Information - The Island of Guernsey

The island of Guernsey first saw international banks, accountancy firms etc. arriving in the 1960s, and finance soon became the main industry sector, while previous mainstays such as horticulture and tourism declined.

With income tax at a flat rate of 20%, and no general capital gains tax, inheritance tax or estate duty, purchase or sales tax, VAT or capital transfer tax, the advantages over the UK and many other countries are clear.

In addition to the financial appeal of living in Guernsey, the island enjoys an excellent quality of life. The weather is similar to that in southern England, but slightly warmer, with generally warm summers and mild winters - snow is a rarity.

The climate enables swimmers, sunbathers, surfers and windsurfers to take advantage of the abundance of beautiful beaches and, because the island is only eight miles long and five miles wide, it is never more than a 10-minute drive to the sea.

All of this means that, while Guernsey people work just as hard as their city-based counterparts and take their careers just as seriously, they can be home and relaxing or out enjoying themselves in a matter of minutes.

Housing in Guernsey is divided into "local market" (basically for those born in the island) and "open market" (everyone else), but housing licences are issued to incomers at the discretion of the local government, the States of Guernsey. Development is strictly controlled.

The population has grown to more than 60,000 and keeping it at an acceptable level while filling key posts is a constant bone of contention.