Guernsey’s Entrepreneur Visa | A Complete Guide
What is Guernsey’s Entrepreneur Visa?
Guernsey’s Entrepreneur Visa is designed for overseas entrepreneurs ready to invest at least £200,000 to either launch a new company or acquire an existing one, and actively operate it in Guernsey.
To be eligible for this visa, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:
1. You must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have a clean criminal record.
2. Beyond your business investment, you’ll need to demonstrate you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family’s living expenses while residing in Guernsey.
3. As the primary applicant, you’re expected to be hands-on! You must personally run your Guernsey-based company and maintain equity control. To show you’re truly committed to operating the business, you’ll need to demonstrate a reasonable level of English proficiency both before and after applying. Plus, you’ll be required to live in Guernsey and work full-time on your company’s affairs.
4. You’ll need to present a compelling and truthful business plan. This plan should clearly show how your company will create jobs in Guernsey and deliver economic benefits to the Bailiwick.
5. Finally, your company must be properly registered with the Guernsey Income Tax Office, and you’ll need to ensure all taxes are paid on time, every year.
How to apply for Guernsey’s Entrepreneur Visa?
The application process for the Guernsey Entrepreneur Visa can be broken down into a few straightforward steps:
Step 1: Submit Your Application:
First, you’ll need to gather all the required documents and mail your application to the Guernsey Immigration Department. It’s important to note that current law does not permit applying for an investment visa if you’ve entered Guernsey on a tourist visa.
The processing time for the entire visa typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks. Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a two-year Entrepreneur Visa upfront, without needing to make the investment immediately.
Step 2: Complete Your Investment:
After your visa is granted, you can then travel to Guernsey. Upon arrival, you’ll need to register with the Border Agency within seven days. Then, within ninety days of entering Guernsey, you must transfer your £200,000 investment into a Guernsey bank and establish your company.
If your long-term goal is to apply for permanent residency or other final statuses, you’ll need to begin residing in Guernsey for at least nine months out of each year, starting from this point.
Depenents:
With the Guernsey Entrepreneur Visa, the main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can also settle in Guernsey as dependents.
Visa Validity:
Guernsey’s Entrepreneur Visa is initially valid for two years. If your company performs well, you can then apply to extend it for an additional three years.
Holders of the Guernsey Entrepreneur Visa who are between 18 and 65 years old become eligible to apply for Guernsey Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after legally residing on the island for five years and continuing to maintain their company.
Individuals outside this age range (under 18 or over 65) can directly obtain Guernsey Permanent Residency as dependents, accompanying the main applicant.
After holding ILR for one more year, and provided you haven’t been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the past five years and no more than 90 days in the past year, you’ll be eligible to apply for British citizenship. This also requires passing a language test and a citizenship test covering general knowledge about the UK and Guernsey.
Useful Links:
Guernsey’s Entrepperneur Visa: https://www.locateguernsey.com/relocating/entrepreneurvisa/