Guernsey has a friendly and welcoming community of just over 63,000 people.
The island of Guernsey is comprised of 10 parishes, each with its own unique character and charm.
There are 16 Primary Schools in Guernsey for children aged 5-11 years old.
Guernsey has two property markets, the Open and Local Market which applies to both rental and sale properties.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any particular queries or concerns, we’re happy to help and are confident you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of island life.
Locate Guernsey is on hand to provide support throughout the relocation journey.
We have put together this list of key considerations for those planning a move to the island.
Moving your belongings to the island is an key consideration. It's important to work with a reputable shipping company that understands Guernsey and the logistics of shipping goods to the island. Locate Guernsey can provide a list of suitable shippers.
You will need to declare the items you are importing to Guernsey's Customs & Excise office.
We know that some members of the family have four legs, here's what you need to know about bringing your pets to the island.
Guernsey is an unparalleled location to raise children. With a safe and friendly community that will put parents at ease, and a natural playground for children to explore - there's nothing better.
If you are moving to Guernsey from the Common Travel Area (CTA), pet cats, dogs and ferrets accompanied by their owners can be imported without a Pet Passport, except for dangerous dogs, hybrid cats, and dogs descended from endangered species.
If you are moving to Guernsey from the EU, your pet must hold a valid Pet Passport, and further information can be found on the States of Guernsey website - https://gov.gg/pettravelscheme
If you are moving to Guernsey from further afield, you would need to follow the rules for import into the UK, and further information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
There are various transport options; Condor Ferries, Aurigny, Private charter pick ups and flights. Further information can be provided by Locate Guernsey.
Guernsey provides many volunteering opportunities; from working in a charity shop to pulling sour fig plants or organising charity sports events, there's something for everyone. Many find it a great way to make new friends and give back to the community.
The charitable spirit of islanders is highlighted by the number of events organised and run by volunteers, which help make Guernsey such a great place to live and work.
If you are new to Guernsey and would like more information about settling into island life, please get in touch with the team.
Guernsey employs the UK's best practices across its network of medical centres and the Princess Elizabeth Hospital; however, the healthcare system in Guernsey is different to that of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
All Primary Care provided must be paid for, whilst some Secondary Care and Specialist services are free of charge.
Specialist (Secondary Care) services can only be accessed via a GP referral.
The following healthcare services will incur a charge; GP visits, A&E visits, ambulance use, dentists (whether in the dentist's surgery or A&E), and physiotherapy requested by the GP.
Guernsey's healthcare is partly funded by the States of Guernsey's Employment & Social Security Committee, with residents paying into an income-related contribution scheme.
Locate Guernsey can provide a list of healthcare and insurance providers, so please get in touch with the team if you want to find out more.
The new Reciprocal Health Agreement (RHA) with the UK came into force on 1st January 2023. The RHA enables residents from Guernsey and the UK to access medically necessary healthcare free of charge while visiting the other jurisdiction, but only if that treatment cannot wait until the individual returns to their home jurisdiction. To find out more and read the FAQs, please visit the States of Guernsey website - https://gov.gg/rha
If you are relocating to Guernsey permanently, you must exchange your driving licence within one year. A full driving licence issued by many countries can be exchanged for a Guernsey driving licence by the States of Guernsey Driver & Vehicle Licensing Department.
Driving licences from countries not on the list cannot be exchanged. Individuals must pass a theory and practical driving test in Guernsey before a full Guernsey driving licence can be issued.
An exchange of foreign driving licence application cannot be completed online. You must submit your application in person at our Edward T Wheadon House office or by post.
To find more information about driving licence exchanges, please visit - https://gov.gg/ExchangedrivingLicence
*Secondary and post-16 education is undergoing a period of transformation. Following the decision by the States Deliberation to end selection at age 11, since September 2019, the four mainstream Secondary schools intake is from their partner Primary feeder schools.
I always try to explain the uniqueness of Guernsey to my family and friends back in South Africa and Germany. The best way I could describe it is to imagine you work in a big city like London or Frankfurt. There is the same quality of work experience and mix of colleagues and clients, but the moment you step outside your office, you are transported to a quaint, safe and friendly town. A bustling cobblestone High Street and your home is a maximum of 15-20 minutes away in a serene seaside coastal village with the freshest sea air and the happiest squawking seagulls soaring in the sky.
