Gibraltar Residency Regulations 2026

 

Effective Date: 14 July 2026

Purpose

The Government of Gibraltar has introduced a new residency framework under the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union Act 2026. The Regulations establish the requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit to live in Gibraltar. 

 

Who Requires a Residence Permit?

From 14 July 2026, any person wishing to reside in Gibraltar must generally hold:

• A Gibraltar identity card; or

• A residence permit issued under the Residency Regulations 2026.

A residence permit provides the legal right to reside in Gibraltar.

 

Main Categories of Applicants

Residence permits may be available to:

• Employees

• Self-employed individuals

• Students

• Crown servants, Government employees and members of HM Armed Forces

• Existing residents holding residency documentation

• Permanent residents

• Certain family members

• Individuals granted international protection

All applicants must submit a police clearance/vetting certificate from the country in which they were last resident.

 

Employee Applications

To qualify, an applicant must generally:

• Have an employment contract for at least 12 months.

• Earn at least the published average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar (currently £37,500).

• Be employed by a Gibraltar business that:

• Is actively trading;

• Holds the necessary licences/regulatory approvals; and

• Is compliant with Government filing and payment obligations.

• Have evidence of a purchased or rental agreement relating to accommodation in Gibraltar.

• Be aged 55 or below.

• Pass security and background vetting.

 

Employer Deposits

Additional deposit requirements apply where:

• The employer is a newly established business, trading for less than a year, the advanced deposit shall be (a) the total employee and employer social insurance contribution as would be payable under the contract of employment for the first year of employment; and (b) an amount equal to 25% of the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar; or

• The applicant is under 30 years old and/or earns below the salary threshold.

• The advanced deposit shall be an amount equivalent to (a) the total employee and employer social insurance contributions as would be payable if the person’s remuneration were equal to the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar; and (b) an amount equivalent to 25% of the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar.

 

Self-Employed Applicants

Applicants must generally:

• Earn at least the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar (currently £37,500).

• Evidence of a purchased or rental agreement relating to accommodation in Gibraltar.

• Be aged 55 or below.

• Be eligible to obtain any necessary business licences.

• Pass security and background vetting.

 

Deposit Requirement

New self-employed applicants must normally make an advance deposit to Government covering social insurance contributions for the first year of self-employment and an amount equivalent to 25% of the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar.

Student Applications

Applicants must:

• Hold an offer or acceptance for a full-time course at the University of Gibraltar.

Existing Residents

Individuals already holding residence documentation under the Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act may qualify for a residence permit if they can demonstrate:

• Continuous lawful residence in Gibraltar during the six months immediately preceding their application.

Special discretionary provisions may apply in certain circumstances.

Permanent Residents

Persons who already hold:

• A Permanent Residence Card; or

• A Document Certifying Permanent Residence

will qualify for a residence permit.

Important

Permanent residence can be lost following an absence from Gibraltar of more than two years, subject to limited exceptions.

 

Family Members

The following family members may be included in an application:

• Spouse or civil partner;

• Children under 18;

• Children over 18 who are in full-time education.

Adult family members must undergo vetting checks.

Unmarried Partners of Gibraltarians

An unmarried partner may qualify where:

• The relationship is genuine and durable; and

• The relationship has existed for at least two years.

 

Accommodation Requirements

Applicants must generally provide evidence of:

• Ownership of residential property; or

• A rental agreement for at least 12 months.

The following will not qualify:

•  Holiday rentals

•  Short-term rentals below 12 months

• Accommodation not intended as the applicant’s primary residence

• Residence on vessels (except limited grandfathered cases)

Residence Permit Validity

Unless otherwise specified:

• Residence permits are valid for one year.

• Permits can be renewed where qualifying conditions continue to be met.

 

Refusal or Revocation

The Authority may refuse, revoke or decline to renew a permit where:

• False or incomplete information has been provided;

• The applicant no longer satisfies permit conditions;

• Public security, public policy or public health concerns arise;

• Address or residence fraud is identified;

• Illegal migration has been facilitated.

 

Loss of Employment

Employee permits will generally be revoked 16 weeks after employment ends unless qualifying alternative employment is secured.

Schengen Security Checks

As part of the new Treaty arrangements, Gibraltar authorities must consult any European Member state applying the Schengen Acquis in full (i.e.. Any full Schengen member).

Applications may be refused where Schengen authorities object on security, public policy, health or international relations grounds.

Fees

New residency Application: £250

Renewal of Residency Application: £20

The fees apply in respect of each family member.

 

Penalties

Individuals residing in Gibraltar without valid authorisation may face:

• An administrative penalty of £2,500; and

• Immigration enforcement action.

 

Appeals

Applicants may appeal certain decisions to the newly established Residency Appeals Tribunal.

Appeals must generally be submitted within 7 days of notification of the decision.

 

Key Practical Implications

For Employers

• Review salary levels against the published Gibraltar average earnings threshold.

• Where salary levels do not meet the minimum average gross annual earning, the employer will be obliged to pay tax up to the median wage in Gibraltar.

• Be aware of new deposit obligations for newer businesses and certain younger employees.

• Ensure licensing, tax and social insurance compliance.

For Individuals Relocating to Gibraltar

• Secure long-term accommodation before applying.

• Prepare evidence of income and employment.

• Allow time for security vetting.

For Existing Residents

• Review existing residency status and ensure applications are submitted promptly during the transition period.

 

How We Can Assist

We can assist with:

• Residency eligibility assessments

• Employment and self-employment applications

• Family member applications

• Compliance reviews for employers

• Appeals and representations

• Strategic advice on Gibraltar residency and immigration matters

This briefing is intended as a general summary only and does not constitute legal advice. 

Please contact Joseph Gomez or Sebastian Triay – Private Clients Team for further advice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sebastian is a Partner and forms part of the Dispute Resolution and Private Client team. Contact Sebastian at Sebastian.Triay@triay.com  

 

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