WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN JERSEY?

If you’re planning a career move which involves relocating to Jersey, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the island’s specific regulations surrounding residency — and the right to work in Jersey. Although Jersey is a Crown Dependency and part of the British Isles, it is a fully autonomous and self-governing jurisdiction, with its own immigration and employment laws, which differ from those of the U.K.

RESIDENTIAL AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS

The foundation of Jersey’s employment system is the concept of residential and employment status. Every resident of the island is assigned one of four possible statuses, and this determines their rights in terms of who they can work for, their ability to own property or businesses and their right to reside in the country. These statuses are:

“ENTITLED”

This status applies to individuals who were born in Jersey, or who have lived in the country for a combined total of 10 years — as well as individuals who meet specific criteria based on their age or parental status. Individuals with this status enjoy unrestricted work and property rights.

“ENTITLED FOR WORK”

This status is available to individuals who have lived in Jersey continuously for five years — or who are married to (or in a civil partnership with) an individual holding Entitled, Licensed, or Entitled for Work status. Individuals with this status also have unrestricted work rights, but are not automatically granted full access to the property market.

“LICENSED”

This status is available to individuals who have specialist skills which are not available in the local talent pool, classed as “essential employees”. Individuals applying for this status require sponsorship from an employer, who must be able to demonstrate that the relevant position cannot be filled locally, as well as secure a work permit to employ the licensed individual.  

“REGISTERED”

Individuals not holding one of the above statuses are classed as “Registered”, — which means employers wishing to hire them must hold a specific license. Restrictions on housing mean they can only rent property designated for individuals with “Registered” status. After 5 consecutive years of residence in Jersey, these individuals can gain “Entitled for work” status. 

REGISTRATION CARDS

Jersey uses registration cards to document individuals’ residential and employment status. Upon starting work with a new employer, you will be obliged to present your registration card, so it’s important to apply for this in good time. If you already have a Jersey social security number and digital ID, this process can be completed online via the Jersey government website. If not, you’ll need to register with the Employment, Social Security and Housing department to apply for your registration card.

WORK PERMITS

Citizens of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man — and EU citizens with settled status in one of these territories — do not require work permits. All other nationalities (including EU citizens without settled status) require a work permit, which the prospective employer must apply for. Applications must be made no more than 3 months prior to the start of any employment contract. 

It’s important to note that in Jersey, work permits are specific to the named employee, employer and role, and are non-transferable, meaning a new permit must be applied for if there is a change in your role or you move between employers.

FINDING EMPLOYMENT

If you’re looking to make a move to Jersey, given the various restrictions on residency and working rights, and the need for employer sponsorship for many roles, it’s highly advisable that you secure an employment contract before relocating. 

As specialist recruiters with over a decade’s experience working with employers and candidates in Jersey, Victus Search is uniquely positioned to introduce you to niche opportunities, secure the best-fit role for your career objectives and navigate the relocation process. Whether you’re actively seeking a new position, or considering your options, you can contact one of our market experts to discuss your specific requirements in confidence.