Moving To Channel Islands From The UK

Moving to the Channel Islands

If you are moving to the Channel Islands, whether to the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Bailiwick of Jersey, Britannia Movers International has the resources and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to the Channel Islands The Channel Islands, although part of the British Isles, are not part of the UK and have a special status. Consequently, moves to this area are not subject to UK VAT. There are no restrictions on items that can be imported other than endangered species or part thereof, weapons & firearms, prohibited literature. Duty will be charged on alcohol and tobacco. No specific documentation will be required. A full detailed inventory and a customs declaration (if you’re moving to Jersey) will be required, which we will supply and arrange for you to complete prior to import of your effects will be required.
	Channel Islands Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Transit Times to the Channel Islands Part load and full container consignments usually take on average 8–10 days once received at one of our many depots in the UK. There is typically a twice weekly sailing to the Channel Islands.
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to the Channel Islands All shared load consignments will be bar-coded before they are loaded into the vehicle. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to the Channel Islands with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Importing Motor Vehicles to the Channel Islands Britannia can arrange to ship your motor vehicle in a 20ft container if required. Vehicles can also be taken across on most of the passenger ferries.
	Channel Islands Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International Payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts You can find out more info on the IFX website.

Moving to the Channel Islands with Britannia

Your Move to the Channel Islands with Britannia – Britannia can offer you a door-to-door service to the Channel Islands, and can either ship your effects by shared load (groupage) or by full container load. Our agents in Jersey and Guernsey will arrange to collect the effects from the docks, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on the day of delivery. If you are returning from the Channel Islands, we can offer a full door to door service to your new home in the United Kingdom, Europe or Overseas.

Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional removal services when moving to the Channel Islands. We are authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, can arrange storage prior to delivery, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to the Channel Islands, you can request a quote and read more about our international removals.

Living in the Channel Islands

If you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes, sea views, a more relaxed pace of life, and mostly rural surroundings, the Channel Islands could be your perfect destination. While not part of the UK, the Channel Islands are British Crown Dependencies, and although the islands can boast a distinct culture, British influence is not negligible.

Located in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy, the Channel Islands are an archipelago, with two separate self-governing bailiwicks, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and have a total population of 158,000. Some of the bigger inhabited islands include Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, and all offer unique experiences. Jersey is the largest island, where you can live a cosmopolitan lifestyle, will find unspoiled landscapes, and a unique blend of French and British cultures. Guernsey offers a more rural lifestyle, and its capital is a busy harbour town with impressive architecture. Alderney is the third largest island, with a varied history and culture, rich flora and fauna, stunning beaches and a distinctly 1950s feel according to many of its inhabitants.

The Channel Islands offer a unique and attractive destination for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of large cities. While their economy is smaller and traditionally centred around agriculture and tourism, the islands also present significant opportunities in the thriving finance sector, with many international financial institutions based in the region. The Channel Islands’ status as a tax haven is a draw for many, offering benefits such as no VAT, a favourable 20% income tax rate, and no inheritance or capital gains taxes, and makes it an appealing choice for professionals looking to live and work in a more peaceful but thriving environment.

Channel Islands Immigration

UK citizens can live, work, and move to the Channel Islands without a visa or special permit. However, they may still need to comply with local residency requirements if they plan to live there long-term, such as registering with local authorities depending on the island and providing proof of employment or financial stability.

For those moving from the UK, it’s important to remember that, while residency rules are generally relaxed for UK nationals, the islands have their own separate systems for immigration and work permits, so specific guidelines may apply based on individual circumstances.

Working in the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands, consisting of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, and Alderney, offer a range of employment opportunities, particularly in industries like finance, tourism, retail, and agriculture. While the islands have a small population, their economies are robust and supported by a diverse range of sectors.

Finance and banking are the standout industries in the Channel Islands, particularly in Jersey and Guernsey, which are both known as financial hubs. There are opportunities for qualified professionals in areas like accounting, law, trust administration, and investment management. The islands host numerous international banks, asset management firms, and legal services, creating demand for skilled workers in these sectors. Insurance and reinsurance are also significant industries, with the Channel Islands being a key location for offshore insurance companies.

Another growing sector is technology, with roles in IT, software development, and cybersecurity, driven by both local innovation and international demand. Hospitality and tourism also provide many opportunities, particularly during the summer months.

The working culture in the Channel Islands is generally relaxed but professional, with a focus on achieving a balance between work and life. The working environment tends to be less formal than in larger cities, yet still maintains professionalism, especially in industries like finance and law. It’s not uncommon for colleagues to be on first-name terms, even in more corporate settings, but respect for authority and seniority remains important in many sectors.

Cost of Living in the Channel Islands

The cost of living can be high across the various Channel Islands, but salaries can also be high, and people can generally enjoy a high standard of living.

It’s worth noting that the Channel Islands have their own currency, the Channel Island Pounds (CIP) which are pegged to the British pound at a 1:1 rate. British pounds can also be used across the islands.

According to Numbeo, the cost of Living in Jersey is 29% higher than in the UK, not including rent. Rent alone is 60% higher in Jersey than in the UK. Salaries are around 9% higher.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Jersey below, along with the average price in the UK, so you can see how they compare.

Interesting Facts About the Channel Islands

• The Channel Islands are not part of the EU or the UK, but they are part of the British Isles, and the inhabitants are full British citizens. They have their own governments, laws, and systems of taxation, though they rely on the UK for defence and foreign policy.
• Agriculture is an important part of the islands’ economy, and the Channel Islands are known worldwide for locally grown flowers and the famous Jersey and Guernsey breeds of cattle.
• Sark, one of the islands has a population of 600, and is a car-free zone, where only bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles, and tractors are allowed.
• While English is the official language, the islands also have their own traditional languages: Jèrriais in Jersey and Guernésiais in Guernsey, both of which are Norman French dialects. These languages are considered endangered and are now mainly used for cultural heritage purposes.
• The islands are known for their unique flora and fauna, including the famous Jersey cow, which is renowned for its milk production. The Channel Islands are also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots, making them a great spot for birdwatching.
• The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Commonwealth to be occupied by the German Army during World War II. On the 9^th May, the islands celebrate Liberation Day to commemorate their liberation from German occupation in 1945.

Choose Britannia for Your Channel Islands Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to the Channel Islands and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.