Right to Work in Jersey
This page is for candidates checking whether they may be eligible to live and work in Jersey before applying for a vacancy on the island. If you are not already a Jersey resident, please check your position before applying.
Your right to work in Jersey depends on your residential and employment status under Jersey law. AP Personnel can provide general guidance, but official right-to-work, housing and employment status information should always be checked with the Government of Jersey.
Checking your right to work in Jersey
If you want to work in Jersey, you should confirm that you have the correct residential and employment status before applying for an island-based role.
Jersey has its own rules around housing, work and employment status. These rules are set by Jersey law rather than AP Personnel, and they may affect the roles you can apply for and the accommodation available to you.
Your residential and employment status is shown on your Jersey registration card. If you start a new job, you will need to show your registration card to your employer, along with photographic proof of identity.
If you are moving to Jersey, you will usually need a registration card before you start work or move into a property. Candidates should check the current Government of Jersey guidance before applying for a role.
Who can work in Jersey?
Your ability to work in Jersey depends on your residential and employment status. The main Jersey residential and employment statuses are Entitled, Entitled for Work, Licensed and Registered.
Entitled status usually applies to people who have lived in Jersey for 10 years. People with Entitled status can normally work anywhere and do not need permission to be employed.
Entitled for Work status usually applies to people who have lived in Jersey continuously for five years, or to the spouse, civil partner or eligible partner of someone with Entitled, Entitled for Work or Licensed status.
Licensed status usually applies to essential employees where a Jersey business has permission to employ someone with Licensed status.
Registered status usually applies where the other status categories do not apply, including many people who have lived in Jersey for less than five years or who work seasonally.
Some roles may only be available to candidates with certain statuses, or where the employer has permission to employ someone with that status. You should check your registration card and the current Government of Jersey guidance before applying.
Questions about working in Jersey
Can I work in Jersey?
Your ability to work in Jersey depends on your residential and employment status. If you already live in Jersey and hold the relevant status, you can usually apply for island roles in the normal way. If you are planning to move to Jersey, you should confirm your position before applying.
What does eligibility depend on?
Eligibility is based on your residential and employment status under Jersey law. Jersey manages access to work and housing through its own legislation, so your status may affect the types of roles and accommodation available to you.
What is a Jersey registration card?
A Jersey registration card shows your residential and employment status. You may need it when starting a new job, moving house, leasing property or moving to Jersey.
Can I work in Jersey if I have lived there for less than five years?
You may be able to work in Jersey, but your options may depend on your residential and employment status and whether the employer has permission to employ someone with that status. Many people who do not fall into the Entitled, Entitled for Work or Licensed categories have Registered status.
Can spouses, civil partners or partners qualify to work in Jersey?
A spouse, civil partner or eligible partner of someone with Entitled, Entitled for Work or Licensed status may be able to obtain Entitled for Work status. You should check the current Government of Jersey guidance for the exact requirements.
What if I am not yet eligible?
If you are not sure whether you qualify, you can still get in touch. Please send us your CV with a short cover letter explaining your circumstances and eligibility, and we will let you know how we may be able to help.
Where can I check the official rules?
For the official position, please visit the Government of Jersey website and check the current guidance on registration cards, residential status and working in Jersey.
Can AP Personnel help?
AP Personnel can provide general guidance and help you understand whether a role may be suitable for your circumstances. However, official eligibility, housing and employment status questions should be checked with the Government of Jersey.
Information for clients
Clients recruiting in Jersey may need to check a candidate’s residential and employment status before employment begins. A registration card shows the person’s status, and clients may need to confirm whether their business licence allows them to employ someone with that status.
AP Personnel can provide general recruitment guidance and help clients understand where right-to-work checks may be relevant during the hiring process.
Useful next steps
If you have checked your position and are eligible to work in Jersey, you can search current Jersey vacancies or speak to an AP Personnel consultant about suitable roles.
If you are unsure whether a role is appropriate for your circumstances, please contact our team before applying.