitment agencies, company websites and/or social media pages to increase their chances of finding suitable local talent. 


    Adverts must include the job title, primary duties/responsibilities, qualifications/experience and an indication of the salary range. Employers must allow three weeks from the date the advertisement first appeared before submitting an employment permit.  

  • SUBMISSION

    On submitting the employment permit, the employer must provide evidence of the recruitment process, advertisements including the total number of respondents, short-lists for an interview and full reasons why no permit-free worker was suitable for the position. 


    A potential employment permit holder must also have an adequate command of the English language. You must be outside the UK/Guernsey when applying for an employment permit. 

  • REVIEW

    The Immigration Board will review the application and decide on the outcome; they may approve, deny, or defer it. An employment permit is different from a VISA application, and you should be reminded to check the entry requirements to the UK/Guernsey to ensure you can land in the Bailiwick.โ€ฏ 

Documents You Will Need 
  1. A fully completed employment permit application.โ€ฏ 
  2. A clean police clearance certificate - A certified and signed police clearance certificate from your home district or last place of residence.โ€ฏ 
  3. Medical Certificates – If you are moving to Guernsey for more than six months and are a resident of a country listed on the UK Home Office website, you will need to have a test for tuberculosis.  
  4. Proof of permit from the Population Management Office 
  5. Copies of your professional qualifications and education.โ€ฏ 
  6. Copy of applicant's signature/photo page of a valid passport 
  7. References on company letterhead, preferably in English 

 

What Happens Next? 

If the application is approved, a letter is sent to your new employer notifying them of the acceptance and terms and conditions upon which you may work. Your employer would then relay this information to you so that you may plan the rest of your relocation and move to Guernsey. You need this approval letter for when you arrive at the airport; you will not be allowed entry while your permit is still processing, so it is essential to stay in contact with your employer and the status of your application.โ€ฏ 

Right to Reside 

Population Management Law 

In addition to having valid clearance to enter Guernsey and wishing to live and work here, you must also hold a certificate or permit issued under the Population Management Law, which confirms your right to live and work in Guernsey. 

 

The Population Management Law regulates the size and makeup of Guernsey's population. The law ensures that the islands are diverse in supporting the economy and community. It also supports local businesses by providing permits designed for specific jobs. It determines who can live in certain accommodations, as Guernsey's properties are split into two housing markets, the local market and the open market. 

 

Everyone working and living in Guernsey requires a permit or certificate issued by the Population Management Office under the Population Management Law. These paperless permits and certificates allow people the right to live and work in Guernsey alongside immigration clearance from the Guernsey Border Agency. 

important considerations

Short-Term Employment Permit (STEP) 

For STEP individuals, there are restrictions regarding accommodation options where the employee can live in the local or open market housing, but the accommodation must be shared with unrelated adults and cannot accommodate dependents. 

 

Long-Term Employment Permit (LTEP) 

For LTEP individuals, there is an unrestricted right to occupy local market or open market accommodation and to house immediate family members. 

If you are considering Guernsey as your new home, you are in good hands with our team here at CML. We are experienced recruiters here to help you navigate Guernsey’s employment market. Register today to speak to our team about how we can assist with the next step in your career journey.โ€ฏ 

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