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Check if you can apply

The criteria you must meet to apply for residency in Gibraltar as an employee.

Most people apply for residency in Gibraltar through employment. To apply in the standard way, you should meet all of the criteria below. If you do not meet the age, salary or business requirement, you may still be able to apply for an exemption — see you may still be able to apply.

Note:

First, check that these rules apply to you. They apply to applications made on or after 6 October 2025. If you held a Civilian Registration Card (CRC) or were already resident before then, see who the new rules apply to.

If you live on a vessel

You cannot make a new residency application if you live on a vessel. No new applications are accepted from people living on vessels.

If you were already living on that vessel before the new rules came into force, this restriction does not apply to you.

The criteria you must meet

To apply for a residence permit as an employee, you must have all of the following.

1. An employment contract

Your employment contract must:

  • be for a period of at least one year
  • show gross annual earnings of at least £37,500 — this is the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar from the Employment Survey Report, and it is updated each year
  • be with a business that is trading in or from Gibraltar, is fully registered and licensed, and is up to date with all its payments and filings

2. Somewhere to live in Gibraltar

You must provide evidence that you rent or own a property in Gibraltar:

  • if you rent, it must be your main home, for at least 12 months, and not a holiday let
  • if you own the property, you cannot let it out while you hold the permit, and it must be available for your exclusive use

3. Be 55 or under

You must provide proof that you are 55 years old or under.

The Chief Minister can use discretion to allow applicants over 55 where residency is in Gibraltar’s interests. See guidance and rules.

4. An official vetting form

You must provide an official vetting form from the country where you were most recently living.

5. A work permit if you are not an EU national

If you are not an EU national, you must also provide a copy of your work permit. See work permits and employment approval.

You may still be able to apply

Some situations have extra steps rather than stopping you applying:

  • You’re under 30 and earn less than £37,500 — the salary requirement may be waived if your employer pays tax and social insurance as if you earned the threshold. See guidance and rules.
  • You’re self-employed, or your business has traded for less than 12 months — you’ll need to pay a deposit. See fees and deposits.

If you don’t meet the age, salary or business requirement

If you do not meet the age, salary or business-registration requirement, you can still submit an application on the basis of an exemption. You set out which requirement you do not meet and why you believe an exemption is merited.

Your application will not be treated as a standard application. It will be reviewed by the relevant departments to assess whether an exemption applies to your circumstances.

Note:

An exemption is not available for the vessel rule above — no new applications are accepted from people living on a vessel.

If you can apply

Make sure you have your documents and evidence ready, then apply online.