EU nationals will now need to have the appropriate clearance under the Immigration Act, 1971 (Bailiwick of Guernsey) and hold a Population Management document to live and work in Guernsey.
*references to the EU for these pages also relate to national of the EEA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland.
I am an EU national who lived in Guernsey on or before 31st December 2020
- EU nationals who moved to Guernsey on or before 31 December 2020 are eligible for the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme, which protects their rights to continue living and working in Guernsey.
- You can continue to live and work in Guernsey provided you have applied for settled /pre-settled status AND you hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate. If you haven't already enrolled for the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme, you will need to do so before the scheme ends on 30 June 2021. The application is free and easy to do. You will need to submit your application in person to our office, and we will need to see your valid passport/national ID card.
- How to prove you have immigration permission under the EU Settlement Scheme
- - You will receive a letter to confirm you have been granted settled or pre-settled status. This will be a hard copy letter issued by Immigration in Guernsey, or may be digital confirmation if issued by another jurisdiction.
- - Show your confirmation of settled / pre-settled status to your employer.
- EU nationals with settled status
- EU nationals who have been granted settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain), are able to spend up to 5 years in a row outside Guernsey, the UK, Jersey and the Isle of Man without losing their settled status. If you're a Swiss national, you and your family members can spend up to 4 years in a row outside the UK without losing your settled status. Your settled status will also allow you to work in the UK, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
- Please note that you must also satisfy the criteria under the Population Management Law to remain living in Guernsey by holding a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate. For further guidance, click here.
- EU nationals with pre-settled status
- EU nationals who have been granted pre-settled status will need to enrol for settled status once they have completed 5 years residence in Guernsey. Your permission granting pre-settled status gives a date when you may be eligible to enrol, if you are still resident in Guernsey. You must do this before your pre-settled status expires. If you were resident in the UK, Jersey or the Isle of Man immediately before moving to Guernsey, that time will count towards your 5 years if was continuous residence.You will need to provide evidence on your residence outside of Guernsey to count towards your 5 years. If you move to the UK, Jersey or the Isle of Man before you are eligible for settled status, you will need to enrol for settled status in whichever jurisdiction you are living in.
- If you have pre-settled status, you can spend up to 2 years in a row outside Guernsey, UK, Jersey or the Isle of Man without losing your status, You will need to maintain your continuous residence if you want to qualify for settled status.
- Please note that you must also satisfy the criteria under the Population Management Law to remain living in Guernsey by holding a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate. For further guidance, click here.
- EU nationals not yet enrolled on the scheme
- EU nationals who moved to Guernsey on or before 31 December 2020 and who have not yet enrolled on the scheme will need to enrol before 30 June 2021. You will receive a document to confirm that you have been granted settled or pre-settled status.
- If you have children after applying
- If you have settled status, any children born in Guernsey while you're living here will automatically be British nationals.
- If you have pre-settled status, any children born in Guernsey will be automatically eligible for pre-settled status. They will only be a British national if they qualify for it through their other parent.
- Please note children would need to complete a qualification period in order to become a Permanent Resident of Guernsey (residentially qualified) under the Population Management Law.
- If you want to bring family members to Guernsey
- Your close family members can join you in Guernsey before 31 December 2020 (or before 31 December 2025 for spouses and civil partners of Swiss nationals). They'll need to apply for the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme once they're here.
- If you cannot bring your family member under the EU Settlement Scheme, they may still be able to come here in a different way, for example on a family visa.
- In addition, they would need to hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate. They can click here to find out which Permit or Certificate they would need.
- Bringing family members to Guernsey to settle after 31 December 2020
- If you're an EU national with settled/pre-settled status, you'll be able to bring close family members to Guernsey after 31 December 2020 if both of the following apply:
- your relationship with them began before 31 December 2020
- you are still in the relationship when they apply to join you
- If you're a Swiss national with settled/pre-settled status, you'll also be able to bring your spouse or civil partner to Guernsey until 31 December 2025 if both of the following apply:
- your relationship with them began between 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2025
- you are still in the relationship when they apply to join you
- They will need to apply for a visa for each family member. As part of the visa application process, applicants will have to submit biometrics. Currently this will require applicants to attend a visa application centre in the country of their residence.
- In addition, they would need to hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate. They can click here to find out which Permit or Certificate they would need.
- Entering Guernsey after 31 December 2020
- If you're an EU national and have been granted settled or pre-settled status you will be able to continue to enter Guernsey using your valid passport or national ID card until 31 December 2025. If you haven't got settled or pre-settled status you will be required to have a passport to enter Guernsey from 1 October 2021.
I am an EU national who started living in the UK, Jersey or the Isle of Man on or before 31st December 2020 and I am moving to Guernsey for employment before 30 June 2021
- EU nationals who started living in the UK, Jersey or Isle of Man on or before 31 December 2020 are eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme, which protects their rights to continue living and working in the UK, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
- You can come to Guernsey to work provided you have been granted settled /pre-settled status AND you hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate.
- How to prove you have immigration permission under the EU Settlement Scheme
- - You will receive a letter to confirm you have been granted settled or pre-settled status. This will be a hard copy letter issued by Immigration in Guernsey, or may be digital confirmation if issued by another jurisdiction.
- - Show your confirmation of settled / pre-settled status to your employer.
- EU nationals with pre-settled status
- EU nationals who have been granted pre-settled status will need to enrol to the settled status once they have completed 5 years residence. This includes continuous residence in the UK, Jersey or the Isle of Man. The document granting pre-settled status gives a date when they may be eligible to apply, if still resident in Guernsey. They will need to enrol for settled status before their pre-settled status expires.
- Employees not yet enrolled to the scheme
- EU nationals who have not yet enrolled to the scheme will need to apply before 30 June 2021, and you will need to show your employer your document to confirm that you have have been granted settled or pre-settled status. The application is free and easy to do. You will need to submit their application in person to our office.
- Population Management Permits and Certificates
- There are different types of Population Management Permit or Certificate to live and work in Guernsey.
Click here [266kb] for a list of Permits and Certificates.
- Generally if you are not residentially qualified under the Population Management Law, and in your employment, they will need to hold an Employment Permit.
- To check if your job role is eligible for an Employment Permit, please
- For further information about Population Management, click here.
I started living in the UK, Jersey or Isle of Man on or after 1 January 2021 and I am moving to Guernsey for employment
- EU nationals coming to Guernsey will need to hold a valid Population Management Permit of Certificate. Although a Visa may already be held, this visa may not be valid for the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The applicant may need to apply for further leave to remain through the Guernsey immigration office.Once in Guernsey, they will need to apply for leave to remain through the .
- Population Management Permits and Certificates
- There are different types of Population Management Permit or Certificate to live and work in Guernsey.
- Generally if you are not residentially qualified under the Population Management Law, and in your employment, they will need to hold an Employment Permit.
- To check if your job role is eligible for an Employment Permit, please
- For further information about Population Management, click here.
I am the family member of an EU national who is in Guernsey
- If you are the close family member of an EU national in Guernsey
- Close family members can join their EU family member who is in Guernsey for employment before 31 December 2020 (or before 31 December 2025 for spouses and civil partners of Swiss nationals). They'll need to enrol to the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme once they're here.
- If you are not eligible to join your family member under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may still be able to come here in a different way, for example on a family visa.
- In addition, you will need to hold a valid Population Management Permit (only if you are over the age of 16 or start part-time employment, whichever is earlier).
- To find out what type of Population Management Permit or Certificate you will need to apply for, click here.
- Close family members wanting to join their EU national family member employment to settle after 31 December 2020
- If you're the close family member of an EU national, you'll be able to join your family member in Guernsey after 31 December 2020 if both of the following apply:
- your relationship with them began before 31 December 2020
- you are still in the relationship when they apply to join you
- If you're the spouse or civil partner of a Swiss national, you will be able to join them in Guernsey until 31 December 2025 if both of the following apply:
- your relationship with them began between 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2025
- you are still in the relationship when they apply to join you
- The family member will need to apply for a visa for each family member who is not British or Irish and wishes to come and settle with those who are already settled in Guernsey.
- In addition, you will need to hold a valid Population Management Permit (only if you are over the age of 16 or start part-time employment, whichever is earlier).
- To find out what type of Population Management Permit or Certificate you will need to apply for, click here.
- EU national new to Guernsey on or before 31 December 2020
- Close family members can join their EU national family member who is coming to Guernsey for employment before 31 December 2020 (or before 31 December 2025 for spouses and civil partners of Swiss nationals). They'll need to register for the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme once they're here.
- If a family member is not eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme, they may still be able to come here in a different way, for example on a family visa. As part of the visa application process, applicants will have to submit biometrics. Currently this will require applicants to attend a visa application centre in the country of their residence.
- In addition, you will need to hold a valid Population Management Permit (only if you are over the age of 16 or start part-time employment, whichever is earlier).
- To find out what type of Population Management Permit or Certificate you will need to apply for, click here.
- EU national started living in Guernsey after 31 December 2020
- Close family members can join their EU national family member who is living in Guernsey for employment after 31 December 2020 if both of the following apply:
- your relationship with them began before 31 December 2020
- you are still in the relationship when you apply to join them
- If the EU national family member you are joining in Guernsey is a Swiss national, and is your spouse or civil partner, you can join them in Guernsey until 31 December 2025 if both of the following apply:
- your relationship with them began between 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2025
- you are still in the relationship when they apply to join you
- The family member will need to apply for a visa for each family member who is not British or Irish and wishes to come and settle with those who are already settled in Guernsey.
- As part of the visa application process, applicants will have to submit biometrics. Currently this will require applicants to attend a visa application centre in the country of their residence.
- In addition, you will need to hold a valid Population Management Permit (only if you are over the age of 16 or start part-time employment, whichever is earlier) under the Population Management Law.
- To find out what type of Population Management Permit or Certificate you will need to apply for, click here.
- If your EU national family member is in Guernsey as a work permit holder which is valid for less than one year, you would be unable to apply as their dependent. However, you may qualify for a work permit in your own right. Please see the guidance below for an EU national to take up employment.
I am an EU national who wants to take up employment in Guernsey after 31st December 2020
- EU nationals who are enrolled on an EU Settlement Scheme AND hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate can live and work in Guernsey. If you haven't already enrolled for the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme, you will need to do so before the scheme ends on 30 June 2021. The application is free and easy to do. You will need to submit your application in person to our office, and we will need to see your valid passport/national ID card.
- How to prove you have immigration permission under the EU Settlement Scheme
- - You will receive a letter to confirm you have been granted settled or pre-settled status. This will be a hard copy letter issued by Immigration in Guernsey, or may be digital confirmation if issued by another jurisdiction.
- - Show your confirmation of settled / pre-settled status to your employer.
- Visas will be required for EU national new arrivals coming to work
- From 1 January 2021 EU nationals will have to apply for a visa AND hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate to come to work, prior to travel.
- Population Management Permits and Certificates
- There are different types of Population Management Permits or Certificates to live and work in Guernsey.
- Generally if you are not residentially qualified under the Population Management Law, and in your employment, they will need to hold an Employment Permit.
- To check if your job role is eligible for an Employment Permit, please
- For further information about Population Management, click here.
- Visa application
- As part of the visa application process, the employee will have to submit biometrics. Currently this will require the EU national to attend a Visa application centre in the country of their residence.
- The visa application is made through the UK Government online system apply for a visa. The fee is dependent on the validity of the Population Management Employment Permit (please note the fee is exclusive of the
Short Term Visa (Up to 12 months) £244 Medium or Long Term Visa (over 12 months) £610 I am an EU national who is changing employment in Guernsey after 31st December 2020
- If you haven't already enrolled for the Guernsey EU Settlement Scheme, you will need to do so before the scheme ends on 30 June 2021. The application is free and easy to do. You will need to submit your application in person to our office, and we will need to see your valid passport/national ID card.
- How to prove you have immigration permission under the EU Settlement Scheme - You will receive a letter to confirm you have been granted settled or pre-settled status. This will be a hard copy letter issued by Immigration in Guernsey, or may be digital confirmation if issued by another jurisdiction. Show your confirmation of settled / pre-settled status to your employer.
- Population Management
- Depending on the type of Permit or Certificate you hold will determine if you need to apply for another Permit or Certificate. If you hold an Employment Permit to work in Guernsey, these Permits are non-transferable. You will need to ask your new employer to make a new application for an Employment Permit to continue working in Guernsey. If you are unsure contact the Population Management Office.
Living and working in Alderney, Sark & Herm
- Those coming for employment in the outer islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm will require an immigration work permit issued by this office before they apply for their visa to travel.
- EU nationals coming into Guernsey as a visitor will not have to apply for a visa to travel, but it is important to note that switching from visitor categories into employment will not be permitted. Therefore it is imperative to ensure that both the work permit and visa are obtained prior to travel.
- Application process
- Employer applies for an immigration work permit
- Applicant must apply for a visa once work permit issued
- For guidance on applying for a visa see visa application guidance for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
I am a British or Irish national, what do I need to do?
- I currently live in Guernsey
- You can continue to live and work in Guernsey, but you must hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate at all times. Click here for more information about Population Management.
- I am coming to live and work in Guernsey
- You are able to live and work in Guernsey, but you must hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate at all times. Click here for more information about Population Management.
I am not an EU, British or Irish, what do I need to do?
- The rules for employing nationals of other countries outside of the EU and the Common Travel Area have not changed as a result of Brexit and you will continue to need Immigration permission (e.g. a work permit and a valid working visa) to work in Guernsey. In addition to immigration clearance in Guernsey, you will also need to hold a valid Population Management Permit or Certificate to live and work in Guernsey. Please click here for more information about Population Management.
