Your first month in Guernsey: 10 essential steps to settle in smoothly
Your first month in Guernsey is a key time to settle into your new home, complete important admin tasks, and start building your island life.
Whether you’ve moved for work, lifestyle, or family, Guernsey offers a welcoming community and a straightforward relocation process.
To help you get started, here are 10 essential things to do after relocating to Guernsey.
1. Get to know your local area
Exploring your neighbourhood is a great way to feel at home. Find your new favourite:
- Coffee shop
- Pub
- Takeaway
Guernsey is compact, so everything is within easy reach. Chatting with locals can lead to great recommendations and help you settle in faster.
Explore restaurants, bars & cafés in Guernsey
2. Register with the authorities
Now that you've arrived, you’ll have already registered with Population Management for your Permit/Certificate, but you will also need to register with Revenue Services for both income tax and social security. Further information about registering can be found on the practicalities of relocating to Guernsey.
Once registered, you will receive your income tax and social security number (GY number). Locate Guernsey can assist with any questions about tax and social security in Guernsey.
3. Register with a GP
With your social security number, you can register with one of Guernsey’s three GP practices:
There is no requirement to take out medical insurance in Guernsey, but some individuals decide to take out 'top-up' medical insurance to cover themselves for the patient-paid elements (called Primary Care) of our healthcare system (GP, A&E, Ambulance), while others may hold full private medical insurance.
Locate Guernsey can assist with any questions you may have about health insurance.
Learn more about healthcare in Guernsey
4. Update your address
Notify your bank and credit card providers of your new address. You may also want to open a Guernsey bank account for easier local transactions and to have a point of contact on island. Locate Guernsey can provide a list of on-island banking contacts.
5. Get a Guernsey SIM card
Switching to a Guernsey mobile provider offers local rates and support. Providers include:
Note: You can’t port your UK number, but eSIMs may be an option.
6. Connect your utilities
Set up your utilities with Guernsey's providers:
- Water: Guernsey Water
- Electricity: Guernsey Electricity.
- Gas: Guernsey Energy (LPG outside of St Peter Port)
- Oil heating: It's advisable to check who the previous supplier was, but compare providers. Locate Guernsey can provide you with a list of oil suppliers.
- Sewage: Wastewater services if your property is not on mains drains
7. Set up your TV Licence
If you watch live TV r BBC iPlayer, you’ll need a UK TV licence. You can update your address or apply for a new licence online.
8. Re-register your vehicle
If you’ve brought a vehicle to Guernsey, re-register it within two weeks of arrival. You’ll also need local car insurance, which is often more affordable than UK policies.
Learn more about buying & Selling a vehicle in Guernsey
9. Exchange your driving licence
Exchange your existing licence for a Guernsey driving licence within 12 months of arrival. Failing to do so may require retaking your driving test.
Check eligibility and process for licence exchange
10. Get involved and enjoy island life!
It is important to take time to settle in and establish your network. Embracing a new hobby or joining a social group can be a quick and easy way to get to know the island and make new friends.
For entrepreneurs and business owners, joining a local business groups can help you make valuable professional contacts:
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
