Entry into Jersey – immigration and visas

Other passports holder should check with the British Embassy or High Commission where they live to determine whether they will need to obtain a visa or entry clearance prior to arriving in Jersey.

There are no travel restrictions into Jersey for those that hold either British passports or are from any member states within the European Union.

Other passports holder should check with the British Embassy or High Commission where they live to determine whether they will need to obtain a visa or entry clearance prior to arriving in Jersey.

So who is required to have work permit to work in Jersey?

Work permits are not required if you are a British Citizen or a national of a Member State of the European Economic Area.

Most overseas nationals however, who are coming to work in Jersey will require work permits.  But some persons may be exempt from the requirement for a work permit; for example a Commonwealth Citizen coming on a Working Holiday or having a U.K. born grandparent.  In these and other exempt cases an entry clearance must be obtained before arriving in Jersey. If you think you may be exempt, please contact the Customs & Immigration Service on T: 00 44 (0)1534 448000 or E: customs@gov.je

What are the requirements for the issue of a Jersey work permit?

Your application for a work permit must be submitted to the Customs & Immigration Service by the person or company wishing to employ you.

The Home Affairs Committee in Jersey, which administers the issue of permits, is required to consider the following before issuing a permit:

• the extent to which the vacancy exists
• the manner in which and the extent to which the vacancy has been advertised, and the period for which the vacancy has been advertised
• the availability of persons not requiring a work permit who have a level of experience or training adequate for the vacancy
• the wages and conditions of service offered for the vacancy, and the wages and conditions of service applicable to the majority of persons similarly employed in the Island and
• the economic situation of the Island.

The Home Affairs Committee may also have regard to:

• the work experience and character of the prospective employee
• any provision made by the employer for housing the employee.

How long  is a work permit valid for?

For seasonal or part time work, 9 months is the maximum duration, in any other case a permit will not exceed three years. In exceptional cases the Committee may authorise a period of employment not exceeding five years.

General provisions regarding the issue of work permits:

• If you are an overseas national you must have your work permit in your possession for presentation to the Immigration Officer at the British port of arrival
• You must take up your employment within two months of the date of issue. As after that date the permit will cease to be valid for entry
• You will be restricted to the type and duration of employment specified on the permit
• If you are a visa national, you will be required to have a visa, as well as, a work permit to enter Jersey for employment.

Visa Approval

The Customs & Immigration Service in Jersey maintains the same standards of immigration control as the United Kingdom.

If you are a visa national, we will need to obtain a visa prior to travelling to the United Kingdom or Channel Islands. 

Please contact the Customs & Immigration Service in Jersey, who will be able to inform you, as to where you will need to apply for your visa, depending on your country of origin.
 T: 00 44 (0)1534 448000 or E: customs@gov.je

For further information, please visit the Customs and Immigration pages on the States of Jersey website: 
www.customs.gst.gov.je

In addition, for information regarding how to move to Jersey with your vehicle/registering etc, please click on the link below:
www.gov.je/LifeEvents/MovingToJersey/Pages/index.aspx