On June 17, 2026, the government of Gibraltar announced a new Residence Criteria framework designed to ensure that residency in Gibraltar is based on genuine economic contribution and regulatory compliance, while protecting Gibraltar’s ability to continue providing public services to Gibraltarians.
The principal new residency requirements include:
- An employment contract with a salary equivalent to the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar, as stated in the Employment Survey Report (currently GBP 37,500, rounded up to the nearest 500).
- Employment by a fully registered business that has been trading in or from Gibraltar for at least a year.
- Evidence of the rental/purchase of a property in Gibraltar, to be used as the applicant’s primary residence.
- Proof that the applicant is 55 years old or under.
- An official vetting form from the country of origin.
- If the applicant is under 30 years of age, the salary requirement may be waived if the employer pays the tax and social insurance contributions as if the employee’s salary met the requirement until they reach the salary threshold.
- Businesses that have been trading for less than a year, or applicants who are self-employed, must provide an advance payment in the form of a deposit equivalent to the total employee and employer social insurance contribution for the first year of employment and the total tax payable on the equivalent of the average gross annual earnings in Gibraltar (taxable at 25%). This deposit will be returned when the business ceases operations.
- Any unmarried partner of an individual with Gibraltarian Status will be permitted to reside in Gibraltar where evidence is provided of a durable relationship of at least two years. Any individual applying for residence in Gibraltar who wishes their spouse to reside with them must pay an amount equivalent to the maximum employee social insurance contribution to the government on behalf of their spouse. Any individual applying for residence may be accompanied only by their spouse and/or children.
The regulations giving effect to the new framework are now being drafted and will be published later.
The new residence policy does not apply to current holders of Gibraltar Identity Cards or current Gibraltar residents who have obtained residence before October 6, 2025.
Persons who were resident before October 6, 2025 will be subject to the regime applicable on that date and the time period for the application for Gibraltarian Status will be respected.
Persons in Gibraltar before October 6, 2025, who did not hold a residence card will be subject to this new regime unless there is a good reason to exercise discretion and permit an application under the old regime.
Note that anyone who has been granted a residence permit and currently lives on a vessel will be permitted to continue living on a vessel. However, no future applications will be accepted from individuals living on vessels.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.