Jersey relocation update - Skilled High Earner application route

The new Skilled High Earner entry route

Who is it for?

The route applies to non‑resident individuals who wish to relocate to Jersey as a Skilled High Earner. Applicants are expected to establish a business presence in Jersey and to request licensed permission.

Unlike the more orthodox business licensing route, there is no obligation to employ others – this new route is focused more on personal activity.

This new route may be utilised for those wishing to set up a local business or for those wishing to work remotely at a senior level for a business operating elsewhere.

Eligibility

• The applicant must not already be ordinarily resident in Jersey, must not own a residential property in Jersey, and must not hold an existing residential status at the time of application.
• The applicant must establish themselves in business in Jersey to be eligible for a Business Licence and the associated Licensed consent. There is no prescribed business type or format.
• The applicant must undertake their business activity ‘full‑time’ in Jersey (more than 25 hours per week) and be actively generating earned income through their business activity.

Criteria

• Minimum income of £250,000 per annum: the applicant must demonstrate how they will meet a Jersey‑taxable income requirement of at least £250,000 per year for the duration of their licensed permission (up to 10 years, or until they achieve Entitled status, whichever comes first).
• Economic and/or social benefit: the applicant must commit to generating economic and/or social benefit for Jersey and be able to evidence how this will be undertaken eg:
  • mentoring or investment in local business
  • board or non‑executive roles, and/or
  • community or charitable engagement

Ongoing requirements

• Maintain annual Jersey‑taxable income of at least £250,000 for up to 10 years, or until Entitled status is achieved, whichever comes first.
• Maintain ‘full‑time’ employment through the applicant’s own business (more than 25 hours per week).
• Only purchase or lease property valued at £2 million or above.

Duration and review

A licensed permission is granted for an initial period of five years, at which point it will be reviewed for continued compliance with the conditions above.

Switching out of the route

Approved applicants who later decide not to continue under the Skilled High Earner route may seek a standard business licence and licensed permission. A new application will be required and such applications are referred for ministerial consideration. Approval is not guaranteed and any decision to change status is made at the applicant’s own risk.

Other Jersey routes

High Value Residency (HVR)

High Value Residency is a long‑standing programme under which the Chief Minister may grant Entitled residential status under the CHW Law where satisfied that doing so will have a social or economic benefit and is in the best interests of the community.

• Financial profile: applicants are expected to have personal wealth in excess of £10,000,000, sustainable worldwide earnings comfortably in excess of £1,250,000 per year and (in practice) a high level of personal wealth.
• Tax contribution: there is a minimum tax payable of £250,000 per year, although meeting the minimum does not guarantee approval.
• Benefit to Jersey: wider social and economic factors may be taken into account, including business contribution, voluntary or charitable engagement, and other background considerations.
• Housing expectations: the Population Office generally expects purchase or lease of high value property, typically valued in excess of £3.5 million for a house or £1.75 million for an apartment.

Standard business licensing and essential employee (licensed) arrangements

Under the CHW Law, anyone wishing to run a business in Jersey or employ staff must hold an appropriate business license (subject to a limited number of exceptions).

A business license is a regulatory permission to operate a business and employ staff; it does not, by itself, confer a residential status.

Immigration overlay (separate to CHWL status)

Immigration permission and work permits operate alongside the CHW Law regime. Individuals who are not British or Irish citizens will generally need appropriate immigration permission to live and work in Jersey, and employers recruiting from overseas must comply with Jersey’s work permit policy.

Side-by-side comparison

Practical takeaway

• Route selection should match the individual’s profile and requirements - The Skilled High Earner is business activity driven with defined thresholds and ongoing conditions whereas the HVR route is wealth‑based and discretionary, aimed at those with high levels of wealth seeking Entitled status from the outset.

• Early engagement is recommended – early contact made with the relevant Jersey authorities often leads to more positive (and quicker) outcomes.

• A broad scope of factors should be considered - a variety of considerations should be considered, including tax, legal, financial and commercial.

• Immigration – status and any necessary work permit or visa permissions should be addressed early as a separate (but related) issue.

How Carey Olsen can assist

Carey Olsen regularly advises on Jersey inward investment and relocation projects involving Control of Housing and Work status, business licensing, and immigration issues.

We can assist with structuring and incorporation support, preparing applications, liaising with relevant Government departments, and advising on ongoing compliance and risk management.

We can also provide legal advice across a wide variety of industry sectors.