Guernsey Lifestyle

The Island of Guernsey lies some 25 miles to the west of France's Normandy coast and is the second largest of the Channel Island archipelago. Its appeal to tourists is testament to its charm and natural beauty, with its rolling pasture land, sandy bays and cragged cliffs. The centre of the Island's commerce is the capital town of St Peter Port which dates back to Roman times and boasts a wealth of delightful architectural styles which symbolises its rich and colourful history.

Guernsey offers the ideal compromise between tax seclusion and accessibility, with direct air and sea routes to many of Europe's principal cities. Its geographical position and constitutional stance of independence - with allegiance to the British Crown - has resulted in a culture and lifestyle all of its own that blends the best features of the UK and the continent.

A stable and well structured offshore haven with all the necessary financial infrastructure and expertise, the taxation advantages include the absence of death duties, inheritance tax and capital gains tax - with a flat rate of income tax at 20% and no VAT.

Guernsey places few restrictions on those seeking to buy "Open Market" houses and entry to the Island is a relatively simple matter for those wishing to make it their place of residence.