Obtain Business Licenses in Jersey

Entrepreneurs who open a company may need to apply for and obtain a business license in Jersey, depending on the activities they will engage in.

Those involved in trading will also need to obtain a trade license in Jersey which will allow them to engage in specific trading activities.

Our team tell you the costs of company formation in Jersey, and can assist you with the entire process, including the steps needed to obtain additional licenses and permits.

We also help those who are interested in company formation in Guernsey, as well we those who wish to open a Jersey trust company.

Types of business licenses in Jersey

A business license in Jersey is mandatory for all those who engage in economic activity. There is a distinction between the license required for anyone who wishes to be involved in permanent business activities in Jersey, and those business licenses in Jersey issued for specific activities.

First of all, a business license is issued by the authority registering the business. This certifies that a company or organization is allowed to do business in Jersey. Registering the business and obtaining the registration certificate is the first step for setting up a business in Jersey.

Once the registration is completed, additional registrations and applications for a business license in Jersey are submitted to the relevant authorities.

Below, our team specializing in company formation lists some of the types of licenses that are in place according to business activity:

• Food and drink-related activities: licensed by the Environmental Health Department;
• Liquor selling licenses: granted by the Licensing Assembly (a new Alcohol Licensing (Jersey) Law adopted in March 2026 will replace this regime);
• Installing and using CCTV cameras: subject to registration with the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner;
• Childcare service providers: registered with the Childcare and Early Years Service and also with the health authorities;
• Financial service providers: subject to licensing and control by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

Knowing which license applies in your case is important before you start the steps necessary to open a company in Jersey. As a business owner, you will need to run your activities in a lawful manner, meaning that you will only be able to start trading or engage in specific activities once you obtain the trade license in Jersey or other licenses/registrations.

General requirements for obtaining a business license

As each license is issued by a governing authority, applicants will need to observe the registration requirements set forth by the assigned governmental bodies or agencies.

In order to obtain a business license in Jersey, the applicant will need to submit a set of documents and pay a fee. The checklist below includes the main requirements needed to apply for a liquor license, listed by our agents in Jersey:

• Submit the filled-in application form;
• Provide the business model and the floor plans for the establishment that will be selling alcohol;
• Pay the relevant fee according to the premises type.

Currently, the fees that apply for the liquor license in Jersey according to the type of establishment are:

• £434 for a tavern (plus a fee multiplied by the maximum number of individuals allowed on the premises);
• £324 for a club license;
• £114 for an off-license;
• £434 for a cinema or theatre license.

If you would like to know more about the business license in Jersey, please feel free to reach out to our local team of experts.

We can help you with all matters related to company formation, however, our agents are also able to answer questions about how to immigrate to Jersey.

Contact us for complete details on company formation in Jersey, including business license application assistance.