Moving to Gibraltar from the UK or Ireland

  • Home
  • Relocating to Gibraltar
Moving to Gibraltar from the UK or Ireland
  • GibraltarJobs.ai
  • 0 comments

Relocating to Gibraltar from the UK or Ireland: A Practical Guide

Update 7th October 2025:
In response to a sharp increase in residency applications, the Government of Gibraltar introduced a temporary administrative pause on certain new long-term residency permits for UK and EU nationals. The measure was designed to manage capacity and ensure the sustainability of the residency system, not to discourage people from moving to Gibraltar for genuine work opportunities. Applications submitted before the pause continue to be processed, and limited discretion remains for cases involving economic or public interest. As policies can change, readers should always confirm current requirements with employers or official government guidance.

Gibraltar continues to attract professionals from the UK and Ireland who want a better balance between career, lifestyle, and take-home pay. English-speaking, familiar legal systems, and strong demand for skilled workers make it one of the easiest international moves Brits and Irish citizens can make - if you understand how it works.

This guide walks through the realities of relocating to Gibraltar: jobs, residency, housing, tax, and what usually surprises people after they arrive.

“Moving to Gibraltar isn’t about escaping work - it’s about making work fit better around your life.”

Gibraltar is small, but its economy is diverse. Financial services, online gaming, insurance, fintech, legal services, construction, healthcare, and hospitality all rely heavily on talent from abroad - particularly from the UK and Ireland.

Can UK & Irish Citizens Still Move to Gibraltar?

Yes. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, and UK citizens retain the right to live and work there. Irish citizens also have well-established routes, often supported by employers.

  • No language barrier - English is the official language.
  • UK-style employment contracts and workplace norms.
  • Established relocation support from many employers.

Most people relocate via a job offer first, with employers helping to guide residency and registration.

Finding a Job Before You Move

Unlike larger countries, Gibraltar is very relationship-driven. Employers value relevant experience, cultural fit, and reliability over generic CV volume.

Roles are commonly filled in:

  • Online gaming & compliance
  • Finance, accounting, and payments
  • IT, DevOps, data & product roles
  • Legal, trust & corporate services
  • Healthcare & education

Most relocations start with a signed offer, followed by a short transition period to organise housing and paperwork.

Housing: What to Expect

Gibraltar property is in high demand. Many new arrivals:

  • Rent initially before committing long-term
  • Live in Spain (La Línea / Sotogrande / Manilva) and commute
  • Use employer contacts or relocation agents

Space is limited, prices are higher than parts of the UK or Ireland, but commuting times are short - often under 15 minutes door to door.

Tax, Pay & Take-Home Income

One of the biggest attractions is Gibraltar’s clear and predictable tax system. Most employees are taxed under PAYE using either GIBS or ABS, whichever results in the lower bill.

  • No capital gains tax
  • No inheritance tax
  • Territorial tax - only Gibraltar income is taxed locally

We recommend running numbers before accepting an offer:

👉 Use the Gibraltar PAYE Tax Calculator

Healthcare & Day-to-Day Life

Registered workers typically access Gibraltar’s public healthcare system (GHA), with many employers also offering private healthcare.

Daily life is relaxed but professional - long lunches exist, but deadlines still matter. The climate, safety, and walkability are major quality-of-life upgrades for many people.

Common Surprises (Good & Bad)

  • Everyone knows everyone - reputation matters.
  • Border queues can exist, but most workers adapt quickly.
  • Career progression can be fast if you prove reliable.
  • It feels more “community” than “city”.

Gibraltar isn’t for everyone - but for the right person, it’s one of the most straightforward and rewarding international moves available to UK and Irish professionals.

Thinking about working in Gibraltar?

Browse current jobs in Gibraltar, compare offers, and plan your move with GibraltarJobs.ai.

© 2026 GibraltarJobs.ai