Expats from other countries will require a visa in spite of the reason to stay in Channel Island. The Channel Islands visa requirements will be the same as the UK requirements and expats can visit the UK visas website to find out if a visa is needed. A visa must be applied for before travelling and it should be applied via the British Diplomatic Post in the country that you reside in.
There are other requirements expats may need to meet in certain categories to gain entry to the Island. Some of the categories include:
- General visitor
- Visitor for the purpose of marriage/civil partnership
- Business visitor.
General Visitor
Individuals who are a general visitor must show that they:
- Will be leaving at the end of the period of the visit as stated
- Will not be taking up any employment
- Can meet the cost of the return to their country
- Do not intend to undertake a course of study
- Are seeking entry as a general visitor for a set amount of time – not exceeding 6 months or 12 months.
- Will not be marrying or form a civil partnership
- Do not plan to receive private medical treatment during visit
Business Visitor
A business visitor is able to live and work abroad with no intention of transferring to the Channel Islands permanently or for a short period of time.
Marriage/ Civil Partnership
Expats must meet requirements for entry as general visitor, but those wanting to marry or enter a civil partnership will need to show:
- A valid visa for entry
- The notice of marriage/civil partnership within the entry period
- Evidence of the arrangements for the notice of marriage or civil partnership ceremony which will be taking place.
Individuals who have come to the Channel Islands and want to extend their stay can get permission if they have temporary permission to stay. Those who are in the Channel Islands as a visitor cannot extend their stay for more than six months.
There are Jersey immigration rules which are set up and individuals must meet in order to apply for an extension.
Permission to stay in Jersey will not be needed if you are:
- A British Citizen
- A Swiss national
- National of a member state of the EU/EEA
- Overseas national with no restriction attached to their stay.
Work Permits
Work permits are considered for those who are working as
- Entertainers
- Healthcare professionals
- Finance and Legal professionals
- Digital sectors
Individuals who have secured jobs in the Channel Islands4 will need a work permit. This should be applied for by your employer before arrival. Guidelines will need to be followed and if the employer’s application for the work permit is successful a visa may also be required.
Expats who are a commonwealth citizen going to the Channel Islands for a working holiday will not need a work permit but you will need to get entry clearance before arriving. If you have the relevant skills, you are welcome to look for work in the Channel Islands.
It may take up to three weeks to process a work permit application, the employer must allow enough time for this to be issued before travelling to the Islands.