5 Practical tips to make your move to Guernsey easier
Relocating to Guernsey is an exciting opportunity -whether you're drawn by the lifestyle, business prospects, or the island’s natural beauty.
For families, it offers excellent schools, a safe environment, and a strong sense of community, but like any move, it comes with some logistics to manage. Here are five ways to make your transition to living in Guernsey a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
1. Get the timing right
Choosing the right time to move can make a big difference.
- Families often aim to relocate during school holidays to give children time to settle before the new academic year in Guernsey schools
- Others may time their move based on tax planning or work commitments
Fixing a relocation date early helps with everything from booking movers to securing accommodation and school places.
2. Fill in the paperwork
Moving to Guernsey involves a few important administrative steps:
- Register with:
- Tax Office
- Social Security
- Population Management
Locate Guernsey offers free guidance and checklists to help you stay on track. Getting this admin sorted early will save you time and stress later, especially when relocating with children.
3. Figure out the finances
Guernsey has a distinct and attractive tax regime that can benefit families and professionals alike:
- Flat 20% income tax
- No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax
- Tax caps available for qualifying residents
Before you move, we recommend speaking to a Guernsey-based tax adviser to ensure your relocation is structured in the most efficient way possible. Locate Guernsey can provide you with a list of advisers.
For more information about Guernsey's unique tax regime, check out our blog:
Understanding Guernsey's tax regime
4. Find your feet
Once you arrive, take time to settle in and connect with the community.
- Join a club or hobby group
- Attend local events to meet people and explore the island - check out our page, What is there to do in Guernsey?
- Business owner or entrepreneur? Join the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce or Institute of Directors (IoD) to build your professional network. Locate Guernsey can also provide you with a list of networking groups that meet regularly
5. Driving decisions
Think about whether you’ll bring your current vehicle or buy one locally and make sure your insurance and paperwork are in order before hitting the road:
- Importing your car? You’ll need to register it with the Guernsey Vehicle Licensing Department
- Buying locally? There are plenty of dealerships and second-hand options
- Driving in Guernsey is on the left, but with narrower roads and lower speed limits. For more details about driving in Guernsey, read our blog:
Everything you need to know about driving in Guernsey
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:
