Starting a Business · Jersey
Starting a business in Jersey: foreigner's guide (2026)
Jersey shaded by its starting a business status
Jersey (a British Crown Dependency) is a well-established offshore financial centre with a streamlined company formation process governed by the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and administered by the JFSC. There are no foreign ownership restrictions and no statutory minimum share capital, making the jurisdiction highly accessible to foreign investors. Non-residents typically incorporate through a JFSC-regulated service provider and must comply with beneficial ownership disclosure requirements; most operating businesses also require a business licence from the Government of Jersey.
Key points
There are no nationality or residency restrictions on shareholders or directors; 100% foreign ownership of a Jersey company is permitted. The same individual may serve simultaneously as sole director and shareholder.
The Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 imposes no statutory minimum share capital. At least one share must be issued on incorporation for any nominal amount.
Companies are incorporated via the JFSC's myRegistry online portal. Standard processing is 5 business days (fee: £165); expedited same-day processing is also available. A name reservation costs £10. Required appointments at incorporation: at least one director, one shareholder, and a company secretary (the secretary must be a separate person if there is only one director).
Non-Jersey residents must incorporate through a JFSC-regulated service provider licensed for formation services, rather than applying directly. Non-resident businesses operating temporarily in Jersey must also obtain a non-resident business licence from the Government of Jersey before commencing any work on the island.
Incorporation historically required consent under the Control of Borrowing (Jersey) Order 1958 (COBO). The Control of Borrowing (Jersey) Amendment Order 2026, in force from 13 April 2026, initiated the legislative process to simplify and eventually repeal the COBO framework entirely, reducing one layer of regulatory consent.
All Jersey companies must disclose ultimate beneficial owners to the JFSC Registry on a confidential basis at incorporation and on an ongoing basis. From 31 March 2026 the disclosure threshold was raised from 10% to 25% of shares or voting rights, aligning Jersey with FATF international standards.
Jersey - other topics
Last verified 5/24/2026 · Orientation, not legal advice - verify against the primary sources linked above. Explore the full world map →