Five Reasons to Relocate to the Isle of Man

1. Diverse and Interesting Career Opportunities

The Isle of Man’s advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce and supportive Government make way for a thriving, ever-growing economy, and job market. The Island is home to many of the world’s foremost organisations, leading the way in many new and diverse sectorsspanning:• Financial and Professional Services (accountancy, compliance and more)• Tech (eGaming, compliance, programming, computer engineering, web development)• Healthcare• Education• Aerospace• Aviation• Creative Industries• Engineering and Manufacturing• Construction• Tourism and Hospitality• Food and Drink• Shipping• Retail• Esports• Biotech/Med• Medicinal CannabisThe Isle of Man has an award-winning financial and professional services sector, and is a renowned digital centre of excellence, with several leading eGaming global groups headquartered here. The Island’s digital sector has spearheaded a number of exciting and innovative industry digital initiatives including Blockchain, cryptocurrency, the Internet of Things, and latterly esports.With over 1,800 job vacancies live at any one time and a 0.7% unemployment rate, the Island’s job market is buoyant, with many professional pathways and roles across a range of seniority levels available to individuals, couples and families considering a relocation.With several of the Island’s key sectors experiencing skills shortages, staff development and retention are vital for Island-based companies. As a result, many Isle of Man employers are offering:• Relocation incentives• Fast career progression and graduate career pathways• Competitive salaries• Attractive benefits packages• Opportunities for further career and professional development.The Locate Isle of Man Talent Portal is an excellent place to start a job search for those considering a relocation to the Isle of Man. An online networking platform which connects and matches individuals with Isle of Man employers and recruitment agencies based on their skillset, the portal is free to use, and obligation-free.The Isle of Man is also a wonderful and supportive environment for start-up businesses. The local Government offer a range of  financial assistance and support schemes, regularly investing millions into entrepreneurs and those setting up new ventures in the Island.

2. Amazing Work-Life Balance

Measuring 33 miles long and 13 miles wide the Island is compact but home to a vibrant business centre and a stunningly diverse natural landscape. This means the average commute time is only 20 minutes. With a robust infrastructure across the Island and little overcrowding, there is ample space to breath and enjoy what the Island has to offer.With over 86% of employers adopting flexible working practices, residents have much more time to do what they love – whether it be exploring the great Manx outdoors or spending more time with friends and family. A typical day would start with a short commute to work, followed by lunch at a local spot enjoying the freshest seafood you can imagine, a 10-minute drive to the beach after work for a windsurfing or kayak session, ending with a glass of wine or a pint with friends at a local pub or wine bar.The Isle of Man is also the only entire jurisdiction in the world to be a named a UNESCO Biosphere, and it’s spectacular and diverse scenery proves it. Boasting 95 miles of coastline, 169 miles of public footpaths and 26 ‘Dark Sky Sites’, the Island is an active place with plenty of opportunities to indulge almost any interest – the perfect antidote to a hard day's work.

3. Welcoming Community

Ranked as the best place to live for expats in the British Isles, the Manx people are proud of their heritage, yet outward looking and progressive. The people are open, friendly, and often found conversing with total strangers. In fact, crime statistics in previous years have revealed the Isle of Man is one of the safest places to live in the British Isles.The Isle of Man’s close-knit and welcoming community affords its residents the opportunity to take part in a range of community-based activities and groups across the Island. From music and theatre and arts and crafts, to foreign language learning , there is something for all ages and interests. There are also over 50 sports and cultural activities in the Isle of Man, including a huge array of sports clubs to join and make new friends, covering all genres of sport.  The Island offers both a progressive and straightforward work permit and immigration system for those considering a move from the UK and beyond. The Island nation proudly celebrates its diversity and welcomes relocators from all backgrounds and cultures - its largest non-British populations are South African, Filipino, Polish, and Bulgarian.

4. Superb Local Manx Produce

In the Isle of Man food lovers can feed their soul with beautiful Manx food and drinkspecialities! With over 40% of the Island uninhabited and 12 nautical miles of surrounding waters, the Island has plenty of space to grow and catch some amazing local produce. The Island is well-known for its locally produced cheeses, beef, kippers, and of course its national dish of Manx Queenies. Strict legislation means that many local delicacies are totally devoid of artificial additives, giving a full and fresh taste.The Isle of Man is also home to over 400 hospitality establishments offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. From relaxed seaside bistros, harbour side cafés and quirky pubs to fine dining restaurants, and vibrant cocktails bars, there’s something to cater to every taste. Many of these establishments champion the use of local produce, and you’ll find local meat, dairy, vegetables, beers, wines, and spirits feature across many of the Island’s local menus.Food and drink markets are also a regular occurrence across the Island’s villages and towns,and the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is a wonderful annual event that celebrates the very best of Manx food and drink produce. The festival, which showcases over 60 local food and drink producers, attracts in excess of 10,000 people through its doors every year.The Island’s flourishing food and drink scene has also been recognised globally; in 2021, 18 food products made by seven different producers on the Island were successful at the world’s largest and most trusted accreditation scheme, The Great Taste Awards.

5. The Perfect Blend of Town and Country Living

The Island really is the perfect blend of city life and outdoor living - affording residents the opportunity to experience a rewarding career within a beautiful natural setting. Residents can work in town but live in the countryside and have only a 20-minute commute into the Island's business centre.Work-life balance on the Island isn't just about opportunities outside of work, but is reflective of a holistic Island lifestyle, from community and activities - to where you live. For those that prefer the country life, but would prefer to work in a town, then Douglas is only a short commute with all the major roads on the Island leading to it.For those that prefer living in a town, flats, and houses in the towns of Peel, Douglas and Ramsey give you great access to shops and restaurants, with all necessary amenities on your doorstep.With no property restrictions or stamp duty, the Island is home to a diverse set of propertiesranging from quaint Manx stone cottages to large premium country and coastal properties –and everything in between!If you’re interested in finding out more about the Isle of Man, or considering a relocation, please feel free to reach out to the Locate Isle of Man team who would be delighted to help you on your journey.

Visit our Isle of Man section to find out more

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