£25 - the price of staying in Jersey

Saturday 03 November 2018

EU citizens wishing to remain in Jersey post-Brexit will have to pay up to £25 to apply for settled status from January.

Applications under the States' EU Settlement Scheme will cost £25 for adults and £12.50 for under 16s.

The States said that their fees are less than what is being charged in the UK - £65 and £32.50 for adults and children respectively.

As Jersey is a Crown Dependency, it is aligned with UK Immigration and Nationality Laws. The Settlement Scheme will allow EU citizens who do not also possess British or Irish nationality to stay in Jersey after Brexit. Those who have been living in Jersey for more than five years will be eligible for settled status, while those who have been here for less than five years will be eligible for pre-settled status. They will be able to apply for settled status after five years.

EU citizens who have received permanent residency free of charge in Jersey will still have to apply to the Settlement Scheme.

The application for settled status will not affect the residents' residential status and housing rights. 

Home Affairs Minister Constable Len Norman approved the change to the law earlier this week. The planned amendments to the Jersey Immigration Rules will launch the Jersey EU Settlement Scheme in January 2019. Applications will be taken until the end of 2020.

"EU nationals who have chosen to make their home in Jersey are a vital part of our community and contribute significantly in so many ways to island life. The Government of Jersey has been very clear that EU citizens are most welcome in Jersey and we want everyone to stay in Jersey post-Brexit. The Jersey EU Settlement Scheme will ensure we can achieve this shared objective," the Minister commented.

Further information about the Settlement Scheme and the application process is available on the States website.