Guernsey has a friendly and welcoming community of just over 63,000 people.
The island of Guernsey is comprised of 10 parishes, each with its own unique character and charm.
There are 16 Primary Schools in Guernsey for children aged 5-11 years old.
Guernsey has two property markets, the Open and Local Market which applies to both rental and sale properties.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any particular queries or concerns, we’re happy to help and are confident you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of island life.
Locate Guernsey is on hand to provide support throughout the relocation journey.
We have put together this list of key considerations for those planning a move to the island.
Moving your belongings to the island is an key consideration. It's important to work with a reputable shipping company that understands Guernsey and the logistics of shipping goods to the island. Locate Guernsey can provide a list of suitable shippers.
You will need to declare the items you are importing to Guernsey's Customs & Excise office.
We know that some members of the family have four legs, here's what you need to know about bringing your pets to the island.
Guernsey is an unparalleled location to raise children. With a safe and friendly community that will put parents at ease, and a natural playground for children to explore - there's nothing better.
Subject to Immigration clearance, the householder of an Open Market Part A home is able to accommodate both their immediate and extended family.
A Local Market householder is able to accommodate their immediate family only.
If you are moving to Guernsey having qualified for immigration clearance, you are able to apply for your spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18, to live in Guernsey with you under your immigration clearance. Please however note that should you wish for any other members of your family to move to the island to live with you, unless they are British Citizens or Irish passport holders, they will require immigration clearance in their own right to live in Guernsey.
Guernsey employs the UK's best practices across its network of medical centres and the Princess Elizabeth Hospital; however, the healthcare system in Guernsey is different to that of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
All Primary Care provided must be paid for, whilst some Secondary Care and Specialist services are free of charge.
Specialist (Secondary Care) services can only be accessed via a GP referral.
The following healthcare services will incur a charge; GP visits, A&E visits, ambulance use, dentists (whether in the dentist's surgery or A&E), and physiotherapy requested by the GP.
Guernsey's healthcare is partly funded by the States of Guernsey's Employment & Social Security Committee, with residents paying into an income-related contribution scheme.
Locate Guernsey can provide a list of healthcare and insurance providers, so please get in touch with the team if you want to find out more.
The new Reciprocal Health Agreement (RHA) with the UK came into force on 1st January 2023. The RHA enables residents from Guernsey and the UK to access medically necessary healthcare free of charge while visiting the other jurisdiction, but only if that treatment cannot wait until the individual returns to their home jurisdiction. To find out more and read the FAQs, please visit the States of Guernsey website - https://gov.gg/rha
If you are relocating to Guernsey permanently, you must exchange your driving licence within one year. A full driving licence issued by many countries can be exchanged for a Guernsey driving licence by the States of Guernsey Driver & Vehicle Licensing Department.
Driving licences from countries not on the list cannot be exchanged. Individuals must pass a theory and practical driving test in Guernsey before a full Guernsey driving licence can be issued.
An exchange of foreign driving licence application cannot be completed online. You must submit your application in person at our Edward T Wheadon House office or by post.
To find more information about driving licence exchanges, please visit - https://gov.gg/ExchangedrivingLicence
Guernsey provides many volunteering opportunities; from working in a charity shop to pulling sour fig plants or organising charity sports events, there's something for everyone. Many find it a great way to make new friends and give back to the community.
The charitable spirit of islanders is highlighted by the number of events organised and run by volunteers, which help make Guernsey such a great place to live and work.
If you are new to Guernsey and would like more information about settling into island life, please get in touch with the team.
*Secondary and post-16 education is undergoing a period of transformation. Following the decision by the States Deliberation to end selection at age 11, since September 2019, the four mainstream Secondary schools intake is from their partner Primary feeder schools.
“Whilst the principal motive for moving was to be closer to my father, we have found that we are really enjoying island life – even more than we expected to. It is a very welcoming and friendly place to live and we aren’t sure why we didn’t think about doing it earlier.”
“Living in Guernsey has improved our work/life balance by far. Because everything is on your doorstep or a very short drive away, you can get so much done in a short space of time instead of wasting time in the car. I can walk the dogs, go for swim and do a food shop all before starting on the emails! Being able to walk by the sea really sets you up for the day.”
“There were a few reasons why we chose Guernsey over other jurisdictions; the lifestyle and cultural values we read about prior to moving here were a definite draw; the more temperate climate was also an advantage; the tax situation here meant our financial plans for retirement became more attractive and that was a very significant advantage; functioning Public Services was also a bonus – Guernsey isn’t perfect, but generally things work pretty well, and that makes life easier and less stressful.”
"I moved to Guernsey in 2021 to join family who were already here and have become part of a much bigger community since I arrived. The career opportunities are varied and interesting and the ability to get involved in just about any activity you can think of, unsurpassed!
Seeing the sea every day brings me joy and my dogs love running in the sand. My young nieces are growing up in a warm, friendly, and safe community with stunning scenery.
The team at Locate Guernsey are friendly, approachable, and full of useful advice for making the move, they helped me get started finding a home, making business contacts and understanding the practical aspects of the move."
“From our previous visit we were aware of some of Guernsey's quirks; the extremely narrow roads, the unreliability of inter-island transport at certain times of the year, the higher cost of living etc. What we weren't expecting were the many hidden delights one finds on such a small island. Substantial retail shops tucked away in obscure country lanes, interesting and unusual local businesses, restaurants in unexpected and out-of-the-way places. We keep discovering such things.”
