can i move to gibraltar

UK citizens can still move to Gibraltar, but it is no longer as simple as arriving and registering when you feel like it. Since Brexit, UK nationals have had to qualify under Gibraltar’s own immigration framework, usually through employment, self employment, self sufficiency or a recognised residency scheme. More recently, updated regulations brought in a temporary suspension on many new residency applications from EEA nationals, including UK citizens who did not already hold certain documents. Applications lodged before that date are still being processed, and there is still space for new approvals where there is a clear economic or public interest case, or to avoid genuine hardship.

In practical terms, anyone planning to relocate now needs to treat Gibraltar as a competitive and controlled jurisdiction, plan their route in advance and base decisions on up to date advice.

UK citizens can still relocate, but only through defined residency routes

A temporary pause affects many new EEA and UK applications

Exceptions may apply where there is economic need or protected rights

Careful planning is essential before you commit to a move

Rules can change, so you must work from current official guidance

For short tourist visits, many nationalities, including UK citizens, can enter Gibraltar without a visa, provided they meet standard entry conditions. Living and working there is very different. If you intend to stay long term, you need lawful residence and, where relevant, permission to work. UK and other European nationals enjoyed relatively straightforward access in the past, but current regulations mean long term residence is controlled and many new applications are paused unless they fall within specific categories or exceptions. Non EU nationals typically need a work permit tied to a Gibraltar employer, or they must qualify under a recognised scheme such as self employment, self sufficiency or investment based residency.

Whatever your nationality, you should assume that working on a tourist entry alone is not acceptable and that proper immigration and registration steps are required.

Short stays as a visitor are often visa free, but do not grant residence

Any long term move for work or retirement requires formal residency

Some nationalities also need a work permit linked to a local employer

Current rules limit many new EEA and UK residency applications

You should never rely on tourist status if you intend to live and work there

Gibraltar offers several distinct residency routes, although access for new EEA and UK applicants is currently more restricted. The main pathways are employment based residency, self employment or business ownership, financially self sufficient residency, and special regimes such as Category 2 for high net worth individuals and High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills for senior executives. Employment based residency is usually the starting point for those with a confirmed job offer from a Gibraltar employer. Self employment and business ownership are suited to entrepreneurs who can show genuine local activity and economic substance. Self sufficient and pensioner routes are for those with secure income, savings and private medical cover who do not need local employment.

Category 2 and HEPSS offer tax efficient treatment for wealthier individuals and key executives who satisfy specific criteria on wealth, earnings and accommodation. Across all routes, the focus is on financial independence, good character and a clear benefit to Gibraltar.

Main routes include employment, self employment and self sufficiency

Category 2 and HEPSS are designed for high net worth and senior executives

Each route has its own income, documentation and housing requirements

Access for some new EEA and UK applicants is currently constrained

The right route depends on your work plans, income and long term goals

There is no single published figure that suits every self sufficient residency case. Instead, the authorities look at whether you can clearly support yourself and any dependants without relying on public funds. This normally means demonstrating regular income or substantial savings, backed up by bank statements, investment summaries and reference letters. You must also have exclusive access to suitable accommodation in Gibraltar, either owned or rented, and hold comprehensive private medical insurance that covers treatment locally and often in nearby countries. A realistic budget needs to allow for rent or mortgage payments, service charges, utilities, health cover and day to day living costs.

Applications that show a strong, sustainable financial position are more likely to be viewed positively, particularly at a time when new residency requests are examined carefully and some categories are temporarily paused.

You must prove solid, sustainable income or savings, not marginal means

Private medical insurance and suitable accommodation are compulsory

Evidence usually includes bank statements, investments and reference letters

Your budget must cover local living costs comfortably, not just on paper

Professional input can help you present financial evidence in an acceptable way

Retiring to Gibraltar on a UK pension remains an attractive goal for many, thanks to the familiar language, climate and tax treatment. In principle, UK pensioners who obtain residency can often access the public healthcare system by registering correctly and, where applicable, transferring certain UK medical entitlements. Gibraltar’s public healthcare model is similar in style to the UK, with services delivered through a central authority and the option to add private cover for faster or wider choice. The recent tightening of residency rules and the temporary suspension affecting many new EEA and UK applications mean that timing and eligibility are now more important than ever.

As a prospective retiree, you will need to show adequate pension income or savings, secure appropriate accommodation and arrange healthcare cover as part of your application. Some retirees also explore whether a status such as Category 2 fits their circumstances, particularly if they have significant international investment income.

Retiring to Gibraltar on a UK pension is possible if residency is granted

Public healthcare is available for eligible residents who register correctly

Many retirees supplement this with private medical insurance

Pension income, savings and suitable housing must all be clearly evidenced

Specialist advice is recommended, given the current residency restrictions

Gibraltar operates a broadly territorial tax system, so tax is generally paid on income that arises in or is derived from Gibraltar, rather than on worldwide income in the same way many larger countries operate. There is no VAT on everyday spending, no general capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no wealth tax, which can make a significant difference for investors, business owners and retirees with assets outside Gibraltar. Personal income tax rates are competitive, with structured bands and allowances that usually result in a lower effective rate than in many neighbouring countries. Companies that are managed and controlled in Gibraltar pay corporation tax at a flat rate on profits that arise in or are derived from Gibraltar, a rate that is deliberately positioned to remain attractive for genuine economic activity.

For people moving from the UK or Spain, the combination of lower income tax, the absence of certain other taxes and clear rules can create real planning opportunities, provided cross border tax issues are handled carefully.

No VAT, wealth tax, inheritance tax or broad based capital gains tax

Competitive personal income tax rates compared with many European countries

Corporation tax is charged at a flat rate on locally derived profits

Territorial principles can be beneficial for internationally mobile individuals

Cross border planning is essential if you still have income or assets overseas

Tax residence and immigration residence are linked, but they are not exactly the same. Immigration residence is about your legal right to live in Gibraltar, usually granted through a residency route such as employment, self employment, self sufficiency, Category 2 or HEPSS. Tax residence is about where the authorities consider you to be fiscally resident for income tax purposes. In Gibraltar, tax residence typically depends on factors such as how many days you spend in the territory during the tax year and whether you maintain a permanent home there.

You also have to consider how and when you cease tax residence in your home country, especially the UK, which uses its own Statutory Residence Test. Many people plan these two aspects together, so that the timing of their move, the acquisition of accommodation and their day counts line up sensibly across both systems.

Immigration residence gives you the legal right to live in Gibraltar

Tax residence determines where your income is assessed and taxed

Day counts and having a permanent home are central to tax residence

You must also manage how and when you exit your previous tax system

Yes, you can normally keep your UK citizenship and become resident in Gibraltar, because Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and residency there does not require you to give up your British passport. Many people who move from the UK to Gibraltar remain UK citizens while holding Gibraltarian residence, which allows them to keep family, cultural and financial ties with the UK. What changes is not your nationality, but your place of residence and, potentially, your tax residence. You will still need to comply with Gibraltar’s immigration and registration rules and, if you are leaving the UK, complete any departure formalities so that your tax affairs are correctly updated.

For some people, dual connections can create additional planning points, for example if they own property or receive pensions in the UK, but this is usually a matter of structuring and good advice rather than citizenship itself.

You can usually keep your UK passport while living in Gibraltar

Moving affects where you are resident, not your British nationality

You still have to meet Gibraltar’s residency and registration requirements

UK tax and legal links often continue, especially for property and pensions

Good cross border advice helps you manage both sets of obligations

Gibraltar is well known for having specific regimes aimed at high net worth individuals and senior executives who bring valuable skills or investment to the territory. Category 2 status is designed for high net worth individuals who can demonstrate a minimum qualifying net worth and who have approved accommodation in Gibraltar. Instead of being taxed on all their worldwide income, they are assessed on a defined income band, which effectively caps their annual income tax liability. High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills, often called HEPSS, is aimed at senior executives whose skills are considered important to Gibraltar’s economy. They are taxed only on a set portion of their employment income, provided they meet conditions on salary level, skills and residence.

Both regimes are tightly defined, require careful applications and are usually used as part of a broader financial and relocation plan. They do not remove the need to comply with immigration rules, but they can make living in Gibraltar significantly more predictable from a tax perspective for those who qualify.

Category 2 status caters for high net worth individuals with sufficient assets

HEPSS is designed for senior executives with specialist, in demand skills

Both regimes limit the income on which local tax is charged

Applicants must have suitable approved accommodation and meet strict criteria

These schemes sit alongside, not instead of, normal residency processes

There is no single right answer, because the choice depends on your priorities, budget and personal circumstances. Living in Gibraltar places you close to work, schools and services, with an English speaking environment and the benefit of being fully immersed in local life. However, property is more expensive, space is limited and service charges in modern developments can be substantial. Living in Spain, often in areas like La Linea, Sotogrande or Manilva, can offer more space, lower housing costs and access to the wider Costa del Sol lifestyle, but you then have to factor in daily border crossings, Spanish tax residence rules and potential differences in employment and social security treatment.

If you live in Spain and work in Gibraltar, your tax position becomes more complex and needs careful management. Many people start by renting in Gibraltar while they understand both options, then decide whether a cross border lifestyle genuinely suits them.

Gibraltar offers convenience, English speaking services and full immersion

Spain typically offers more space and often lower housing costs

Daily commuting across the border adds time and practical uncertainty

Living in Spain can shift your tax residence and obligations

Trying Gibraltar first, then comparing options, is often a sensible approach

The cost of living in Gibraltar is generally higher than in many parts of the UK, and it is shaped heavily by housing costs and the territory’s small size. Rents for modern one or two bedroom apartments in popular developments are often comparable to outer London levels or higher, reflecting limited supply and strong demand. Service charges can add a significant amount each month, particularly in buildings with facilities such as pools, gyms and 24 hour security. Everyday groceries, dining out and leisure can feel slightly more expensive than in many UK towns, although the absence of VAT and low transport costs can offset this for some items.

Utilities are often manageable, especially in smaller, well insulated apartments, and public transport within Gibraltar is limited but inexpensive. When you factor in lower income tax, no council tax and no VAT on most purchases, the overall picture can still be attractive, but it is important to build a realistic budget before committing to a move.

Housing is the largest single expense and can be similar to or above London levels

Service charges in modern developments can add a noticeable monthly cost

Groceries and leisure are often higher than many UK regions, but there is no VAT

Utilities are reasonable for most apartments, especially if they are modern

Lower taxes can offset some costs, but careful budgeting is essential

Gibraltar has a surprisingly diverse job market for its size, but it is also highly competitive. The main sectors that tend to hire internationally are online gaming and betting, financial services, insurance, professional services, fintech, compliance and risk, IT and support services. Within these areas, there is regular demand for roles in customer support, operations, marketing, product, finance, compliance, risk management and senior management, especially for people with strong English and, ideally, additional European languages. Local candidates and residents are often favoured, and current residency restrictions mean that employers need to be confident a new hire can lawfully live and work on the Rock.

For non EU nationals, securing a job offer is usually a condition for obtaining a work permit, so the sequence of job search and immigration is tightly linked. A focused, sector specific search, combined with networking and a clear explanation of your right or route to work in Gibraltar, will usually produce better results than a general scattergun approach.

Key sectors include gaming, financial services, insurance, tech and professional services

Bilingual and multilingual candidates can have a strong advantage

Employers prefer candidates who either already live locally or have a clear route to residency

Work permits for non EU nationals are anchored to a specific employer and role

Targeted applications and networking usually outperform generic job hunting

Many people in Gibraltar either run their own businesses or work remotely for employers and clients outside the territory. From a legal perspective, you must still have the appropriate residency status and, if relevant, business or self employment registrations. Running a Gibraltar company or registering as self employed usually involves registration with the tax authorities, social insurance and, in many cases, a business licence from the Office of Fair Trading. If you are working remotely for a foreign employer, you may need to clarify whether you are treated as an employee in Gibraltar, a contractor, or an employee of an overseas entity with a presence in Gibraltar, since this can affect tax, social security and employment law.

You will also need to consider permanent establishment risks for the overseas company if you are a senior decision maker. These arrangements can be very workable and are increasingly common, but they should be structured cleanly so that tax, immigration and regulatory requirements are all respected.

You can run a business or work remotely, provided your residency status allows it

Local self employment or company registration may be required in many cases

Remote employees need clarity on tax, social security and employment status

Senior roles for foreign companies can raise permanent establishment questions

Proper structuring helps avoid compliance problems for you and your employer

Gibraltar has a school system that is largely based on the UK model, with English as the main teaching language. State education covers primary and secondary schooling and is available to resident families who meet the normal criteria. Over recent years, there has been significant investment in modern school buildings and facilities, which has improved the learning environment across the public sector. In addition, there are private nurseries and independent school options, and some families choose to send older children to schools just across the border in Spain while continuing to live in Gibraltar.

For those thinking about longer term education pathways, it is important to consider how GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications will feed into universities either in the UK, Spain or elsewhere. Most relocating families start by reviewing catchment areas, school performance, language options and transport routes, then visit schools as part of their initial fact finding or house hunting trip.

The school system broadly follows the UK model and teaches mainly in English

State schools are free for eligible residents and have modernised facilities

Private nurseries and independent options are also available

Some families mix Gibraltar living with schooling across the border in Spain

Early research on curricula, language options and university routes is wise

Healthcare in Gibraltar is provided mainly through the Gibraltar Health Authority, which operates a public system similar in feel to the UK’s NHS. Eligible residents who register correctly can access primary care and hospital services, with referrals to specialist treatment locally or, where necessary, in the UK or Spain. New residents need to understand how they qualify. This may be through employment and social insurance contributions, through transferred entitlements from another country, or via private healthcare if they are self sufficient. Many residency routes require applicants to hold private medical insurance that covers at least inpatient and day patient treatment in Gibraltar and neighbouring areas, with a specified minimum annual cover.

This private policy can complement or bridge access to public services, especially in the early stages of a move. For families, it is important to register with a local doctor as soon as residency is granted and to keep all documentation and policy details up to date, particularly when children are involved.

Gibraltar’s public system is delivered through the Gibraltar Health Authority

Eligibility usually depends on residency status and contributions or entitlements

Many applicants must hold private medical insurance as a condition of residency

Public care can be supported by referrals to the UK or Spain where needed

Early registration and clear documentation are essential for smooth access

Renting in Gibraltar gives you flexibility and is often the best first step for new arrivals who are still learning the market. It allows you to test different neighbourhoods, understand building quality, service charges and noise levels, and see how your commute and daily routines actually work. Buying, by contrast, ties you to a particular development and market segment and involves Stamp Duty, legal fees and long term service charge commitments. Property prices are relatively high due to limited land and strong demand, and competition for desirable units can be intense.

On the other hand, ownership can provide stability, potential capital growth and a clearer link between your accommodation and your chosen residency route, especially for higher end schemes such as Category 2 or HEPSS. The decision often comes down to how certain you are about staying, your budget and whether the property is mainly a home, an investment, or both.

Renting offers flexibility and is ideal while you learn the market

Buying involves Stamp Duty, legal costs and ongoing service charges

Property prices are high and good units can be competitive to secure

Ownership can support certain residency routes and long term plans

Your choice should align with your timescales, budget and risk appetite

Foreigners can buy property in Gibraltar, especially in the general open market where most modern marina and town centre developments sit. These properties are available to a wide range of buyers, provided they pass normal checks and can complete the purchase. Alongside this, Gibraltar also has a restricted or local market sector, which is reserved for eligible residents, often first time buyers or those meeting specific criteria on income, residency and use. These local market properties are not generally available to non eligible foreign buyers and come with rules about occupancy and resale.

For many international buyers, this means the practical choice is between open market apartments and, in some cases, high end properties that also qualify for specialist regimes such as Category 2. Working with a knowledgeable local agent and lawyer is essential to ensure that any property you are considering fits your residency status, your future plans and any applicable rules on use.

Foreign buyers are welcome in the open market sector

Local or restricted market properties are reserved for eligible residents

Local homes often come with rules on occupancy and resale

High net worth buyers may focus on developments that suit Category 2 status

Legal and agent guidance is vital before committing to any purchase

The time required for a residency application can vary depending on the route, the completeness of your documentation and any wider policy changes. Under normal conditions, straightforward employment based cases, where the job offer, accommodation and paperwork are all in place, can be processed within a few months. Self employment, self sufficient and specialist schemes can take longer, because the authorities need to review business plans, financial evidence and, in some cases, satisfy additional checks.

The recent introduction of temporary suspensions and tighter controls for many new EEA and UK applications has added further uncertainty, since some categories are not being accepted at all while others are being reviewed more carefully. To reduce delays, it is important to submit a complete, well organised application pack and to respond quickly to any requests for additional information. You should also be prepared for the possibility that timelines may change as policies are updated.

Simple cases can take a few months in normal conditions

More complex or specialist routes can take longer to assess

Recent rule changes have added uncertainty to some timeframes

Complete, well presented applications usually move more smoothly

You should build flexibility into your plans in case of delays

In many cases, yes, you can bring close family members with you when you move to Gibraltar, but the exact rules depend on your residency route, nationality and how your status is framed. Spouses, civil partners and dependent children are often able to obtain residence based on the main applicant’s status, provided you can show sufficient accommodation and financial means to support the household. Documentation such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of relationship and, where relevant, custody arrangements will be required. For extended family members, such as elderly parents, the position is more restricted and may require separate applications, additional evidence or specific grounds such as dependency or care needs.

It is also important to consider schooling, healthcare, and the impact on tax residence for family members who may have income or assets in other countries. Approaching the move as a family relocation project rather than focusing solely on the main applicant tends to produce better, more sustainable outcomes.

Spouses, partners and dependent children can often join the main applicant

Adequate housing and financial resources must cover the whole family

Relationship and dependency must be proved with formal documents

Extended family members may face stricter criteria and separate applications

Planning should cover education, healthcare and tax impacts for everyone

Preparing properly before you leave your home country can make your move to Gibraltar far smoother. Start by clarifying your residency route and checking that you meet the key criteria, including financial evidence, accommodation and any health insurance requirements. In parallel, review your tax position, including exit rules, capital gains timing, pensions and how your move will affect your home country filings. Organise important documents such as passports, birth and marriage certificates, academic records, medical records and financial statements, and keep both physical and digital copies. If you have children, secure school places or at least begin the application process well in advance.

Confirm your banking arrangements, including whether you will keep accounts in your home country, open accounts in Gibraltar, or use international banking solutions. Finally, arrange movers, insurance, any pet transport requirements and a realistic arrival plan that covers temporary accommodation, registrations and first appointments. Treating the move like a managed project, with checklists and timelines, will help you stay in control.

Confirm your residency route and ensure you meet all core criteria

Sort out tax planning and exit formalities before you leave

Gather key documents and keep secure copies in more than one place

Plan schooling, banking and logistics early, especially for families and pets

Use checklists and timelines so your move feels organised, not rushed