Do I need a work permit to work in Jersey?
You will need a work permit to work in Jersey if you do not fall into any of the 'permit free' categories below. An employer will need to submit a work permit application on your behalf.
When a work permit is not needed: 'permit free' categories
You do not need a permit to work in Jersey if you are:
- a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode
- a national of a member state of the European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA)
- a non-EEA family member of an EEA national may also work without a permit but must obtain an EEA family permit before entering Jersey
- a Swiss national
- a Commonwealth citizen admitted as a working holiday maker
- a Commonwealth citizen admitted on the grounds of UK ancestry
- a Commonwealth citizen with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode
- a participant in the Youth Mobility Scheme
- a minister of religion
- a business visitor
- a non EU / EEA passport holder who has no restrictions attached to your stay
Right of abode (life events section)
EEA family permit guidance on UK Visas website
UK ancestry guidance notes on UK Visas website
Youth Mobility Scheme guidance on UK Visas website
Minister of religion guidance notes on UK Visas website
Business visitors to Jersey (travel section)
EU / EEA countries (industry section)
Do I need a visa as well as a work permit?
Some nationalities require visas as well as a work permit. If your employer’s application for a work permit is successful, you may also need a visa. Check the UK Visas website to see if you need a visa.
Do I need a visa? on the UK Visas website
When should my employer apply for a work permit on my behalf?
Your employer should apply for your work permit before you come to Jersey. Your prospective employer will need to follow our guidelines when applying for your work permit.
Employers applying for a work permit
I am already working in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, but want to start work in Jersey
We may consider work permit applications for employees who are in authorised employment in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. In these cases the same criteria for work permit applications apply.
How long will it take to process a work permit?
Our processing time for work permit applications is currently 3 weeks and the employer should therefore allow sufficient time for a work permit to be issued before you travel to Jersey.
Can I work in Jersey under the United Kingdom Points Based System or the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme?
No, neither the Points Based System nor the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme have been adopted in Jersey and therefore an employer will need to submit a work permit application on your behalf.
Where can I obtain further information?
Work permit legislation on Jersey Law website
UK visas website