Locate Guernsey is a government agency providing free and impartial advice to businesses and individuals looking to move to Guernsey. Established in 2015, the agency acts as a single point of contact within government, offering guidance on many aspects of island life to help prospective residents and businesses make informed decisions about establishing themselves on the island
Staffed by a small team who have significant private and public sector experience, Locate Guernsey is passionate about Guernsey and always on hand to support clients throughout their relocation journey.
The team is acutely aware that wealthy individuals and businesses have a choice of jurisdictions to consider. They work hard to ensure clients have access to the most up to date and relevant information about Guernsey to guide them through the decision-making process and ensure they are welcomed warmly into the community.
Locate Guernsey’s support can start at any point during the relocation process, from initial questions about the suitability of the island, the follow-up stage of further exploration and additional fact-finding, right through to the settling-in period, supporting new arrivals to build their own personal and professional networks.
The team has immediate access to a wealth of information and contacts, and its confidential service is always tailored to meet the client’s specific requirements.
Locate Guernsey frequently provides guidance to individuals and businesses on:
• Living in the open market
• Registering for online services such as tax and social security
• Education, sport, clubs and social organisations
• Practicalities including driving licences, vehicle importation and pets
• Healthcare and insurance
• Population management formalities, such as information regarding employment permits
• Immigration matters
• Liaison with other government areas – for example, planning and the Digital Greenhouse
• Introductions to senior civil servants and politicians
• Introductions to social and business groups and societies
There are many compelling reasons why Guernsey has become a destination of choice for high-net-worth individuals as well as for business relocation.
As a Dependency of the British Crown, Guernsey relies on the UK for matters of defence and foreign affairs but is otherwise independently governed – our local politicians are elected by means of a democratic election process. The island is politically and economically stable and sets its own laws and rates of tax.
In addition to there being no minimum revenue levels or annual tax requirements to gain residency, residents do not pay inheritance tax, capital gains tax or wealth tax. Income tax is levied at a ?at rate of 20% with attractive tax caps available.
Guernsey offers a family-orientated, friendly, safe and secure community with high standards of healthcare and education.
Part of the role of Locate Guernsey is to convey these positives and many others such as the island’s stability, safety, sense of community, and of course its evident beauty to individuals who might be contemplating a move to a place where life is more enjoyable.
A key advantage of island life is a typical commute of 20 minutes, enabling a fantastic work-life balance. You can be at home with your family or out in the fresh air moments after leaving the office.
Warmer temperatures than mainland UK and 29 miles of impressive and varied coastline also supply an abundance of new adventures. Take to the sea to try your hand at paddle boarding, surfing, diving, sailing or coasteering.
Hit the beach and relax on golden sands or dine on fresh local cuisine at one of more than 100 enticing restaurants.
Find out more
Guernsey is enhanced by the arrival of newcomers and on the States of Guernsey’s behalf, Locate Guernsey seeks to underline this by providing a single point of contact with practical help and guidance where it is needed. The team can be contacted on enquiries@locateguernsey.com or 01481 220011. For further information, please visit www.locateguernsey.com.
• This advertising feature was first published in the City Edition of Businesslife magazine in August 2022
At a glance
• No application process for new residents, no minimum tax take and no minimum spend when purchasing a property.
• The simple fact of living in an Open Market Part A property allows people to live in Guernsey indefinitely if they wish to, to work for any employer, to set up or run a business or to simply live off savings.
• Locate Guernsey also assists with corporate relocation in the vein of a conventional inward investment team. Guernsey has a zero rate of corporation tax for the majority of businesses, an exceptional professional services community, excellent connectivity and a pro-business government. The local finance industry prides itself on its reputation for innovation and a high standard of regulation. A wide breadth of services are offered – investment funds, trust and fiduciary, banking and insurance are all significant sectors, well supported by more than 150 Guernsey-qualified lawyers and more than 500 qualified accountants.
• Guernsey’s small size (65km2) is viewed as a major advantage by those doing business there. All of the agencies, regulators, businesses and government departments are only ever a short stroll away, which makes it fast and simple to discuss new initiatives and proposals. Of course, Guernsey’s proximity to the UK, with frequent and quick flights is also a very helpful factor, making same-day return business travel to London easy when needed.
• More and more relocators are discovering all that Guernsey offers. The island embraces a life that is more than just work; one that restores balance to your lifestyle. A natural environment that helps you reconnect with the good things in life and a hub that enables businesses to flourish. It’s clear that more of us than ever are striving to find that elusive work-life balance and sense of wellbeing. In Guernsey, enjoying a successful career or fulfilling an entrepreneurial dream doesn’t have to mean sacrificing family time or compromising on the good things in life. Indeed, it provides a home that truly offers perfect equilibrium.
Relocate with ease
Personal relocation to the island is refreshingly straightforward due to Guernsey’s two-tier property market. Whilst its Local Market is essentially reserved for those with familial connections to the island or those holding employment permits, the Open Market provides an easy route to residency. Holders of UK passports or those with right of abode in the UK can become resident in Guernsey simply by purchasing or renting a property in Part A of Guernsey’s Open Market. For non-UK passport holders, visa options are also available - Locate Guernsey can provide more information about these.