Jersey or Guernsey: where should your business be based?
Jersey ranks higher in the index, =12 against =15. Which suits you depends on where the owners live, what the company is for and how it will be run.
Pillar by pillar
Doing business, side by side
Tax
The standard rate is 0%, with 10% on regulated financial services, 20% on utilities, large retailers and Jersey property income, and 15% for large multinational groups. GST is 5%.
The standard rate is 0%, with 10% on banking, fiduciary and some financial services and 20% on land, utilities and large retail. There is no GST or VAT.
Set-up
Standard incorporation costs £205 and takes up to 5 business days, with faster paid services down to 2 hours for £856. The annual confirmation fee is £220 or £339.
Standard incorporation costs £100 and takes 24 hours, with faster paid services. The annual validation fee ranges from £260 to £1,050.
On the ground
A company must keep a registered office in Jersey and have a company secretary. A private company needs at least one director, and a sole director cannot also be the secretary.
Incorporation is only through a licensed fiduciary, and a company needs a registered office and resident agent in Guernsey. Substance depends on the activity.
Ownership
Beneficial owners are declared to the JFSC Registry at incorporation, and the register is not public. A consultation on legitimate interest access closed on 30 January 2026.
The beneficial ownership register is not public. It is open to relevant authorities, and obliged entities have been able to request information since August 2025.
Residence
Business principals can apply for Licensed permission with a business plan. The Skilled High Earner route needs £250,000 a year of Jersey taxable income, and High Value Residency income above £1.25 million.
An entrepreneur visa is available with a Population Management permit, which anyone living and working there needs. No threshold is published.
Living and working
Currency
Pound sterling and the Jersey pound, at par.
Pound sterling and the Guernsey pound, at par.
Time zone
UTC+0, or UTC+1 in summer.
UTC+0, or UTC+1 in summer.
Personal tax
Income tax is 20% of net income, or a 26% marginal calculation if that gives less tax. Income below the £21,250 exemption for 2026 is not taxed. There is no capital gains or inheritance tax.
Flat 20% income tax with a £15,200 personal allowance (2026 Budget) and a tax cap. No capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax.
Flights
Jersey Airport lists 30 direct destinations, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam and Munich.
Jersey vs Guernsey: common questions
Jersey: The standard rate is 0%, with 10% on regulated financial services, 20% on utilities, large retailers and Jersey property income, and 15% for large multinational groups. GST is 5%. Guernsey: The standard rate is 0%, with 10% on banking, fiduciary and some financial services and 20% on land, utilities and large retail. There is no GST or VAT.
Jersey: Standard incorporation costs £205 and takes up to 5 business days, with faster paid services down to 2 hours for £856. The annual confirmation fee is £220 or £339. Guernsey: Standard incorporation costs £100 and takes 24 hours, with faster paid services. The annual validation fee ranges from £260 to £1,050.
Jersey: A company must keep a registered office in Jersey and have a company secretary. A private company needs at least one director, and a sole director cannot also be the secretary. Guernsey: Incorporation is only through a licensed fiduciary, and a company needs a registered office and resident agent in Guernsey. Substance depends on the activity.
Jersey: Beneficial owners are declared to the JFSC Registry at incorporation, and the register is not public. A consultation on legitimate interest access closed on 30 January 2026. Guernsey: The beneficial ownership register is not public. It is open to relevant authorities, and obliged entities have been able to request information since August 2025.
Jersey: Business principals can apply for Licensed permission with a business plan. The Skilled High Earner route needs £250,000 a year of Jersey taxable income, and High Value Residency income above £1.25 million. Guernsey: An entrepreneur visa is available with a Population Management permit, which anyone living and working there needs. No threshold is published.
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