Jersey High Value Residency Scheme: Requirements, Benefits, and How to Apply

Jersey’s High Value Residency program (HVR Scheme) attracts affluent individuals seeking tax efficiency and a prestigious island lifestyle.

Those who can pay a tax of £250,000, while earning more than £1.2 million per annum with a personal net worth of £10 million, are eligible.

Such high-net-worth individuals are not only offered residency, which takes 10 years to obtain, but they also gain substantial benefits like tax incentives.

Located strategically between Britain and France, Jersey provides unique advantages for global investors.

In this guide, we will be discussing some of the important aspects of High Value Residency in Jersey, such as:

• How do you become a resident of Jersey?
• What is the HVR scheme in Jersey?
• Jersey Permanent Residency

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

Can you get residency in Jersey?

Yes, foreign nationals can obtain residency in Jersey through multiple pathways.

The High Value Residency scheme remains the most popular route for wealthy individuals.

Jersey also offers business relocation schemes and traditional residency options.

Each application undergoes a rigorous case-by-case assessment by government authorities.

The island welcomes applications from skilled professionals and economically active high-net-worth individuals.

Standard residency requires continuous residence for five to 10 years, depending on the status desired.

However, Jersey HVR provides an immediate entitled status upon approval.

Jersey maintains strict population controls to preserve the quality of life for residents.

The government balances economic benefits with community interests when evaluating applications.

Success depends on demonstrating a genuine commitment to becoming part of Jersey’s community.

What is the High Value Residency scheme in Jersey?

Jersey’s High Value Residency program, formally known as 2(1)(e) status, targets ultra-wealthy individuals globally.

The scheme has operated successfully since the mid-1970s, approving just over 300 residents.

It focuses on attracting meaningful annual tax contributors rather than one-time investors.

The program generates substantial revenue for Jersey’s public finances annually.

In 2021 alone, High Value Residents contributed £24 million in tax revenue. This represents 4.7% of all personal income tax collected on the island.

The economic impact extends beyond direct tax contributions through property purchases and spending.

High Value Residents gain entitled residential status immediately upon approval.

This status typically requires ten years of continuous residence for ordinary applicants.

The program allows full access to Jersey’s housing and employment markets.

Jersey maintains exclusivity by limiting approvals to few applications annually.

The government prioritizes younger, more active applicants who engage with local community.

Due diligence includes comprehensive background checks and financial verification.

Jersey High-Value Residency Scheme Benefits

As mentioned earlier, the High Value Residency program offers a wide array of benefits, which consist of:

• Favorable tax regime: Residents enjoy one of Europe’s most attractive tax systems: personal income is taxed at 20% on the first £725,000 and just 1% thereafter, with no wealth, inheritance, or capital-gains levies.
• Route to full British citizenship: After six years on a High-Value Residency permit, you can apply for a UK passport—and thereafter benefit from visa-free access to the EU, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
• No mandated capital outlay: Unlike many programs, Jersey does not demand a lump-sum investment, but instead, only proof of sufficient income, assets, and the required annual tax contribution.
• Exceptional quality of life: The island’s strong privacy protections, low crime statistics, and wide range of outdoor pursuits (from sailing to surfing and kayaking) make Jersey both safe and enjoyable.
• Premier networking hub: Jersey’s reputation as an international finance center draws senior executives and specialists, creating abundant corporate events and meetups for building high-level connections.
• Rapid approval timeline: The entire residence-permit process can be completed in as little as two to four weeks, one of the fastest in Europe.
• Rock-solid stability: As a Crown dependency, Jersey combines political stability with a diversified economy, giving investors confidence in the long-term security of their new home.
• Family inclusivity: Spouses and dependent children can be added to the main applicant’s file, allowing your household to settle together.
• Prime European crossroads: Situated between France and the UK, Jersey offers quick access to major European cities—ideal for executives who travel frequently.

How much money do you need to become a Jersey resident?

Current High Value Residency requirements for 2025 include a minimum annual tax contribution of £250,000.

Applicants must demonstrate a comfortable annual worldwide income exceeding £1.25 million sustainably.

Personal wealth must exceed £10 million in assets, excluding primary residence.

Property purchase requirements specify a minimum of £3.5 million for houses and £1.75 million for apartments.

These properties must serve as the principal residence on the island.

Some liquidity requirements apply beyond the £10 million asset threshold.

The tax structure provides preferential rates for High Value Residents compared to standard rates.

The first £1.25 million of worldwide income faces a 20% tax rate. Income above this threshold incurs only 1% tax rate.

Jersey property income remains taxed at 20% regardless of the amount.

Financial requirements increased significantly from previous versions of the scheme.

Historic minimum tax contributions started at £145,000 but rose to the current £250,000 level.

These increases reflect Jersey’s position in the competitive international marketplace.

HVR Requirements

According to Jersey’s government guidelines, applicants typically must submit the following with their High Value Residency application:

• Personal application letter: a handwritten or typed statement explaining your motivation for relocating to Jersey and how you intend to contribute to the island’s community.
• Business profile: an overview of your professional background, including company operations, leadership roles, and economic contributions.
• Financial profile: documentation of your personal and/or corporate assets, and evidence of sustainable income over time.
• Two personal character references: from reputable individuals who can vouch for your integrity.
• Two business references: from professional contacts who can attest to your business reputation.
• Certified copy of a valid passport: for every individual included in the application.
• Disclosure certificate or police clearance: issued by the relevant authority in your home country, demonstrating good conduct.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable): required only if you’re applying jointly with a spouse.
• Proof of address: such as recent utility bills or bank statements from your primary residence.
• Passport-sized photo: for identity verification (often included in the residency card process).
• Full CV or résumé: outlining your career history, skills, and notable achievements.
• Bank statements covering the past 12 months: to support claims of stable personal or business income.

How long does it take to become a Jersey resident?

High Value Residency applications typically process within one to three months, and can be up to six months if any additional information is required.

The efficient application system reflects Jersey’s commitment to attracting qualified applicants.

Processing times depend on the completeness of documentation and the complexity of individual circumstances.

Initial assessment involves review by the Housing and Work Advisory Group (HAWAG).

Applications undergo extensive due diligence, including criminal background checks and financial verification.

Open-source research precedes the detailed evaluation of each candidate.

The Chief Minister makes final approval decisions based on comprehensive assessment criteria.

The minister will also consider your wider contributions and potential impact on Jersey, including:

• Any voluntary work or business initiatives that benefit the local community
• Training programs or sports projects, especially those targeting youth or educational groups
• Media exposure, which includes both positive (e.g., athletic or academic accomplishments) and negative (e.g., past business controversies)
• Cultural talents or interests that have supported community development
• Personal and family circumstances, such as previous charitable activities
• Any disqualifying issues in your history, for example, criminal convictions

In addition, you will be asked to outline your intended future activities in Jersey, such as:

• Planned business ventures
• Employment or training opportunities
• Diversification strategies
• How the above aspects might contribute to local tax revenues

Successful applicants receive entitled residential status immediately upon approval.

Registration cards and social security numbers must be obtained upon arrival.

Property purchase typically occurs within twelve months of arrival on the island.

Jersey authorities expect commitment demonstrated through property ownership rather than rental arrangements.

How to get permanent residency in Jersey

Permanent residency in Jersey requires five years of continuous legal residence. This applies to High Value Residents and other qualified immigration categories.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provides permanent settlement status. Applications for ILR require passing citizenship tests and English language requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate adequate accommodation and financial maintenance without public funds.

Original passports and supporting documentation accompany formal applications.

The process begins no more than two weeks before the eligibility date. Processing times extend up to 18 months from the submission date.

Some elements require processing in the United Kingdom beyond Jersey’s control.

High Value Residents typically qualify for ILR after five years of continuous residence.

The entitled status obtained through HVR counts toward permanent residency eligibility.

Absences from Jersey during the five-year period must be documented and justified.

How to gain citizenship in Jersey

British citizenship through Jersey requires holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months. Applicants must demonstrate five years of continuous residence in the UK or Crown Dependencies.

Naturalization applications are processed through the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.

The citizenship process involves completing Form AN through the UK government systems. Jersey residents submit additional documentation through local immigration services. Applications require an eighteen-month processing time, including UK-based elements.

Married applicants to British citizens need only three years of continuous residence.

All applicants must pass the Knowledge of Language and Life requirements. Criminal background checks and character assessments form part of the evaluation process.

Jersey citizenship provides full British nationality with passport entitlements. Citizens enjoy unrestricted residence and employment rights throughout the UK and Jersey.

Dual citizenship arrangements depend on the origin country’s regulations.

Conclusion

Jersey’s High Value Residency programme represents one of the world’s most exclusive residency schemes.

The 2025 requirements demand substantial financial commitment, including £250,000 annual tax contributions and £10 million personal wealth.

However, successful applicants gain immediate entitled status, preferential tax rates, and access to an exceptional island lifestyle.

The application process requires comprehensive due diligence but typically completes within three months.

Property investment of £1.75-3.5 million demonstrates commitment to becoming permanent community members.

After five years, residents can pursue permanent residency and eventual British citizenship.

Jersey’s strategic location, political stability, and sophisticated financial services sector attract the global elite. The island maintains a careful balance between economic benefits and community interests.

Limited annual approvals preserve exclusivity while generating significant public revenue.

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