5 Reasons how moving to Guernsey could benefit your lifestyle
Guernsey’s straightforward tax regime is an attractive option for those looking to relocate from the UK. The island offers a flat rate of 20% income tax, with attractive tax caps available, and residents are not subject to inheritance or capital gains tax.
However, while some might initially consider relocating to the island for financial reasons, the deciding factor is often the positive impact it would have on their lifestyle. As one relocator summed up their experiences, “Guernsey has so much to offer: It’s a social, beautiful and charming place to live. There are excellent restaurants, endless sandy beaches, and a real community feel.”
At Locate Guernsey, the team are responsible for promoting the island as a destination of choice for business and personal relocation and here’s our five reasons on how moving to Guernsey could benefit your lifestyle.
1. A warm welcome
Those visiting the island for the first time often remark how friendly islanders are and how welcome they are made to feel! Establishing a home in a new place can often be a daunting prospect, especially when leaving behind family and friends, but those who move to Guernsey know that they can quickly integrate into their new island community and establish a network with ease.
2. An outdoorsy lifestyle
Guernsey is known for its natural beauty, from its breath taking coastline to award-winning beaches. Islanders enjoy spending more time outdoors and subsequently live more active lives. Activities such as surfing, sailing, sea swimming, running, cycling, and rowing are all popular and a great way to appreciate all that the island has to offer.
3. Peace of mind
Crime rates in Guernsey are very low, and community safety is strong across all of the island’s parishes. This offers residents the feeling of comfort that they are safe in their new island home.
4. Good for your wellbeing
Another perk of island life is living by the sea. Not only does this allow for lunchtime dips and evenings spent down the beach, but research also suggests being near the sea has a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health. Many islanders credit their daily trips to the beach as the reason they feel calmer and can ‘reset’ after a day at work.
5. More time in the day
Living in Guernsey also gives you more time. With a typical commute of just 15 minutes, spending a day in the office doesn’t need to impact family time. Time previously spent on long commutes can now be used to rest and recharge, make new friends or appreciate a new hobby or pastime.
Could Guernsey be the ideal location for you and your family? Relocation to Guernsey can be straightforward due to the island's two-tier property market. Whilst the Local Market is reserved for those with a familial connection to the island or those holding Employment Permits, the Open Market provides a straightforward route to residency. Holders of UK passports or with the Right of Abode in the UK can simply come to Guernsey and buy or rent an Open Market home. This allows them to live in Guernsey indefinitely if they wish to, and they can work or set up a business or simply live off savings and investments. Visa routes are also available.
This article was first published in Aurigny's En Voyage magazine - Issue 40
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
