Jersey or Isle of Man: where should your business be based?
Jersey ranks higher in the index, =12 against =18. 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%. Banking and large retail profits are taxed at 10%, income from Isle of Man land and property at 20%, and VAT is 20%.
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 takes 48 hours and costs £100, with a two-hour service available. The annual return costs £380, and there is no minimum capital.
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.
A 2006 Act company must keep a licensed registered agent and have at least one director. An economic substance regime applies to relevant activities.
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 database is not public. Obliged entities have had access for due diligence purposes since 31 December 2024.
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.
The Business Migrant (Innovator) visa requires at least £50,000 of investment funds and endorsement, with initial leave of three years.
Living and working
Currency
Pound sterling and the Jersey pound, at par.
Pound sterling and the Manx 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.
Income tax of 10%, then 21% above £6,500 (single, 2026/27), with an optional £220,000 cap. No capital gains, estate or wealth tax.
Flights
Jersey Airport lists 30 direct destinations, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam and Munich.
Jersey vs Isle of Man: 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%. The Isle of Man: The standard rate is 0%. Banking and large retail profits are taxed at 10%, income from Isle of Man land and property at 20%, and VAT is 20%.
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. The Isle of Man: Standard incorporation takes 48 hours and costs £100, with a two-hour service available. The annual return costs £380, and there is no minimum capital.
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. The Isle of Man: A 2006 Act company must keep a licensed registered agent and have at least one director. An economic substance regime applies to relevant activities.
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. The Isle of Man: The beneficial ownership database is not public. Obliged entities have had access for due diligence purposes since 31 December 2024.
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. The Isle of Man: The Business Migrant (Innovator) visa requires at least £50,000 of investment funds and endorsement, with initial leave of three years.
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