Permit types and the application process

Visitor accommodation within premises classified for Visitor Economy use

Under The Land Planning and Development (Use Classes) Ordinance, 2017, recognised visitor accommodation is divided into two specific planning use categories:

Visitor Economy Use Class 7 – Serviced visitor accommodation, including hotels and guest accommodation.
Visitor Economy Use Class 8 – Non‑serviced visitor accommodation, such as self‑catering units.

Premises falling within either of these categories are approved to provide short‑term accommodation to visitors for reward. When operating under the correct planning classification and holding a valid annual permit, these properties may accommodate paying guests on a continuous basis.

There is also provision within Planning Law that allows a private dwelling to operate as a bed and breakfast without requiring planning permission for a change of use. Further details on this exemption can be found here: Minor/Occasional use as Guest Accommodation.

Guidance notes for completing a permit application, along with user instructions for the portal, can be downloaded below. Please review these documents carefully before submitting your application.

Applications must be made online using the M&T Application Portal

Initial access to the portal requires both a password and user verification by the Marketing & Communications team. In the first instance, please contact the Quality Development Team to request access, by calling 07781 101402 or emailing qualitydevelopment@gov.gg

Once logged in and your profile is complete, navigate to the “Accommodation Applications” tab and select “Visitor Accommodation Application” to begin a new submission.

If you require support at any stage, please contact the Quality Development Team.

A fee is charged per maximum bed capacity. The 2026 fee is £11.50 per bed.
Please allow sufficient lead time for processing; a minimum of two weeks is recommended.

Temporary Visitor Accommodation in Private or Other Non‑Designated Premises

A private dwelling may be used as a holiday let, for example, if you rent out your home while you are off‑island, for up to ten weeks within a single year.

Permits issued for this type of temporary accommodation are restricted by specific conditions and cannot be used for continuous operation. These conditions ensure that planning use regulations are not breached. Applicants should note that any breach may result in enforcement action by the relevant States authorities and will be taken into account when assessing future permit applications for the same applicant or property.

Guidance notes on the permit application process, along with portal user instructions, can be downloaded below. Please read these documents carefully before submitting an application.

Initial access to the online application portal requires password creation and user verification by the Quality Development Team. Please contact them by emailing qualitydevelopment@gov.gg in the first instance so they can set up your login credentials.

Once access is provided:

Sign in to the Marketing & Tourism Application Portal.
Navigate to the Accommodation Applications tab.
Select the Short Term/Dwelling Application button to start a new application.

Holders of short‑term accommodation permits are required to complete a monthly occupancy survey, detailing the number and type of guests accommodated. Completion of this survey is mandatory every month, including periods when no guests are staying outside the permitted ten‑week operating window.

A Boarding Permit Fee applies: the 2026 fee is £68.
Please allow a minimum of two weeks for your application to be processed.