Work permits and the Population Management Law

Under the Population Management (Guernsey) Law 2016, everyone aged 16 or over who lives or works in Guernsey needs either a Permit or a Certificate, issued by the Population Management Office.

A Certificate is linked to your housing status and how long you have lived here. A Permit is linked to a specific job with a specific employer, or to your family relationship with someone who holds a Permit or Certificate.

Since 3 April 2023, immigration Work Permits and Population Management Employment Permits have been issued as a single combined Employment Permit. A work visa may still need to be applied for separately, usually to the UK Home Office.

Issued for up to one year, tied to one full-time job with one employer, and renewable up to a maximum of three years' total residence for permits issued after 2 April 2023.

Two restrictions matter enormously and are easy to miss. STEP holders can only live on a lodgings basis, renting a room in a property where the householder is present. And STEP holders cannot accommodate others, which means family members cannot come with you.

After the three year limit you must take a recognised break in residence at least as long as your last period of residence.

Issued for up to eight years, for roles where there is a recognised shortage of the relevant skills or qualifications both in Guernsey and the UK. Conditional on a particular job.

LTEP holders can live in Open or Local Market accommodation and can accommodate immediate family.

After eight years on an LTEP you are issued with an Established Resident Certificate, which removes the tie to a particular job. After a further six years without leaving the island, you become entitled to a Permanent Resident Certificate.

For someone who wants to live in Guernsey with immediate family, where that family member holds an Employment Permit or is an Established or Permanent Resident.

The FMRP lasts for the duration of the family member's Employment Permit, and depends on continuing to live with them. FMRP holders are not householders in their own right and cannot accommodate others.

Anyone can live and work in Guernsey indefinitely if they own or lease a dwelling on the Open Market register. Open Market Certificate holders can accommodate immediate family, and Part A Certificate holders can also house extended family.

Fees for an in-policy application range from around £700 for an LTEP to £120 for a STEP, and change from time to time.

Generally you need your Permit or Certificate in place before you arrive. Employment Permit applications can be made on or before the seventh day of employment.

First, if the role you are offered is only eligible for a STEP, your family cannot come with you. Not "it is complicated". They cannot.

Second, people assume that a partner automatically arrives with a full right to work. Do not assume it. Get the position confirmed in writing by the Population Management Office before anyone accepts a job offer.