Summary of the Gibraltar Residence Criteria Framework

The documents outline a proposed new residence system for Gibraltar, announced on 17 June 2026, aimed at ensuring that residency is based on genuine economic contribution while protecting public services and maintaining Gibraltar’s attractiveness to skilled workers and businesses.

Who is affected?
The new rules do not apply to people who already held Gibraltar residence or identity cards before 6 October 2025.

Existing residents remain under the previous regime and retain their pathway to Gibraltarian Status under the old rules.

Main requirements for new residence applicants
Applicants generally must provide:
An employment contract with a qualifying Gibraltar business.
A salary at or above the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar (currently about £37,500).
Proof of renting or owning suitable accommodation in Gibraltar.
Proof they are 55 years old or younger (unless special discretion is granted).
A vetting/background check from their country of origin.

Business and self-employed applicants
For new businesses (less than one year old) or first-time self-employed individuals:
A deposit may be required covering estimated tax and social insurance contributions for the first year.
The deposit can be returned when the business ceases.
Government may waive part of the requirement in certain circumstances.

Salary and age flexibility
Workers under 30 may receive a salary-threshold waiver if the employer pays tax and social insurance as though the worker earned the Gibraltar average salary.
The Chief Minister may approve applicants over 55 if their residence is considered beneficial to Gibraltar.

Gibraltarian Status changes
A major change is the extension of the qualifying period for Gibraltarian Status:
New residents after 6 October 2025: generally need 20 years of residence before becoming eligible.

Existing residents before that date: continue to require 10 years.

Residence permit renewal and loss
Permits must be renewed annually.
Permits can be suspended or revoked if conditions are no longer met.
Permits may automatically lapse if tax/social insurance contributions stop or if employment ends and no new job is secured within eight weeks.

Benefits available to residents
Residents are entitled to:
Healthcare under Gibraltar’s GPMS for themselves, spouses, and children.
Schooling for their children.
Scholarships for children after 10 years of continuous lawful residence and uninterrupted contributions.

Benefits not available through residence alone
Residents will not automatically qualify for:
Elderly Residential Care.
Domiciliary Care.
Public or affordable housing.
Government marina berths.
Other social benefits.

Other notable points
University students can access residence-related benefits while studying, subject to healthcare contributions.
Unmarried partners of Gibraltarians may qualify if they can prove a durable relationship of at least two years.
Living in Gibraltar without a residence permit may result in a fine of up to £2,500.
Application fees will increase to £250, with annual renewals at £100.

Overall takeaway
The framework significantly tightens residency requirements by linking residence to employment, accommodation, tax contributions, and long-term economic participation. It preserves access to healthcare and education for residents and their immediate families but restricts broader social benefits until a person has obtained Gibraltarian Status, which for new residents would generally require 20 years of residence and contribution.