Under the Housing Regulations, the local authorities have the ability to grant 'J Category' consent to persons whose employment in the island is deemed to be essential. In practice, the factors taken into account in making this assessment include the expected economic contribution of the employer, the ability, qualifications and experience of the proposed employee, the importance of the post and availability of suitable candidates from within the existing labour market.

In line with the policy shift described previously, the island authorities have demonstrated an increased willingness to grant 'J Category' consents to employees of new businesses which meet the criteria for establishing a presence in the island. Particularly, if it can be demonstrated that the individual brings a particular area of expertise, or that the planned position cannot readily be filled from within Jersey's existing labour force.

For financial services businesses, 'J Category' licences are usually granted for an initial five year period. The accommodation occupied by the ‘J Category’ licence holder is normally leased or purchased in the name of the employer and the licence is conditional upon the individual remaining in the post for which the licence was originally granted.

For very senior people, particularly those with equity in their business, it is usually possible to extend the licence beyondthe initial period for a further five years, provided the business plan set out with their original proposal is broadly accurate. This effectively gives those senior people similar housing rights to locals.

It is anticipated that over the coming years further reforms of the Housing Law are likely to replace the ‘J Category’ system with a form of migration policy, potentially an even more attractive regime for businesses wishing to set up in the island.