Although Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, it has its own residency rules and immigration processes. Residency depends on your nationality, employment, and financial situation.
1. UK Citizens
Since Brexit, UK citizens are considered “third-country nationals” in the EU, but Gibraltar remains closely tied to Britain.
Living in Gibraltar as a UK Citizen
- No visa required for short stays: UK citizens can enter and stay for up to 6 months without a visa.
- Residency: To live permanently, you need to establish ordinary residence. This generally means proving you live in Gibraltar for more than 183 days a year.
Ways UK citizens typically gain residency:
- Employment: If you secure a job in Gibraltar, your employer helps you register with the Employment Service, Tax Office, and Social Security. This effectively establishes you as a resident.
- Self-Sufficiency: You can apply for residency if you can show financial independence (e.g., pensions, savings, or investments). You’ll need proof of sufficient funds and private health insurance.
- Category 2 Status (High-Net-Worth Individuals): If your net assets exceed £2 million, you can apply for “Cat 2” residency. This caps your income tax liability at a low level (£37,310–£44,740 per year, depending on the tax year) regardless of your worldwide income.
- Self-Employed / Business Owner: If you set up a business or company in Gibraltar, you can apply for residency through that route.
2. EU/EEA Citizens
EU citizens can visit Gibraltar without a visa, but living and working there requires permits, since Gibraltar is not part of the EU Schengen Zone.
- Short Stay: No visa required for tourism or visits up to 90 days.
- Residency through Employment: If you get a job in Gibraltar, your employer registers you, similar to the UK process.
- Residency through Self-Sufficiency: EU nationals can also apply if they prove they have adequate funds and private medical insurance.
Many EU expats choose to live in Spain (e.g., La Línea, Sotogrande, or Estepona) and commute daily across the border, avoiding the high property costs in Gibraltar while still working there.
3. Non-UK / Non-EU Citizens (Worldwide)
For expats from outside the UK or EU (e.g., US, Canada, Asia, Africa), the process is stricter:
- Visa Requirement: Depending on nationality, you may need a visa to enter Gibraltar. Applications are usually made through a British Embassy/Consulate.
- Residency Routes:
- Employment: A job offer in Gibraltar is the most straightforward way. Employers must demonstrate that no suitable local/EU/UK candidates are available before hiring you.
- Business Investment: Starting or investing in a Gibraltar business can provide a pathway to residency.
- Self-Sufficiency: Similar to EU/UK, but proof of substantial funds and private medical insurance is essential.
- Category 2 / HEPSS Status: High-net-worth individuals or senior executives can apply for special tax residency schemes.
4. Residency Categories in Gibraltar
There are two special residency schemes worth noting:
- Category 2 Residency: For high-net-worth individuals with at least £2 million in net assets. Offers capped income tax on worldwide earnings.
- HEPSS (High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills): Designed to attract senior professionals in industries like finance and gaming. Requires a minimum salary of £160,000 and provides tax benefits.
5. Everyday Requirements for Residency
Regardless of your nationality, you’ll usually need to:
- Show a local address (purchase or rental).
- Provide proof of funds (bank statements, employment contracts, or company records).
- Have medical insurance (if not covered by Gibraltar’s system).
- Register with Gibraltar’s authorities (Tax Office, Employment Service, Civil Status & Registration Office).
✅ In summary:
- UK citizens: Can live and work fairly easily, but must register and meet self-sufficiency or employment requirements.
- EU citizens: Can visit freely, but need work or self-sufficiency to stay.
- Worldwide expats: Usually need visas + job offers or significant wealth.