Guernsey

Information for individuals wishing to relocate to the Island of Guernsey

British Citizens and European Union Nationals
Because of the island’s size, there are strict controls regarding who may occupy dwellings. In recent years a number of measures have been taken, including the introduction of legislation to control the occupation of homes by individuals without Guernsey residential qualifications. This Housing Control legislation allows the Housing Authority to grant housing licences to people brought to the island to fill positions which the Authority considers to be essential to the well-being of the community.

These housing licences enable people to occupy the less expensive types of dwelling in Guernsey - commonly known as ’local market’.

For those to whom the Housing Authority cannot justify the release of a housing licence, there are approximately 1,600 of the 22,000 dwellings in Guernsey which are freely available for purchase and occupation. These ’open market’ homes are generally larger houses at relatively high cost.

Housing Control Laws
The Housing Control Law provides that individuals who are not locally qualified residents generally require a housing licence to occupy any homes in Guernsey unless the property is a private open market house or flat.

Essential Licences
The law contains provisions for the granting of licences to individuals whose employment is considered by the authority to be essential to the needs of the community. These essential licences are sought by the employer and are tied to a specific post.

It is the States policy that such licences are usually only available for a fixed period such as three or five years and very rarely renewable for the individual. In exceptional cases, the Authority may feel that the granting of a permanent (i.e.15-year) licence is justified. Holders (and their spouses and children) of permanent (15-year) licences tied to employment stand to gain local residential qualifications if the 15-year period is completed.

Right to Work Law
There is a ’Right to Work’ law in force in Guernsey. This means that if a person wants to take up employment, self-employment or to change jobs in Guernsey, he/she must have a valid Right to Work document issued by the Housing Authority confirming that he/she is lawfully housed.