Region Profile:

The Jersey region, consisting of Jersey Island along with two adjacent uninhabited island groups, is located in the English Channel near the French coast. This region is under the direct governance of the British Royal Family, and while it is internationally acknowledged as a British territory, it is not legally part of the United Kingdom.

Situated just 23 kilometers from France, Jersey Island boasts a well-developed economy. The financial services sector is particularly significant, serving as the foundation of the island’s economic activities.

Capital: St Helier

Population: 103,267 (2021, 182nd)

Area: 119.6km²

Offical Language: English

Currency: Jersey Pound （equal to Pound, as of Apr 19, 2024, 1 Pound = 1.24 USD）

GDP per Captial: £45,783 (2015)

How To Become A Resident In Jersey:

As a direct jurisdiction of the British Royal Family, Jersey’s visa policies align with those of the United Kingdom.

The only visa unique to Jersey is the High Value Residency visa, which is aimed at wealthy foreigners. This visa does not require a resume or English proficiency, focusing instead on the economic capabilities of the applicant: to qualify, one must have an annual income of over £1.25 million, become a local tax resident, and purchase property on Jersey worth at least £1.75 million.

For most Jersey visas, the main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can also settle in Jersey as dependents.

After living in Jersey for five years, foreigners can apply for Jersey permanent residency; one year after obtaining permanent residency. 12 months after obtaining the permanent residence card, which is the 6th year, they can apply for the British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC).

High Value Residency Program:

Who is eligible for a Jersey high value residency visa?

Jersey offers a High Value Residency Program for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Applicants must demonstrate their capability to pay annual tax of 250,000 pounds (Jersey does not have inheritance tax, corporate tax, estate tax, capital gains tax, and taxes the first 1.25 million pounds of global income of tax residents at 20%. This implies that the applicant must have an annual income exceeding 1,250,000 pounds) and have personal assets totaling more than 10 million pounds. Additionally, within two years of obtaining the visa, the applicant must purchase an apartment worth no less than 1.75 million pounds or a house worth no less than 3.5 million pounds.

Financial background is not the sole determinant. The Jersey government will also examine the applicant’s situation in terms of business contributions, the degree of community integration, diversity, and other aspects before making a decision.

The applicant should demonstrate there will be an identifiable and measureable benefit to Jersey. This might include one, or a combination, of the following:

• the creation of employment opportunities.

• the use of local professional advisors

• the investment of funds locally

• the management of their wealth or business activities from Jersey

• the relocation of a business to Jersey

The extent to which the applicant needs to demonstrate more than one of the above will depend on the economic contribution of each of the above. 

Consideration of each case would take account of the inward investment criteria established for high value business.

How to apply for Jersey high value residency visa?

To apply for Jersey’s High Value Residency visa, applicants must first submit their application from abroad. Upon approval, they can then enter Jersey, purchase property, and obtain a residency card.

Required documents include: a handwritten application letter, the main applicant’s business resume, financial status report, global income report; two recommendation letters from valuable referees; two recommendation letters from reputable companies; a photocopy of the passport; proof of relationship between the main and secondary applicants.

The visa processing period is two weeks, and the visa fee is 5,000 pounds per person for both the main and secondary applicants.

How long can I stay in Jersey with a high value residency visa?

The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed indefinitely.

Every year, the government will check the applicant’s situation in terms of business contributions, the degree of community integration, diversity, and other aspects before making a decision.

After living locally for 5 years, foreigners can apply for a permanent residence card; 12 months after obtaining the permanent residence card, which is the 6th year, they can apply for the British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) passport.

Useful Links:

Locate Jersey：https://www.locatejersey.com/

Jersey High Value Residency: https://www.gov.je/Home/RentingBuying/HousingLaws/pages/highvalueresidency.aspx