The Business Licensing regime explained

Regime Overview

Non-resident individuals who wish to start a business in Jersey can apply for a Business License. As part of the process, employment licenses can be applied for to employ the business principal and other essential employees, permitting them to live and work on the island subject to the following conditions:

  • licensed employees should typically earn a minimum of £77,000.00 on which a 20% tax rate is applied; and

  • licensed employees must be filling a role that the employer can demonstrate is essential to the business and unable to be performed by an individual already entitled to live and work in Jersey.

If consents are provided, licensed employees will obtain residential and employment rights, subject to certain conditions.

Application Considerations

Applications are considered by the Government of Jersey and are also assessed on the following factors:  

  • as certain businesses attract a corporate tax rate of 0%, the personal income tax payable by the business principal and other employees will be a key factor;

  • applicants should demonstrate how the business will benefit the island, e.g. job creation, training opportunities or utilising local firms to support your businesses’ infrastructure; and

  • any perceived undesirable factors in an applicant’s background, such as a criminal record.

Successful Applications 

Successful applicants under the Business Licensing regime will be permitted to operate a business in Jersey.

If consents are provided, licensed employees will be able to:

  • buy or lease qualified residential property; or

  • be restricted to leasing only.

There is no requirement to rent or purchase a property above or below a certain value, however residential status is tied directly to the specific employment role and employer. In the event that an individual leaves the role for which the consent was granted, they will lose that status.

Once the applicant has been resident for 10 years, they will automatically become entitled to full residence and property rights in Jersey without restriction.