Residence and employment rules simplified

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:27

By Harry Booth

Rules have been simplified to make it easier for businesses to recruit staff in Jersey.

Forms for business licences have been made clearer, and staffing applications are now shorter.

In another change, people who've been resident for 25 years or more can now apply for 'Permanent Entitled' status, down from 30 years.

The changes also provide greater flexibility to spend time away from the island for work, study, or family reasons, without losing the time they've built up.

People with 'Registered' status are now known as 'Standard', but the government says you don't need to apply for a new card, and employers don't have to change how they employ people with this status.

A new 'Licenced for Lease Only' status only allows eligible people to rent qualified property without being able to buy it.

Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Malcolm Ferey, said:

"These changes will streamline Jersey’s outdated housing and work controls – lightening the administrative burden for businesses and giving Islanders more flexibility to pursue opportunities outside of Jersey without losing the residence they have built up."

The changes have been welcomed by the Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

Claire Reynard, Chair of the Chamber Employment and Skills Committee, said:

"Given the ongoing recruitment and skills challenges across many sectors this will make it easier for employers to respond to genuine recruitment needs.

"The greater flexibility for Islanders who spend time away from Jersey is a positive step too. Retaining connections with people who have built their lives and careers here, and making it easier for them to return, will help build Jersey’s longer-term workforce and economic sustainability."

Chamber added that it recognises the concerns some islanders will have about the impact this has on Jersey's population, but that these changes are 'proportionate'.

"Jersey needs a system that makes it easier for the right people to come to Jersey to work and live and add value to the Island."