Types of Residency in Gibraltar
Foreign nationals who wish to live in Gibraltar may apply for one of the following types of residency:
Category 2
Category 2 residency is aimed at high net worth individuals who can demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents in Gibraltar without relying on employment in the territory. To be eligible for Category 2 residency, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
- Have a net worth of at least £2 million
- Have suitable accommodation in Gibraltar
- Be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents
- Not have been resident in Gibraltar in the past five years
Category 2 residency is valid for one year initially, after which it can be renewed annually for up to four years. After that time, the holder may apply for permanent residency.
Category 3
Category 3 residency is aimed at individuals who are employed in Gibraltar but who do not meet the requirements for other categories of residency. To be eligible for Category 3 residency, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
- Be employed in Gibraltar
- Have suitable accommodation in Gibraltar
- Be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents
Category 3 residency is valid for one year initially, after which it can be renewed annually for up to four years. After that time, the holder may apply for permanent residency.
High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills (HEPSS)
The High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills (HEPSS) permit is aimed at individuals who possess specialized skills and knowledge that are not readily available in Gibraltar. To be eligible for a HEPSS permit, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
- Be employed by a Gibraltar-registered company
- Possess specialized skills and knowledge that are not readily available in Gibraltar
- Have suitable accommodation in Gibraltar
- Be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents
HEPSS permits are valid for an initial period of three years, after which they can be renewed.
Permanent Residency
Foreign nationals who have lived in Gibraltar for a continuous period of five years may apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for permanent residency, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
- Have lived in Gibraltar for a continuous period of five years
- Have no criminal record
- Be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents
Process for Applying for Residency in Gibraltar
The process for applying for residency in Gibraltar varies depending on the category of residency being applied for. In general, the applicant must complete an application form and submit it to the Gibraltar Residency Office, along with the required supporting documentation.
Required Documents
The documents required for a residency application in Gibraltar will vary depending on the category of residency being applied for. However, in general, the following documents will be required:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to support the applicant and their dependents
- Proof of suitable accommodation in Gibraltar
Registration with Government Departments
All residents of Gibraltar are required to register with the following government departments:
- Income Tax Office
- Social Security Office
- Electoral Office
Reliable Sources of Information
The following websites provide reliable and up-to-date information on residence in Gibraltar:
- Gibraltar Government – https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/
- Gibraltar Residency Office – https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/new-residents-gibraltar/residency-office
- Gibraltar Finance Centre – https://www.gibraltarfinance.gi/