Moving to the Isle of Man
Welcome! Whether you're moving for work, retirement, or just fancy island life — here's everything you need to get sorted.
First Week Checklist
- ✅ Register with a GP — Healthcare guide
- ✅ Open a bank account — Isle of Man Bank, Lloyds, Barclays or HSBC (all have IoM branches)
- ✅ Exchange your driving licence — Driving guide (within 12 months)
- ✅ Register for income tax — Tax guide
- ✅ Get broadband — Utilities guide
- ✅ Understand housing control — Housing guide
- ✅ Check work permit status — Immigration guide
Things That Surprise Newcomers
- 🚗 You can drive at 16 — and there's no speed limit on some roads
- 💰 No VAT — prices in shops are what you pay
- 📦 Delivery charges — Amazon and many UK retailers charge extra or don't deliver
- ⛽ No mains gas — homes use electric, oil or LPG for heating
- 🏪 Shops close early — Douglas shops typically close 5:30pm, earlier outside Douglas
- 🐱 Manx cats — the tailless cat breed originates here. You'll see them everywhere.
- 🏍️ TT changes everything — for 2 weeks in June, the island transforms. Roads close. Plans change.
Essential Contacts for New Residents
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Locate IoM (relocation support) | locate.im |
| Income Tax registration | 685400 |
| Work Permits | 686766 |
| Vehicle Registration | 686440 |
| Schools admissions | 685820 |
| Manx Utilities (electricity/water) | 687687 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to make friends on the Isle of Man?
The island is famously friendly, but it\'s also small and tight-knit. Join clubs, attend events, volunteer — the community embraces people who get involved. Facebook groups like the Isle of Man Community Board are a great starting point.
What should I know before moving to the Isle of Man?
Key things: no VAT (great), housing control system (limits what newcomers can rent/buy initially), no mains gas, limited flight routes, Amazon delivery is hit-and-miss, and the island essentially shuts down during TT fortnight. But the quality of life, safety and community more than make up for it.
How do I get my stuff to the Isle of Man?
Most people use removal firms experienced with IoM moves — they ship via the Steam Packet ferry from Heysham or Liverpool. Cars can go on the ferry too. There are no customs duties moving from the UK (Common Travel Area). Budget £1,000-3,000 for a full house move.