Lots of people choose to relocate to the Channel Isles every year. There are many reasons why it could be a great choice for you too!
Seeking a Balanced Lifestyle
Jersey offers an easy commute to work. Many Islanders choose to walk, cycle or catch the bus to work and for those that choose to drive, St Helier has several long stay car parks.
The main shopping and commerce centre is in the capital St Helier. Jersey residents are not charged 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services; however items do have Jersey’s own Goods and Services Tax (GST) charged at 5%.
There are over 40 departure points to Jersey across the British Isles and 12 flights a day to and from London airports. There are also daily flights from Jersey to various destinations in Europe.
You can get to Jersey by boat from the UK (Poole or Portsmouth) and France. The main ferry operator in the Islands is with Condor Ferries.
Excursions with other operators are available to smaller ports, such as Dielette, Carteret and Granville. You can also travel to the other Channel Islands of Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney.
The weather and climate
Jersey is located closer to France than the UK and enjoys a pleasant temperature range. In the summer months, temperatures average around 20 to 21°C however, temperatures have reached over 30°C. In the winter months, average temperatures are around 7°C.
Family Life
Jersey’s education system consists of nurseries, pre-schools and compulsory primary school from age 5 until 11 and secondary school until 16. Jersey has 22 non-fee-paying government primary schools and 5 non-fee-paying government secondary schools.
There are three types of schooling systems in Jersey:
- non-fee-paying government schools
- fee-paying government schools (part government-funded)
- private fee-paying schools
Children start school in the September of the school year that they are five.
Jersey has a wealth of family restaurants from beach-side cafes to friendly local pubs. Each one providing a great welcome to all and a real flavour of Jersey local produce. Many places cater for children and babies. There are a range of options available in Jersey when it comes to childcare. Find out information on childcare.
It is not compulsory for children under 5 to be in nursery or childcare. Find out how to register your interest for a school nursery place. Places are allocated based on the date that you register so the earlier you apply the more chance you have of getting a place.
Housing and Accommodation
Where you can live mainly depends on your residential and employment status but also depends on your budget, lifestyle and circumstances. You can search for houses for sale in Jersey first.
Whilst Jersey is a desirable place to live, the cost of accommodation can be higher compared to other countries. This is due to limited space and rising house prices.
Most people moving to Jersey for the first time won’t be able to buy a property. You can only buy a property in Jersey if your residential and employment status is ‘Entitled’ (you’ve lived in Jersey for a continuous period of at least 10 years and have not left for more than a total of 5 years) or ‘Licensed’ (you are an approved essential employee in the island).