Guernsey has a two-tier property market, the Open Market and the Local Market.
In simple terms, for people wishing to live in Guernsey who do not have the right to live in a Local Market property, the Open Market is often the ‘route in’ to establishing residency.
Becoming an Open Market resident
The Open Market represents 1,600 properties on the island which are recorded in the Open Market Register.
Anyone who holds a British or Irish passport or who has the right to remain in the UK is able to become resident in Guernsey simply by purchasing or renting an Open Market (Part A – single family) home.
Residents of these properties are able to work in the island as much or as little as they wish.
They can also accommodate their immediate and extended family, who can also work if they wish to. It’s as simple as that; there are no wealth tests or governmental assessments to meet.
Once an Open Market address is identified it’s a case of making a straight forward application for an Open Market Resident Certificate via the Population Management Office. As part of the application process, a criminal record check will take place.
Relocating to Guernsey as a HNWI
A person who is not a British citizen, Irish passport holder, or does not have the right to remain in the UK, and who is moving for reasons other than to take up full time employment in Guernsey, will need to apply for immigration clearance to live in Guernsey’s Open Market. The Entrepreneur Visa can provide a route to residency for individuals in this category.
Find out more about the Entrepreneur Visa
Becoming a Local Market resident
Generally, those living in Guernsey’s Local Market will have familial connections with the island, or will be working in Guernsey as the holder of a conditional and typically time limited Employment Permit. Employment Permits can only be applied for by Guernsey employers via the Population Management Office. Employment Permits are provided for posts where there are skills and/or labour shortages on island.
These full time posts are identified within the Employment Permit Policy
Employment Permit holders who are not British citizens or Irish passport holders, nor have the right to remain in the UK or settled status through an EU Settlement Scheme, will also need to have immigration clearance applied for by their employer in addition to their Employment Permit.