Residency

How do I become a Gibraltar resident?

Short answer

Since 14 July 2026, new residents apply for a residence permit under the Residency Regulations 2026 (Legal Notice 166 of 2026), with routes for employees, the self-employed, students, Crown Servants and members of HM Armed Forces, existing residents and permanent residents. The most common route is employment, which requires a contract paying at least Gibraltar's average gross annual earnings with an established employer, a primary residence in Gibraltar and, unless the Chief Minister exercises discretion, an age of 55 or under. Being allowed to live in Gibraltar is separate from being tax resident, which the Income Tax Office decides under its own day-count test and evidence guidance.

Detailed answer

Since 14 July 2026, new residents apply for a residence permit under the Residency Regulations 2026 (Legal Notice No. 166 of 2026). These replaced the pause on new UK and EEA applications that had applied since 6 October 2025.

The routes

The Regulations provide routes for:

  • employees
  • self-employed individuals
  • students
  • Crown Servants and members of HM Armed Forces
  • existing residents
  • permanent residents

The employee route

Under the Government's policy paper, an employee must normally provide:

  • an employment contract paying at least Gibraltar's average gross annual earnings, set annually by Gazette notice (£37,500 when the policy was published in June 2026);
  • an employer that has traded in Gibraltar for at least a year, is fully registered and licensed, and is up to date with payments and filings;
  • evidence of a purchase or a rental of at least 12 months for use as the primary residence, which cannot be a holiday let;
  • proof of being 55 or under, subject to the Chief Minister's discretion;
  • an official vetting form from the country of origin.

A deposit may be required where the employer has traded for less than a year or the applicant is newly self-employed. The earnings threshold can be waived in some cases, including for applicants under 30 where the employer meets certain conditions.

Renewal and what residence gives you

Permits are renewed annually and can lapse if tax and social insurance payments stop or the conditions are no longer met. Residence gives access to healthcare under the Group Practice Medical Scheme and schooling for the resident's spouse and children. It does not by itself give access to public housing, elderly residential care or other social benefits.

Who is outside the new criteria

Current holders of Gibraltar identity cards, and people who obtained residence before 6 October 2025, are not subject to the new criteria.

Residence permits and tax residence

A residence permit gives you the right to live in Gibraltar. Tax residence is decided separately by the Income Tax Office: you are ordinarily resident for tax if you are present for at least 183 days in a tax year (1 July to 30 June) or more than 300 days over three consecutive tax years.

For a tax residence certificate (fee £28.50), the primary evidence is your Gibraltar identity card or permanent residence certificate, Gibraltar Health Authority card, utility bills in your name, card spending in Gibraltar and employer confirmation of your presence.

The treaty

The UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar was signed on 14 July 2026 and has applied provisionally since 15 July 2026. It gives no automatic right to live in Gibraltar; residence remains governed by Gibraltar's own rules.

Category 2 and HEPSS continue to exist. Thresholds are updated each year, so check the current position with the Civil Status and Registration Office or take professional advice before relocating.