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Detailed guidance and FAQs

The detail behind Gibraltar's residency rules — waivers, deposits, anti-avoidance, business registration and the pathway to Gibraltarian Status. Answers to frequently asked questions.

This page explains the detail behind the residency rules. For the main criteria, start with check if you can apply.

Minimum salary waiver (under 30s)

If you are under 30, the requirement to earn the average gross annual earnings (£37,500) can be waived. Your employer must pay the tax and social insurance contributions as if your salary were the average gross annual earnings (as gazetted), every year until you reach the salary threshold. The amount is held as a deposit to the credit of the employer.

Age requirement and discretion over 55

The Chief Minister has discretion to allow applicants over 55 where their residency is in Gibraltar’s interests. Someone over 55 who is granted a permit has no entitlement to Elderly Residential Services, unless and until they become a Gibraltarian.

The purpose of the age requirement is to make sure people contribute to the economy for a significant period before they are entitled to live in Gibraltar longer term.

Deposits for new businesses and self-employed applicants

If the business employing you has traded for less than 12 months, or you are self-employed and have not previously registered as self-employed, you must pay a deposit. How it is calculated, and when it is returned, is set out in fees and deposits.

Anti-avoidance measures

  • Any variation to a contract that reduces the amount paid to the employee is automatically flagged, so that the conditions under which the permit was issued continue to be met. Salary should not be reduced without reasonable justification.
  • HM Government of Gibraltar checks that businesses are up to date with all payments and filings.
  • “All payments” can include tax liabilities, social insurance contributions, licensing fees, registration fees and other regulatory payments. Further clarification may be provided in implementing guidance.

Business registration

For a business to be fully registered under the Business, Trades and Professions (Registration) Act and licensed under the Fair Trading Act, the CEO of the Department of Business may consider factors including:

  • the creation of full-time or part-time employment in Gibraltar
  • the provision of in-demand skills
  • the rental of suitable office or commercial space
  • a positive tax filing history
  • the future generation of economic activity in Gibraltar
Note:

Registering and licensing a business is a separate process handled by the Department of Business. This site covers residency only.

The pathway to Gibraltarian Status

The length of residence required before you can apply for Gibraltarian Status depends on when you became resident:

  • 20 years for new applicants who become resident on or after 6 October 2025
  • 10 years for people who held a valid Civilian Registration Card or Permit of Residence and were in Gibraltar before 6 October 2025

This change is made by the Gibraltarian Status and Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025, which amends section 9(f) of the Gibraltarian Status Act. Applying for Gibraltarian Status is a separate process from applying for residency.

Good standing and public interest

The Government reserves the right to refuse, suspend or revoke a residence permit where the individual is not of good standing (including future vetting, arrests and similar), or on public policy, public health or public security grounds.

If your application is refused

If the Authority refuses your application or a renewal, or revokes your permit, you can appeal to the Residency Appeals Tribunal. You must appeal within 7 days of being notified of the decision.

The Tribunal normally decides an appeal on written representations, unless it decides it needs to hear from you. It can uphold, change or overturn the decision.

Frequently asked questions

Do these rules apply to me if I already live in Gibraltar?

Not necessarily. The new rules apply to applications made on or after 6 October 2025. If you hold a Civilian Registration Card (CRC), or obtained residence before that date, you remain on the previous regime. A red Gibraltar identity card means you have right of abode and are not affected by these rules. See who the new rules apply to.

How much do I need to earn?

Your employment contract must show gross annual earnings of at least £37,500 — the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar, set from the Employment Survey Report and updated each year.

I'm under 30 and earn less than that. Can I still apply?

Possibly. If you are under 30, the salary requirement can be waived if your employer pays the tax and social insurance as if you earned the threshold, until you reach it. See check if you can apply.

Is there an age limit?

You must normally be 55 or under. The Chief Minister can use discretion to allow applicants over 55 where it is in Gibraltar's interests, but they would not be entitled to Elderly Residential Services unless they later become a Gibraltarian.

Can my spouse and children come with me?

Yes. You can be accompanied by your spouse or civil partner and/or your children. To bring your spouse or civil partner, you provide an advance deposit equal to the total social insurance contributions payable under your employment contract for the first year. See family, partners and students.

What healthcare and schooling do I get?

Residency gives you and your immediate family access to healthcare through the group practice medical scheme and schooling for your children. It does not include elderly care, domiciliary care, housing or other social benefits. See what residency gives you.

Can I apply if I live on a vessel?

No. No new residency applications are accepted from people living on vessels. If you were already granted a permit and live on a vessel, you can continue to do so.

What happens if I lose my job?

Your permit lapses automatically 16 weeks after a Notice of Termination of Terms of Engagement is filed with the Department of Employment, unless the Director of Immigration and Home Affairs is satisfied that you have a new employment contract. See renewing and keeping your permit.

How long until I can apply for Gibraltarian Status?

For new applicants who become resident on or after 6 October 2025, it is 20 years. For people who were resident before that date with a valid card or permit, it is 10 years. Applying for Gibraltarian Status is a separate process.

What does it cost?

The application fee is £250, plus £250 for each dependant you include. The annual renewal fee is £20. Some applicants also pay a deposit. See fees and deposits.