Moving to Guernsey from The UK

The second largest island in the Channel Islands, Guernsey is situated to the northwest of Jersey, close to the Normandy region of France.

If you are considering making the move from the United Kingdom to Guernsey, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Guernsey Facts:

Population: 64,421 (2023 estimate)
Official Language: English, with the traditional native language being Guernésiais
GDP Per Capita: £52,761 (2022 estimate)
Random Fact: Guernsey is home to one of the oldest post boxes in the British Isles. Dating back to 1852, the last remaining red post box on the island is located on Union Street.
Currency: Pound sterling (£) but with Guernsey-specific notes and coins. As of 2024, £1 = $1.30, €1 = £1.19, $1 CAD = $1.78, $1 AUD = $1.93

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Guernsey from the UK

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest cities in the UK and around the world and shipping it to Guernsey:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Birmingham	£900 - £1,000	£1,600 - £1,700
Bristol	£950 - £1,050	£1,700 - £1,800
Glasgow	£1,000 - £1,100	£1,800 - £1,900
Leeds	£980 - £1,080	£1,750 - £1,850
Liverpool	£970 - £1,070	£1,730 - £1,830
London	£1,100 - £1,200	£1,900 - £2,000
Manchester	£960 - £1,060	£1,720 - £1,820
Newcastle	£940 - £1,040	£1,680 - £1,780
Sheffield	£930 - £1,030	£1,660 - £1,760
Southampton	£920 - £1,020	£1,640 - £1,740

All figures are in GBP;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Guernsey from the United Kingdom?

It’s a relatively short flight to Guernsey from the United Kingdom, with a non-stop, direct service which helps to streamline your moving process. Let’s take a look at some common flight paths and their associated times:

London Heathrow to Guernsey – 1 hour, 14 minutes – £140
London Gatwick to Guernsey – 1 hour, 15 minutes – £110
Edinburgh to Guernsey – 2 hours, 16 minutes – £140

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Guernsey from the UK

It’s a simple move to Guernsey from the UK as UK citizens can move to the Channel Islands freely as the islands are British Crown Dependencies, giving you the right to live in Guernsey if you already have the right to live in the UK.

You will need a Resident Certificate or Employment Permit (right to work) while staying on the island if moving for the first time or after a substantial absence, according to Gov.gg. You will also need to register with Social Security and Income Tax.

As we’ll cover in later sections, there is no NHS equivalent, so most healthcare will need to be paid for.

4. Visa Requirements to Guernsey from the UK

All you need to enter Guernsey as a UK resident is a valid UK passport. If you are a UK citizen with the right to live in the UK, you do not need anything else to enter Guernsey.

If your circumstances are different, it’s best to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances, and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Guernsey

While this article is covering Guernsey as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in Guernsey is 4.9% lower than that of the United Kingdom, with rent being around 38.7% lower.

Monthly Rental Prices in Guernsey:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: £1,200+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: £1,000+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: £2,250+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: £2,000+

Guernsey Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: £5,200+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: £3,400+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Guernsey

Guernsey is a Crown Dependency of the UK and has its own taxation system. The income tax on the island is generally lower than that of the UK, but individuals are taxed on their worldwide income subject to a few exemptions.

Companies in Guernsey are subject to corporation tax, but there is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax or capital transfer tax. As well as that, there is no Value Added Tax (VAT) in Guernsey.

There is also no property tax in Guernsey, but there is a document duty which is payable on property transactions.

It’s best to keep up-to-date with the most recent information from the Guernsey government to keep aware of any changes that may affect you and your taxation while on the island.

7. Working Rules in Guernsey

Every individual with a job in Guernsey will need a Resident Certificate Permit or an Employment Permit (right-to-work document) to legally undertake work on the island, according to Gov.gg.

Everyone who lives in Guernsey and is aged 16 and over needs a Resident Certificate Permit, which can be applied for here. Employment Permits are granted to people who offer skills that are lacking on the island, such as individuals with certain employment skills that fill gaps in employment.

These will usually be granted for fixed periods, and the Employment Permit Policies pay on the States of Guernsey’s website has a comprehensive list of trades. These include, but are not limited to:

Accountancy
Banking
Construction
Education
Health and Social Care
Transport

These permits are subject to the individual carrying out 35 hours a week for a specific employer – if this condition isn’t met, the permit will be taken away and will become invalid.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your documents ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Guernsey

As previously mentioned, there is no National Health Service (NHS) in Guernsey, and as such the healthcare is provided via a payment system.

There is a Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangement (RHA) with the UK which came into effect in January 2023 which allows for ‘necessary healthcare’ to be provided to Guernsey residents visiting the UK, and vice versa.

The healthcare on the island is partly funded by Guernsey’s Employment and Social Security Committee, which sees residents pay into an income-related contribution scheme. You can also opt for private healthcare plans which can help to subsidise the costs of healthcare.

You will need to pay for the following services:

GP visits
Dentist appointments
A&E visits
Use of ambulance vehicles

Although, secondary and specialist medical care is said to be free in Guernsey.

It’s important to understand the services offered and the charges to be fully clued up in the event of you needing medical assistance while in Guernsey.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Guernsey

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to Guernsey with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

For individuals travelling from the UK to Guernsey, you will not need a pet passport – however, those travelling outside of the UK will need a pet passport.

You have a few options when it comes to actually getting your pet from A to B – you can opt for a Condor Ferry, or on an aircraft from Southampton to Guernsey and the pet must be carried by you at all times, or via The Pet Bus which operates from the UK to Guernsey which offers transport for dogs, cats and other small animals.

You can also choose a private charter flight if you’d prefer.

10. Similar Cities

When looking for places similar to Guernsey, you can draw comparisons between Jersey and the Isle of Man as they are both islands surrounding the UK. While they are not entities of the UK, they are closely associated with a constitutional relationship.

All three areas have small populations, with distinct local cultures. They have scenic landscapes and shores owing to their island formation.

Jersey, the Isle of Man and Guernsey all have their own governments and legal systems, but they all rely on the UK for matters of defence and international representation. They are all good spots to live for those wanting a taste of British culture with the unique individuality of island life.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Guernsey from the UK

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the UK to Guernsey, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from the UK to Guernsey	Disadvantages of Moving from the UK to Guernsey
Low Income Tax Rates: Guernsey has relatively low income tax rates compared to the UK, which can result in potential tax savings for residents	Limited Job Market: The job market in Guernsey may be smaller and more specialised than in larger cities in the UK, potentially limiting career opportunities, especially in specific industries
No Capital Gains Tax or Inheritance Tax: Guernsey does not impose capital gains tax or inheritance tax, providing financial benefits for individuals and families	Higher Living Costs: The cost of living in Guernsey, particularly in terms of housing and daily expenses, may be higher compared to some regions in the UK
Business-Friendly Environment: Guernsey offers a business-friendly environment with a simple tax system, making it attractive for entrepreneurs and businesses	Limited Educational Options: While there are educational facilities, the options for higher education may be more limited compared to larger cities in the UK
Scenic Environment and Quality of Life: Guernsey provides a picturesque environment with a high quality of life, offering a more relaxed lifestyle compared to larger urban areas	Geographical Limitation: Guernsey is a small island, and some individuals may feel a sense of geographical limitation, especially if they are accustomed to the larger landmass of the UK

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to check the Gov.gg website for all the information you need.