How to move to Gibraltar in 2026: new residency rules, costs and routes without a job
New residency rules apply from 14 July 2026: an employment contract from $50,000 a year, a home and an age limit of 55. Every route to move, fees and deposits, what residency gives you and how to move without a job.
The simplest way to move to Gibraltar in 2026 is through work. Since 14 July 2026 you need a contract of at least a year paying $50,000 (£37,500) or more, a home in Gibraltar and to be 55 or under. Wealthy people who do not work locally move through a tax status from $6.7 million in assets.
Rules checked on 14 October 2026 against the Residency Regulations 2026 and Government of Gibraltar guidance. Amounts in dollars at £1 = $1.3269 on 7 October 2026, rounded up, with pounds in brackets.
Who can move to Gibraltar under the 2026 rules?
The new rules apply to everyone applying for residency on or after 6 October 2025. Nationality makes no difference: the criteria are the same for British, EU and any other citizens. The routes are:
- Employment: the main route, used by most people.
- Your own business: self-employed people, working directors and partners register the business first, then apply for residency.
- Partner of a Gibraltarian: unmarried couples together for at least two years; the salary and age criteria do not apply.
- Study: full-time students of the University of Gibraltar.
- Category 2 tax status: for people living on their own means who do not work in the local market.
If you miss one criterion, such as age or salary, you can apply for an exemption: the form has a field where you explain why your application merits one, and it is reviewed separately.
What are the requirements to move through employment?
| Requirement | What it takes |
|---|---|
| Employment contract | at least one year, pay from $50,000 (£37,500) a year, which is Gibraltar's average earnings; the employer is registered, licensed and up to date with payments and filings |
| Home | a rental used as your main home for at least 12 months, not a holiday let; a home you own cannot be let while you hold the permit |
| Age | 55 or under; older applicants at the Chief Minister's discretion where residency is in Gibraltar's interests |
| Vetting form | an official vetting form from the country where you last lived |
| Work permit | for everyone except British, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals: the employer first obtains approval in principle |
For applicants under 30 earning below the threshold, the salary requirement is waived if the employer pays a deposit equal to tax and social insurance on $50,000 (£37,500) for each year under 30: currently about $20,000 (£14,420).
How much does it cost to move to Gibraltar?
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residency application | $340 (£250) |
| Each dependant in the application | $340 (£250) |
| Annual renewal | $30 (£20) |
| Spouse or civil partner deposit, refunded when you leave | $2,900 (£2,121.21) |
| Deposit for a new business or first-time self-employment | ~$20,000 (£14,420) |
Example: an applicant with a spouse and one child pays $1,000 (£750) in fees and a $2,900 (£2,121.21) spouse deposit. The new business deposit applies when the company is less than 12 months old or you register as self-employed for the first time, and it is returned once the conditions are met.
We will help you move to Gibraltar
We will choose your route, check the criteria, register your business if needed, find a home that meets the rules, prepare the vetting form and documents and file the residency application for you and your family.
Details and cost are with a manager in the chat: everything depends on the route, your family and the timeline.
How can you move to Gibraltar without a job?
Through Category 2, a tax status for people who live on their own means and do not work in the local market. You need net assets from $6.7 million and approved housing. Tax is fixed at $50,000 (£37,000) to $57,000 (£42,380) a year, whatever your income. The right to live in Gibraltar is tied to keeping the status.
Executives paid $220,000 (£160,000) or more a year can use HEPSS, the regime for high executives with specialist skills: income tax of no more than $53,000 (£39,940) a year. We cover both regimes in detail in Gibraltar HEPSS and Category 2.
What does Gibraltar residency give you?
- Healthcare through the group practice medical scheme for you, your spouse and your children.
- Schooling for children under 18, and after 10 years of residence a scholarship for a dependent child.
- Visa-free Schengen travel for up to 90 days in any 180: the UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar has applied provisionally since 15 July 2026, and there are no more checks at the land border with Spain.
- After 20 years of residence, British citizens can apply for Gibraltarian Status with full rights.
The permit is renewed every year by confirming the conditions are still met. If you change jobs, you have 16 weeks to sign a new contract and keep the permit.
How does the move work step by step?
- We check that you meet the criteria and choose the route for your move.
- If you plan your own business, we register the company and obtain the licence: this comes before the residency application.
- The employer obtains approval in principle for a work permit, where one is needed.
- We find a home that meets the rules and gather the vetting form and employment documents.
- We file the application online and pay the fees; deposits are paid at the counter when you submit.
A bank account and a company in Gibraltar are separate tasks: we handle company registration in Gibraltar and finding a home in Gibraltar.
FAQ
Can UK citizens move to Gibraltar?
What is the 3-year residency rule in Gibraltar?
Can I move to Gibraltar without a visa?
Can I retire and live in Gibraltar?
Why do people move to Gibraltar?
What citizenship do people in Gibraltar have?
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Ask your question in the chat: the free consultation starts right here. Legal representation before authorities and courts is handled by Murblz specialists together with locally licensed partners.
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