What does this mean?
If you are moving to Jersey for work, it is likely that your employer will have obtained permission for an essential employment permit in order to be able to bring you to the island and you will therefore be classed as a “Licensed” Resident.
As was the case with the old “J” category licence, when an employer has been unable to recruit someone from the local workforce to fill a role, they have the option to seek permission for a licence to employ an individual from outside of the island. However, the employer must prove to the States of Jersey Population Office that they have been unable to recruit an individual with the required skills locally and must therefore recruit someone from off island with the “essential” skills to fill this post.
“Licensed” residents now have the right to lease or buy any “Qualified” property in their own name (and in joint names with a spouse or civil partner) as soon as they arrive on the island provided that they remain “essentially employed”. However, the right to buy is not automatically granted to all “Licensed” residents – this right depends on the terms of the individual licence.
For example in the case where an employer needed to recruit someone with a skill set which was not currently available on the island but would probably be readily available in future, the Population Office may take a decision not to allow the Licensed resident occupying this particular post to buy property. However, one huge advantage for the Licensed individual in relation to the old system is that they now have a far greater choice of property to rent or buy. Properties formerly classified as A-H (not previously authorised for occupation by J-category licence holders) will now all be “Qualified” properties along with all former “J” category properties. Consequently, “Licensed” residents will now have a far greater pool of properties to choose from.
For independent and confidential advice regarding moving to Jersey please contact:
Email: info@qrcci.com
Office: +44 (0)1534 854574
