Frequently asked questions and useful links
Your questions answered
Moving to Jersey from the UK means a whole new way of life. You’ll find there are some important differences in the way things are organised day to day. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about living and working here, as well as some useful links.
What’s the cost of living in Jersey compared to the UK?
Prices are broadly similar to those in the UK, with certain items costing more (reflecting the cost of transport to Jersey) and others costing less, because we only have a 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) against the UK’s 20% VAT. Housing and food items, though, are two areas where costs may be higher than in most parts of the UK.
What deductions will be made from my salary in Jersey?
Income tax
The standard rate of income tax in Jersey is 20% with up to an extra 1.5% for a long-term care fund.
Social Security
This is similar to UK National Insurance.
Social Security contribution levels
Registering for income tax for the first time
Paying income tax on your earnings (ITIS)
How to register with Social Security
Can I use UK currency in Jersey?
Jersey currency is slightly different to the UK. You can use UK currency in Jersey, but you can't use Jersey currency in the UK. You can find out more and see what our notes look like in our Jersey currency section.
What sort of healthcare is available and how much does it cost?
The island is justifiably proud of its excellent health service which provides a comprehensive range of sophisticated treatments locally. The island’s hospital and the health services are run by the Health and Community Services Department. Since Jersey is not part of the UK, our health services are not part of the NHS.
Hospital treatment on the island is free, as are the majority of the many clinics for outpatients, but general practitioners are private and charge for the professional services they provide. For the first six months after you arrive in Jersey, you'll have to pay the full cost if you need to visit a GP or pick up a prescription. After six months you will be able to apply for your Social Security health card. Showing this card will give you a discount on the fee at your GP's surgery for you and your dependants, and most prescriptions will be free.
Doctors (GPs), dentists and pharmacists
Doctors (GPs) fees, prescriptions and health cards
Health and wellbeing
What are my options for childcare in Jersey?
There are plenty of nurseries, registered childminders, pre-schools and nannies on the island. There are also school holiday clubs and some after-school facilities. Discover more at the link below.
In the academic year before your child starts reception class in school, he or she will be entitled to 20 hours of free nursery education every week during term time. Discover more at the link below.
Free early learning for your child
What sort of education will I be able to access for my children?
The island’s education system is just one of many reasons Jersey can be a fantastic place to bring up children. Education and standards in primary and secondary schools are excellent, delivering results are similar to the UK’s top-performing schools.
Primary education
There are 22 government-run primary schools throughout the island with compulsory education commencing during the year the child attains the age of five. 19 of these have a nursery unit.
Secondary education
There are four non-fee-paying 11-16 secondary schools and two single-sex 11-18 maintained schools, each with preparatory schools offering places for fee payers. There is also a high school, which caters for more academic pupils from the age of 14.
In addition there are a number of private schools, including two Catholic schools, which offer education at primary and secondary level.
Further and higher education
Highlands College is Jersey’s only college of Further Education / Sixth-Form College – an outstanding college for the progression, employability and citizenship of our young people.
University College Jersey (UCJ) is the Higher Education Department of Highlands College and is the leading provider of degree courses in Jersey. UCJ currently offers ten degree courses which can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis, varying from Psychology with Criminology to Business and Management. The UCJ team has been delivering degree-level education to Jersey students for more than 20 years, and the department has grown to accommodate more than 200 full-time and part-time students. Degrees are delivered in partnership with UK universities (Plymouth University and London South Bank University) and, year on year, UCJ degree students achieve academic results which far exceed the UK average.
Special needs education
There is a range of provision for children with special needs, including a purpose-built special school and specialist units within schools.
Does my spouse or partner have the right to work in Jersey?
Your husband or wife (spouse) can work in any private or public sector post in Jersey.
If you're not married and your partner wants to apply for a post that requires them to have lived in Jersey for the last five years, they must submit an application to the Population Office. They will need to provide documents to prove that you have been in a permanent relationship and living in the same household for the last three years.
Your partner will have 'registered' status, which opens up many, but not all, job vacancies on the island. Sometimes an employer will first have to demonstrate that they have been unable to secure a locally-qualified person to undertake the role.
For more information, contact the Population Office.
Jobs in Jersey
The Population Office
Can I bring a pet to Jersey?
If you’re importing an animal into Jersey, you need to contact the Government Veterinary Department. The process to import can take several weeks or even months.
You will need an import licence before arriving in Jersey, if you’re bringing a dog, cat or ferret to sell, pass on or rehome.
The animals must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and be accompanied by an original official health certificate, signed by an authorised vet. Further information can be obtained by following the link below.
How easy is it to rent or buy a place to live in Jersey?
As a licensed professional, you’ll be given ‘licensed’ status. This entitles you to rent or buy any qualified housing, provided it’s not restricted to first-time buyers. To buy a property in your own name you’ll need to get a registration card from the Customer and Local Services department, confirming your permanent licensed status.
Our Population Office can help you with any housing enquiries.
Contact the Population Office
Moving house or job (registration cards)
Renting or buying a property
List of estate agents (private rental)
Removal companies on the JT Directory website
How do I get around Jersey?
Commuting costs
You can park your car for £6.70 per day. Buses cost £2.20 for any journey, although there are discounts if you use an Avanchi bus card, which you top-up with cash. Many of our staff choose to walk or cycle.
Driving in Jersey
Any person who becomes resident in Jersey and who has a foreign driving licence is required to exchange it for a Jersey licence – this includes UK driving licences.
Bringing your car to Jersey
If you intend to live or have been living in Jersey for more than 12 months you must register your motor vehicles immediately. There is no period of grace for driving in Jersey on foreign registration plates (Jersey residents cannot drive a foreign-registered vehicle in the island).
If you move to Jersey from outside the island and register the vehicle here, you may be liable for customs duty and/or Goods and Services Tax (GST). Any applications for tax relief must be made at the appropriate time.
Moving to Jersey with your motor vehicle
How good are transport connections with the UK and the rest of Europe?
You won't have any problem popping back to the UK for a weekend or even treating yourself to a weekend away. Jersey has easy access to the UK, France and other Channel Islands by sea or air.
Jersey Airport website
Condor Ferries website
What kind of lifestyle can I look forward to in Jersey?
Jersey boasts stunning scenery and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But there’s a lot more to our Island than its natural beauty. You’ll discover a host of unique attractions, great shopping, and fantastic bars and restaurants. There’s plenty to fill your days and nights, and our famously relaxed and welcoming culture makes it easy to dip your toes into all kinds of activities. Discover more at the links below.
Visit Jersey Website
Visit Jersey Facebook
Jersey Tourism website
Jersey Heritage website
The National Trust for Jersey website
Jersey Opera House website
Events in Jersey
Sports facilities
If you love sports, especially watersports, you'll love Jersey. We have great indoor sporting facilities and a wide range of outdoor sports clubs for you to choose from including:
- surfing
- kayaking
- tennis
- sailing
- horse-riding
- martial arts
- yoga
- and much more