Living in Jersey, Channel Islands in the United Kingdom

If you are looking to relocate, Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, offers you the very best tax advantages.*

Self-governing, with a stable government and independent fiscal and legal systems, Jersey provides an ideal environment for you to protect your wealth, and where your business can flourish if you choose to relocate it.

With a highly respected international reputation and recognized by both the IMF and OECD, the Island’s well-regulated business infrastructure ensures that you will have peace of mind when you move to Jersey.

Offering safety and privacy, high-quality health and leisure facilities, world-class restaurants, a good education system, and easy access to the UK, Europe, and beyond, Jersey will be the ideal location for you and your family to prosper.

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey measures 10 miles by 5 miles and is just 13 miles from the coast of France.

However, Jersey has been loyal to the UK Crown for centuries and has a fascinating French and English history. It was even occupied by the Germans during World War II.

Today, Jersey enjoys unspoilt beaches, clean and pure sea air, and beautiful countryside. It is conveniently close to international business centers, but far enough away to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a tranquil and secure location and a good climate.

Moving to Jersey offers a pace of life that gives you and your family space to thrive.

The luxury property market varies from contemporary houses and apartments overlooking the stunning bays all around the island to large granite stone farmhouses and historic manor houses set in acres of land, so you will be able to live comfortably in a style that suits you.

Residential Qualification

In Jersey, the right to buy and occupy residential property is controlled by law. Jersey residents fall into one of four categories:

Entitled: Someone who has lived in Jersey for 10 years. If you are ‘Entitled’ you can buy, sell or lease any property. *High Value Residents (HVRs) are granted this status with conditions.

Licensed: Someone who is employed by or who owns a trading Jersey business which must have permission to employ/be owned by a Licensed person. A Licensed employee can buy, sell or lease any property, apart from first time buyer restricted or social rented housing, in their own name as their sole place of residence in Jersey so long as they keep their ‘Licensed’ status.

Entitled for Work: Someone who has lived in Jersey for a continuous period of five years immediately before the date of issue of their registration card or is married or in a civil partnership with someone who is Entitled, Licensed, or Entitled for Work. If someone has Entitled for Work status, they can buy property jointly with an Entitled or Licensed spouse/civil partner and can lease ‘Registered property’ as a main place of residence in their own name.

Registered: Someone who does not qualify under the other categories. A Registered person can only lease ‘Registered property’ as a main place of residence in their own name. An employer needs permission to employ a person with Registered status. A register of all units of residential accommodation is available showing the housing category of each unit, either ‘Qualified’ or ‘Registered’ and any conditions or concessions which are applicable.

*Hunt Estates will assist you through the application process

*Note: Not intended as financial or tax advice. Please consult a tax or finance professional in your region for financial and tax advice.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Living in Jersey, Channel Islands

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands that also include Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, and Brecqhou. It measures 10 miles by 5 miles.

When William the Conqueror invaded England, the Channel Islands were part of Normandy, France, but when King John lost the Norman lands in 1204, the islands chose to remain loyal to the English Crown. Later, King Charles II granted special rights allowing the Island to set its own taxes and to be self-governing. Consequently, Jersey enjoys a special status and its taxes are some of the lowest in Europe.

Where is Jersey located?

49° 12´ 51.9840'' N, 2° 7´ 52.5000'' W

Jersey is the southernmost part of the British Isles. It is 85 miles from the southern English coast and lies in the English Channel near the coast of France in the Bay of Mont St Michel. Its nearest point to France is to the east at Carteret in Normandy, which is just 13 miles away, and St Malo is 33 miles away to the south. In fact, the Channel Islands were once joined to France thousands of years ago before sea levels rose.

What Is the Weather in Jersey?

Jersey benefits from a mild climate and is recognized as the warmest place in the British Isles.

In the summer, during the daytime the temperature is approximately 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), but temperatures can rise to above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

The summer months are reasonably sunny with an average of 8 sunny hours a day. Many tropical destinations do not reach this score.

In the winter months, due to its situation nestling close to the French coast, it benefits from the warm gulf stream, which causes relatively warm seawater. A consequence of the warm seawater is that the air temperatures in the winter months do not easily drop below freezing point.

Visitors and locals therefore enjoy swimming in the clean surrounding sea and walking on the beaches, cliff paths, and country lanes.

What Are the Desirable Neighborhoods in Jersey?

Being an island, a property with a coastal view is popular and there are many houses and apartments that enjoy sea views.

Whilst St Brelade’s Bay is popular as it is both pretty, sandy, and not far from the airport, there are other coastal locations which are also favored. The unspoilt and natural sand dunes of St Ouen’s Bay; La Corbière, with its views to the south west; St Aubin’s Harbor, a quaint village; and Gorey, with its castle backdrop and views over the Royal Bay of Grouville, interestingly named after a visit by Queen Victoria.

However, there are pretty coves on the north coast cliffs such as Bouley Bay, Rozel, Bonne Nuit, and Greve de L’Ecq where properties enjoy views over old fishing harbors and beyond to the French coast and neighboring islands.

If more seclusion is your preference, then in the heart of the countryside can be found very desirable granite built homes that were originally farms and are now surrounded by their own land and tucked away down long private drives.

St Helier is the capital, where commerce thrives and in recent decades many apartments have been built around the old harbor and the new marina, providing modern living with fine views and just minutes’ walk from the bustling center.

What Is the Architecture in Jersey?

Pink granite has been the building stone for hundreds of years and has been used to construct the beautiful farmhouses in the countryside. Farmhouses date back to the 17th century or earlier, and there are a number of large manor houses set in great privacy surrounded by acres of land.

In the capital, St Helier, there are many Victorian houses when the town began to spread resulting from prosperity. Indeed, the island prospered from building ships and its adventurous inhabitants undertook extensive fishing expeditions to Newfoundland and their profits were usually put back into building grand houses for the sea merchants, which are now called “Cod” houses.

But in recent years, other new residents prefer to live in a luxury apartment or desirable house overlooking the ever-changing seascape or overlooking St Helier’s marina. Consequently, there are many contemporary properties located on all sides of the island with extensive glass to maximize enjoyment of their sea views.

What Is the History of Jersey?

During the ninth century, the Vikings plundered Jersey giving its name. In 933 Jersey became part of the Duchy of Normandy when William Longsword won the Channel Islands.

However, in 1066 the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Norman realm when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold and won the English Crown.

In 1204, King John lost the Duchy of Normandy and the islands chose to remain loyal to the English Crown, and that decision triggered a special relationship with the English Crown, which continues to this day and supports Jersey’s self-government and low taxes.

In 1650–51, during the English Civil War, King Charles II twice took refuge in Jersey before the island was captured by the Parliamentarian army in 1651. Later, the US state of New Jersey was named after Jersey following a gift of land from the King Charles II to the island’s governor in recognition of his protection and loyalty to the Crown.

Since that time, the French repeatedly attempted to retake the islands until 1781, when they were defeated in the Battle of Jersey.

Between 1940–1945, the Channel Islands were the only part of Britain to be occupied by German forces and today there is much evidence of bunkers, sea defenses, and tunnels built by the occupying forces, which visitors can access.

Since the 1800s, English has become the main language spoken as people came to work and make Jersey their home. However, there is still much evidence of French influence which is visible in the road names, places, and local family names and there is even a Jersey patois language still spoken by some.

Today, the economy is driven by the financial services sector which has a reputation for its well-regulated business infrastructure. The economy is supported by tourism, leisure facilities, agriculture, and a growing digital technology sector.

Notable Restaurants and/or Cuisine in Jersey

In Jersey, the food is as fresh as the sea air. From field to fork in the time it takes for the tide to rise, it’s served just as nature intended.

Jersey’s pride and passion is its local produce including Jersey Royal potatoes, fresh fish, shellfish, and the world-famous Jersey dairy cow.

Enjoy fine dining in award-winning restaurants and hotels, such as Longueville Manor, Atlantic Hotel, Bohemia, Samphire; bistros set around pretty harbors and bays, such as The Anchor Club, Old Court House, Oyster Box, Mark Jordan; or enjoy dining in the bustling capital at La Capannina, La Taverne, Quayside, and Sirocco. There is also a range of food reflecting the communities who have settled in Jersey over decades, such as Italian, Portuguese, and French cuisine.

Our Favourite Restaurants in Jersey

Jersey Royal potatoes: In Jersey one of the largest tides in the world nourishes the land with rich marine minerals. It’s why our Jersey Royals have a unique flavor. Taste them in the only place they’re grown!

Lobster: The currents that orbit Jersey bring shellfish, crab, and lobster close to the island’s shores. So when you see lobster on a Jersey menu, you can be sure it’s locally caught.

Jersey cows: Explore Jersey’s countryside and you won’t be able to miss the iconic pretty Jersey cow. Famous for their rich, creamy milk, treat yourself to Jersey cream, locally-made cheese, milk, and ice cream.

Oysters: Discover local oysters cultivated in the oyster beds fed by the shallow waters of the bay of Grouville. You can even walk out to the oyster beds with a guide and experience the incredible tidal range of up to 13 meters twice a day.

What To Do and See in Jersey

From watersports to land sports, cliff walks or country lanes, as well as a wealth of historic attractions and bustling restaurants and bars, Jersey has plenty to occupy all ages and interests.

Try surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, summer boating, or yacht racing: The bays surrounding the island are a magnet for everyone all year round.

Five golf clubs, which include two members’ 18-hole links courses, are set in locations with coastal views that could distract you!

For those who enjoy horse racing, there are race meets during the summer on the northwest coast where the course overlooks the remnants of an ancient castle gateway and views to the neighboring islands. Evening racegoers will marvel at the orange sunset.

With castles and other fortifications dating back to the 13th century that defended Jersey from French invasion, plus extensive tunnels and bunkers built during the German occupation of the island in World War II, and even a neolithic tomb, there is much to learn about Jersey’s fascinating past.

Children will marvel at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which is internationally renowned for its work to protect endangered species worldwide.

Museums and Art Scene

Once the home of actress and socialite Lillie Langtry, Jersey has a thriving arts society and culture, and you can expect to hear visiting speakers and specialists on a variety of topics.

The Jersey Museum houses an art collection, and a film tells the story since man first inhabited the island 250,000 years ago. A Victorian, gaslit house stands next door, and there are treasures found and items that belonged to Lillie Langtry.

A Maritime Museum tells the story of Jersey’s rich maritime history of boatbuilding and seafaring expeditions to Newfoundland.

Mont Orgeuil a 13th-century castle on the east coast; Elizabeth Castle, where King Charles II took refuge; and Fort Regent built high above St Helier to protect Jersey from Napoleonic invasion provide fascinating historical collections and information about Jersey’s colorful history and survival.

How Many People Live in Jersey?

The population of Jersey is about 107,000. The island is divided into 12 parishes.

About one-third live in the capital, St Helier, on the south coast, where there is a bustling town comprising shops and restaurants. In recent years, to satisfy its thriving financial services sector, the town has expanded on reclaimed land and now incorporates a financial center of modern, well-equipped offices where banks, legal and financial services operate.

The main other concentrated areas of population are in St Brelade on the southwest, St Saviour towards the east of town, and St Clement in the southeast.

In the remaining parishes, there are clusters of villages, and across the countryside can be found beautiful farmhouses.

Being an island, people can choose between living inland or on the coast, and the island boasts many beautiful bays and cliffs where properties can enjoy fantastic views and a changing seascape as a result of the extensive tidal range of up to 13 meters twice a day.

What Languages Are Spoken in Jersey?

Jersey used to be part of the Duchy of Normandy before William the Conqueror invaded England and a French dialect was the spoken language. Since Victorian times, English has become the main language; however, a few thousand people can speak a French dialect which is called Jèrriais, and it continues to be taught in schools and to anyone who is interested.

There is also a small community of people largely from Madeira and Poland who have settled in the island over recent decades and who undertake a variety of roles in business and the community.

What Is the Currency in Jersey?

The British pound is the currency of Jersey.

Jersey is in currency union with the United Kingdom, and the Jersey pound is not a separate currency but is an issue of banknotes and coins by the Government of Jersey denominated in pound sterling, in a similar way to the banknotes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Jersey still prints a £1 note!

*This article is not intended for tax or legal purposes. Please consult with your own legal and tax advisers for assessment of the tax consequences for your particular circumstances.

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