Becoming a sole trader in Jersey: the steps and the costs

Being a sole trader is the simplest way to work for yourself in Jersey: you are the business, with no company to set up. There are still a few registrations to make. This guide sets them out in order, with figures checked against gov.je (opens in a new tab), the JFSC and Social Security on 21 October 2026.

We are a web studio, not legal or tax advisers. For your own situation, speak to the Business Hub, Revenue Jersey or an accountant.

Do sole traders need a business licence?

Usually, yes. You apply online through one.gov.je (opens in a new tab). The exception is a sole trader with no employees working under eight hours a week who holds an eligible residential status; other exemptions are set out in the Control of Housing and Work rules. Our guide to starting a business in Jersey covers the licence in more detail.

Do I need to register a business name?

Only if you trade under a name that is not your own. Sole traders are registered for a business name at the same time as they apply for the licence. The JFSC’s 2026 fees (opens in a new tab) are £77 for a business name statement and £62 to renew it every three years.

Social Security: Class 2 contributions

Self-employed people pay Class 2 contributions to Social Security. In 2026 the standard rate (opens in a new tab) is £757.75 a month. New businesses may qualify for the Startup Plan at £252.58 a month, for up to two years. Rates are recalculated each January.

How sole traders pay income tax

Self-employed income is not covered by an ITIS rate. Instead you pay tax on account (opens in a new tab), on 30 November and 31 May, based on the previous year’s bill, and declare your self-employed income on your tax return. If you also have a job and your self-employed income is less than three times your employed income, you may pay through ITIS instead.

GST and data protection

Most sole traders are well below the £300,000 GST registration threshold: our GST guide explains it. If you hold any customer details, you will almost certainly need to register with the JOIC.

Keep your records

Keep business records for at least six years (opens in a new tab): income, expenses, invoices and receipts.

The short checklist

• Business licence from one.gov.je, unless you are exempt.
• Business name registered if you trade under a name that is not yours (£77, then £62 every three years).
• Class 2 Social Security set up (Startup Plan if eligible).
• Income tax: payments on account, and self-employed income on your tax return.
• JOIC registration if you hold customer details.
• Records kept for six years.