Eligibility & Criteria

• Income & Employment: Employees must hold an employment contract for 1 year or more with a gross annual salary of at least £37,500 (aligned with the average gross annual earnings). Workers under 30 can qualify if the employer covers the tax and social insurance equivalent to the full threshold.

• Age Limit: Applicants must be 55 years old or under, though the Chief Minister holds discretion to waive this for specialized skills or labor shortages.

• Accommodation: Applicants must own property or hold a valid rental agreement for at least 12 months (short-term holiday rentals and vessel housing are excluded).

• Vetting & Fees: All applicants must pass background checks, pay a £250 application fee, and renew permits annually for £20 to £100. Unauthorized residency incurs a fine of up to £2,500.

• Self-Employed & New Businesses: Self-employed or new business applicants must pay an advance deposit covering first-year social insurance plus an extra amount (roughly 25% of the average gross earnings).

• Family & Spouses: Spouses and dependent children can accompany applicants. Bringing a spouse requires an advance deposit equal to the first year of total social insurance contributions.

Benefits and Social Restrictions

• Included: Access to the group practice medical scheme (healthcare) and local schooling for children.

• Excluded: Standard residency does not include public housing, elderly residential services, domiciliary care, or wider social welfare benefits.

• Gibraltarian Status: The qualifying period to apply for full Gibraltarian Status has been extended to 20 years for new post-October 2025 applicants (compared to 10 years for legacy residents).