The Channel Islands: A Wealth of Investment Opportunities

The Channel Islands, located in the English Channel between England and France, have long been attractive destinations for international investors and expats looking for tax havens, calmer residencies, and tourism. The islands offer a favourable tax environment, political stability, and a high standard of living, making them an ideal location for those looking to invest in a secure and prosperous environment.

The Channel Islands' investment programs are subject to frequent changes, and it is important to note that rumours are circulating that the investment programs in Jersey and Sark may be cancelled as the Guernsey investment program is. Therefore, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial. It is advisable to contact the team at Expat Money for the most current and accurate information regarding these programs.

Guernseys investment residency program was once a very attractive option for high net worth individuals

INVESTOR VISA PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

Although programs are at risk of cancellation, to the best of our knowledge, there are two active investor visa programs in the Channel Islands: the Jersey high-value residency program and Sark’s residency program. While the programs share some similarities, there are also some differences between the three.

GUERNSEY RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT VISA

While Guernsey's residency by investment program was once a highly appealing option for high-net-worth individuals seeking a stable and secure location to call home, recent developments have changed the landscape. Following the UK's decision to cancel its Residency by Investment (RBI) program, Guernsey followed suit and discontinued its program. Unfortunately, this pathway to residency is no longer available.

Despite this change, there are still other avenues for individuals interested in relocating to Guernsey. Keep an eye on future updates, as new policies and programs may emerge in response to this significant change.

Guernsey has a tax regime that favors trusts, with no taxes on inheritance, capital gains and foreign income

USING A TRUST TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS IN GUERNSEY

Guernsey offers many financial services to investors, and one of their most attractive services is protecting your wealth with a trust. A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds assets for a beneficiary or beneficiaries. By placing funds or assets into a trust, you can benefit from certain tax advantages and protect your assets from creditors or other potential risks.

Using a trust can provide greater privacy and asset protection. The assets held in the trust are separate from your personal assets, which can offer excellent protection against creditors or legal disputes. Additionally, a trust can provide greater privacy, as your identity can be kept confidential.

Finally, using a trust can offer certain tax advantages. Guernsey has a favourable tax regime for trusts, with no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax, and no tax on foreign income. Using a trust, you can minimise your tax liability and maximise the benefits of your investment.

It should also be noted, however, that setting up a trust can be a complex process and requires the assistance of a legal and financial professional. Additionally, using a trust may be subject to specific regulatory requirements and reporting obligations. For more information on how to protect your wealth in Guernsey, please contact us.

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Jersey

JERSEY’S HIGH-VALUE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

The Jersey high-value residency program was launched in 2020 by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Jersey high-value residency program:

• You must be at least 18 years old;

• You must make a minimum investment of £1.75 million (2,104,663 USD) in Jersey real estate. This is the only path to residency by investment in Jersey;

• You must present proof of an annual income of at least £850,000 ($1,022,265 USD) per year. This income has to be consistent to provide at least £145,000 ($174,386 USD) in annual tax payments;

• And you must also have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents for the duration of your stay in Jersey.

As Jersey is part of The Channel Islands there are also strict requirements of morals and no criminal background.

Suppose you are successfully accepted into the Jersey High-Value Residency Program. In that case, you will be granted residency status that typically lasts indefinitely, subject to compliance with the program's requirements and regular reviews by the authorities. This is not limited to a specific number of years like a visa program, allowing you the possibility to maintain your high-value resident status for as long as you continue to meet the necessary criteria.

Getting Jersey permanent residency is the most time-consuming part of the process

JERSEY’S ENTREPRENEUR VISA OPTION

Jersey also used to offer an entrepreneur visa option. The requirements are almost identical. Below are all of Jersey’s requirements for the entrepreneur visa:

1. You must first apply for a business licence to allow you to create a business, and you must hire at least five full-time employees;
2. Apply for housing permission so you can either rent or buy a property to live in;
3. Acquire an entry visa if you are not a British or EU citizen;
4. Obtain your social security from the Social Security Department and contribute your share as required;
5. Register as a tax resident and pay income tax on your global income. As mentioned above, this is a very favourable income tax;
6. Lastly, demonstrate self-sufficiency economically to support you and your dependents;

The final requirement is how to qualify for a business licence in Jersey. This licence is given only if you can prove that your business benefits Jersey. This can be done by providing at least five full-time employees and generating income for Jersey.

BECOMING A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF JERSEY

Becoming a permanent resident of Jersey is the most time-consuming part of your residency process. It requires you to be a full tax resident on the island for at least five years, paying a minimum of £170,000 ($211.46 USD) of personal taxes annually and making Jersey your primary residence. You must spend more of your year in Jersey than anywhere else.

In pursuit of population growth Sark is allowing citizens of Great Britain and Ireland to move there without restrictions

SARK RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT

Sark is a unique and interesting part of The Channel Islands. It is an island that sees roughly 60,000 tourists annually, but its population is approximately 500. Recently Sark has started to invest in increasing its population and projects to reach 800 to 1,000 residents by the end of 2023. More about Sark can be explored in our other article about The Channel Islands.

To obtain this population increase, Sark is allowing any citizen of Britain or Ireland to move there without any restrictions. There is no limitation on when you can do this. However, EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens have a time-limited opportunity, until the end of 2023, to enjoy the same benefits as UK citizens. All that will be required is a simple registry that takes about 5 minutes to complete, and you will be granted five years of residency in Sark. Eventually, after living in Sark for these five years, making Sark your main country of residence, you may obtain The Channel Islands naturalization. This means you must spend more time living in Sark than in any other country.

Now if you are not a citizen of the mentioned areas, or if you wait until next year to become a resident of Sark, the requirements will be as follows:

• You will need to have a job and obtain a work permit;
• Or you will have to apply for an entrepreneur visa, which requires you to be the majority owner of a company and employ at least two locals;
• And finally, you have the investor visa, in which you will be required to invest £2 million ($2,405,330 USD) in local equities and bonds.

These are all the available opportunities for becoming a Sark resident, which can eventually give you your Channel Islands citizenship, which is just as valuable as having a UK passport. I would even say it is better than just being a UK citizen because of its low taxes and the same travel benefits as any UK citizen.

The Channel Islands have excellent health, education and transport infrastructure, i.e. a high standard of living

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE CHANNEL ISLAND INVESTOR VISA PROGRAMS

The Channel Islands high-value residency and entrepreneur visa application processes are straightforward but time-consuming. The processes typically involve the following steps:

STEP 1: SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

The initial stage of the application process requires applying to the relevant Channel Island program, whether the high-value residency or the entrepreneur visa program. The application typically necessitates details about your income, business plans, personal background, and other relevant information.

STEP 2: PASS A FIT AND PROPER TEST

As mentioned, the Channel Islands mandate applicants to undergo a fit and proper test successfully. This assures a high standard of integrity and the absence of any criminal record.

STEP 3: INVEST IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

Upon approval of the application, you must either establish a business (for the entrepreneur visa) or demonstrate that you will be a high-value resident (for the high-value residency program) in the Channel Islands. This might include purchasing a property, creating a business and hiring local staff, or making other significant contributions to the local economy.

STEP 4: OBTAIN A VISA

Following establishing your business or demonstrating high-value residency, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter and reside in the Channel Islands. The visa typically lasts three to five years, with the option to apply for an extension, and may ultimately pave the way to naturalization.

BENEFITS OF THE CHANNEL ISLAND INVESTOR VISA PROGRAMS

The Channel Island investor visa programs offer a range of benefits to successful applicants. These include:

• Access to The Channel Islands' favourable tax environment: The Channel Islands offer a tax-efficient environment for international investors. Guernsey, Jersey, and Sark have no capital gains, inheritance, or wealth tax. There is also a low personal income tax rate, with the highest rate currently at 20%;

• Political stability: The Channel Islands have a stable political environment and a well-developed legal system. This provides a secure and predictable environment for investors;

• High standard of living: The Channel Islands offer a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and transport infrastructure. A range of leisure and cultural activities is also available, making the islands attractive for families. However, Sark has a unique transportation system as it has no automobiles, leaving you with three options: walking, cycling, or horseback riding;

• Access to the UK and Europe: The Channel Islands are located just off the coast of France and are a short flight from the UK. This provides easy access to the UK and Europe, making it an attractive location for international business. Unfortunately, The Channel Islands are not part of the European Union or the Schengen area but are part of the Common Travel Area and the Commonwealth.
  
  

It is important to contact the Expat Money team for up to date and accurate information about the Channel Islands

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Channel Islands has investment opportunities that offer a range of benefits to international investors. With a favourable tax environment, political stability, and a high standard of living, the islands are an attractive location for those looking to invest in a secure and prosperous environment. While the application process can be time-consuming, the benefits of the programs make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Before deciding to invest in any of the Channel Islands, it is important to carefully consider the requirements and restrictions of each program and island. Additionally, it is important to consult with an immigration professional familiar with the Investor Visa Programs and laws of the Channel Islands. With careful planning and due diligence, Investor Visa Programs in the Channel Islands can offer a unique and rewarding lifestyle in one of Europe's most beautiful and prosperous regions.

The Channel Islands' investment programs are subject to frequent changes, and it is important to note that rumours are circulating that the investment programs in Jersey and Sark may be cancelled as the Guernsey investment program is. Therefore, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial. It is advisable to contact the team at Expat Money for the most current and accurate information regarding these programs.