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Who the new rules apply to

Whether Gibraltar's new residency rules apply to you, or you remain on the previous regime.

Gibraltar’s new residency rules apply to people applying for residency on or after 6 October 2025. Whether they apply to you depends on your situation before that date.

The rules do not apply to you if you

  • hold a Civilian Registration Card (CRC), or
  • were a Gibraltar resident who obtained residence before 6 October 2025

If this is you, you remain on the regime that applied when you obtained residence, and the time period for applying for Gibraltarian Status is respected.

Note:

A Gibraltar identity card — the red card — means you have the right of abode in Gibraltar. If you hold one, the new residency framework does not affect you.

If you were in Gibraltar before 6 October 2025 without a residence card

You will be subject to the new rules, unless there is good reason to exercise discretion to allow an application under the previous regime.

If you are applying for the first time on or after 6 October 2025

The new rules apply to you in full. Check if you can apply.

How this affects Gibraltarian Status

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

  • 20 years if you become a resident on or after 6 October 2025
  • 10 years if you held a valid Civilian Registration Card or Permit of Residence and were in Gibraltar before 6 October 2025

Read more in guidance and rules.

If the new rules apply to you, the next step is to check whether you meet the residency criteria.

Check if you can apply