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Why did the Government of Gibraltar suspend residence applications from UK and EEA citizens in October 2025, and what applies now?

A view of the Immigration (EU Exit) Regulations 2025

Short answer

On 6 October 2025 the Government of Gibraltar paused new residence applications from UK and EEA nationals. It said this was to manage a sharp rise in people moving to Gibraltar and to allow a review of the residency framework ahead of the UK-EU treaty. That pause has been overtaken by a new permit-based system. The Residency Regulations 2026 (Legal Notice 166 of 2026) have been in operation since 14 July 2026. New applicants now apply for a residence permit under routes that include employment, self-employment, study, and Crown or Armed Forces service. The Government's published criteria require, among other things, qualifying earnings, genuine accommodation in Gibraltar and an age of 55 or under, subject to discretion. The criteria do not apply to Gibraltar ID card holders or to people who were resident before 6 October 2025.

Detailed answer

On 6 October 2025 the Government of Gibraltar paused new residence applications from UK and EEA nationals. That pause has since been overtaken by a new permit-based system under the Residency Regulations 2026, in operation since 14 July 2026.

What the suspension was

The pause applied to new applications for residence documents from UK and EEA nationals. Existing holders of residence documents, and applications submitted before 6 October 2025, were not affected. The Government said the measure responded to a rapid rise in the number of people moving to Gibraltar and was intended to prevent abuse while the residency framework was reviewed.

How it ended

On 17 June 2026 the Government announced a new Residence Criteria framework and published a policy paper. The Residency Regulations 2026 were published as Legal Notice No. 166 of 2026 and came into operation on 14 July 2026. They give legal effect to the published criteria and implement Article 45 of the UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar, which was signed on 14 July 2026 and has applied provisionally since 15 July 2026.

What applies now

New applicants apply for a residence permit. The Regulations provide routes for employees, self-employed individuals, students, Crown Servants and members of HM Armed Forces, existing residents and permanent residents.

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

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

Permits are renewed annually and can lapse if the conditions stop being met.

Who is not affected

The new criteria do not apply to current holders of Gibraltar identity cards or to people who obtained residence before 6 October 2025. If you are unsure of your position, contact the Civil Status and Registration Office or take professional advice.