Helping to establish your eGambling business in the Bailiwick of Guernsey

Offering a professional personal service, free of charge, Locate Guernsey helps and guides businesses and their people to settle in the island.

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) is world renowned as a leading regulator of eGambling businesses. AGCC licencees may decide to maximise the many benefits of establishing a presence in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, of which Alderney is a part. Owners and employees of such businesses will be glad to hear that the Bailiwick offers a friendly and nurturing environment perfect for doing business and living an accomplished life outside of the workplace…and Locate Guernsey is there to help you achieve this.

There are many ‘whys’ when it comes to basing oneself in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Many eGambling businesses will have heard of the Bailiwick through the licences offered by the AGCC. Additionally, the tax environment is well known for its friendliness for both businesses and individuals: Guernsey does not have inheritance tax, capital gains tax and, in many cases, corporation tax.

What is the process for those eGambling businesses who plan to make the move to the Bailiwick of Guernsey?

Any business needing to establish a physical presence has various issues to consider. Can I relocate key staff members? Can I find the staff I need locally? What about premises? Can I find the service providers I need for my business?

The good news is that Locate Guernsey exists to help. The States of Guernsey (Guernsey’s government) established Locate Guernsey to assist HNWIs and businesses interested in relocating to the island. Providing an initial friendly ‘first point of contact’, the team is delighted to assist anyone considering relocation for business or personal reasons.

The Open Market: Open for business 

First and foremost, it is important to recognise that any person with an EU or UK passport can rent or buy a home on Guernsey’s Open Market with ease, making access to the island straightforward compared with many other jurisdictions. The smaller size of the Open Market means properties may carry a purchase price premium, however a review of Open Market homes marketed by the local estate agents will soon make clear the choice of attractive dwellings in stunning locations.

Population Management: Designed for industry by industry 

Guernsey has its own approach designed to help ensure the right mix and makeup of its population, including enabling key posts of employment to be filled by incoming staff under an Employment Permit system. The Population Management (Guernsey) Law 2016, was designed to enable valuable businesses to secure Employment Permits which provide the holders with the ability to live in either Open or Local Market homes.

For any new employer, wishing to recruit from off island, an on-line Employer Assessment is undertaken at the outset. This process is straightforward and the Population Management Office is always pleased to discuss any requirements and provide guidance. More information can be found here: https://gov.gg/populationmanagement 

A list of ‘in policy for an Employment Permit’ posts is available at www.gov.gg/populationmanagement. This demonstrates the States of Guernsey’s desire to help businesses attract and retain the skills and qualifications necessary to support growth and prosperity in the island.

What if I don’t have an EU or UK passport? 

For those without EU or UK passports who wish to relocate to Guernsey there are visa schemes to consider. The Guernsey Border Agency (GBA) administers visas for such individuals to achieve ‘leave to remain’ in Guernsey.

The GBA are very pragmatic and work hard to support propositions which are good for Guernsey. Schemes such as the entrepreneur and investor immigration schemes exist to provide options for these individuals.

Other routes also exist and any businesses with questions should contact the GBA and Locate Guernsey to understand what options are open to them.

Final thoughts 

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is very much open for business for eGambling companies. If you are interested in a licence through the AGCC and are considering a physical presence in the Bailiwick, the States of Guernsey, through Locate Guernsey, are very happy to help and have the tools to do so.

If you are interested in finding out more about any of the aspects mentioned please contact Locate Guernsey on +44 1481 743 834 or enquiries@locateguernsey.com