Citizens of EU countries may live and work in Gibraltar based on a six-month residence visa followed by a five-year residence permit. Foreign citizens from non-EU countries fall under the regulations of the Immigration Control Ordinance when applying for a Gibraltar residence visa. Those obtaining a residence permit for Gibraltar are not required to live in the country. Foreign citizens holding a Gibraltar work permit are also granted residence permits for variable periods of time depending on the work they render.
If you would like to apply for a residence permit in 2025, our team can provide you with additional information, as well as pre-and post-application assistance. Moving to Gibraltar can be easier with the support offered by a local team of experts, such as our own, so do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you need to apply for the permit.
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Types of Gibraltar residence permits
The Civil Status and Registration Office in Gibraltar issues two types of residence permits for foreign citizens:
- the self-sufficiency residence permits,
- the category 2 residence permits for high net worth individuals (HNWI).
The category 2 residence permits are designed for individuals who possess net assets valuing at least £2 million. Foreign citizens holding category 2 residence permits must pay a tax on their worldwide income in Gibraltar. They are also required to rent or purchase a property in Gibraltar which will be qualified by the Gibraltar Finance Center. Foreign citizens with a category 2 residence permit may set up companies in Gibraltar.
Our company registration agents in Gibraltar will help you set up a business in the country.
Foreign citizens applying for a self-sufficiency residence permit in Gibraltar are not allowed to work or make any other income. However, they are not required to rent or buy a property in Gibraltar.
How to apply for a Gibraltar residence permit in 2025
In order to obtain a Gibraltar residence permit, an applicant must submit the following documents:
- a passport or ID card for EU citizens,
- proof of accommodation,
- one photograph,
- proof of income, where applicable,
- proof of payment of the registration fee,
- information about family members,
- an application form.
The civilian registration cards are issued after the proper submission of the required documents, including the filled-in application form, the identification documents, and the proof of address and income.
Non-EU citizens will first receive a civil registration for one year, followed by a four-year registration card. The Gibraltar residence permit will be renewed every five years.
In addition to the requirements concerning residency permits, foreigners who will reside in Gibraltar can also find out important information about personal taxation from our team. We also offer guidance on tax residence requirements for qualifying category 2 individuals.
Working in Gibraltar
If you arrive in Gibraltar for work purposes, you will need to register as an employee. The first-time registration documents include the employment agreement and an identification document.
Individuals who derive income from Gibraltar choose between two tax systems: the Allowances Based System, or the Gross Income Based System.
According to statistical data from the Department of Employment, there were 941 employers in Gibraltar activating in the banking, finance and insurance sector. Other industries with a high number of employers were retail trade and construction. The restaurants and bars industry had 194 registered employers.
If you need assistance with the residence permit application procedure in 2025, please contact our agents in Gibraltar. If you want to obtain a residence permit in another country, such as Greece, we can put you in touch with our local partners.