Moving to Gibraltar from The UK

If you are considering making the move from the United Kingdom to Gibraltar, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Gibraltar Facts:

1. Population: 32,669 (2021 estimate)
2. Official Language: English (de facto) 
3. GDP Per Capita: $70,248 USD (2021 estimate)
4. Random Fact: Gibraltar is home to the only wild monkey population in the entirety of Europe
5. Currency: Pound sterling (£) and the Gibraltar pound. As of late 2023, £1 = $1.25, €1 = £1.15, $1 CAD = $1.72, $1 AUD = $1.91
   

1. Moving Costs to Gibraltar From The UK

Some sample moving costs from major UK cities.

	London	Manchester	Birmingham	Liverpool
From / To
Gibraltar	£960.00	£1080.00	£1016.00	£1040.00

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Gibraltar from the United Kingdom?

Now that we have an understanding of the costs associated with moving to Gibraltar, let’s take a look at some estimated flight times to give you an idea of travel time.

• London Heathrow to Gibraltar – 2 hours, 50 minutes – £100
• London Gatwick to Gibraltar – 2 hours, 50 minutes – £65
• Edinburgh to Gibraltar – 6 hours, 5 minutes (connecting flight) – £115
  

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Gibraltar from the UK 

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section. 

Your passport needs to be valid for the period of your stay in Gibraltar. British nationals do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar to study, visit or work, according to Gov.uk.

There are customs rules as you would expect, prohibiting the transport of certain items – anything considered prohibited or subject to tax or duty will need to be declared. More information on what is and isn’t allowed can be found at Gibraltar.gov.gi.  

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions, but it’s advised that you keep up-to-date on any developments to ensure you are abiding by the most recent information at the time of travel.

4. Visa Requirements to Gibraltar from the UK

You will need a valid passport to enter Gibraltar, which has validity for the entirety of your stay in the country. It is not necessary to have a visa if you are planning on travelling for visiting purposes, or for studying or working, Gov.uk states.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Gibraltar

While this article is covering Gibraltar as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in Gibraltar is 25.8% lower than that of the United Kingdom, with rent being around 30.6% lower.

Monthly Rental Prices in Gibraltar:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: £1,325+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: £1,250+
• 3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: £2,500+
• 3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: £2,300+

Gibraltar Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: £7,600+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: £6,800+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is known for a ‘favourable’ tax environment. This means that in Gibraltar, there is no:

• VAT
• Wealth tax
• Capital gains tax

There is no individual income tax, but individuals will still pay a personal tax calculated from their ‘Chargable Income’ which is counted on income from Gibraltar sources. There are social insurance contributions.

These values may be subject to change, so it’s important to keep up-to-date with any changes as and when they happen if you are working or living in the country to ensure you are cooperating legally with regards to taxation. 

7. Working Rules in Gibraltar

Recruit Gibraltar says that if you have a passport from an EU or EEA country, then you can work in Gibraltar. Those from non-EU member states need to apply for a work permit via the Employment Training Board (ETB).

This includes the United Kingdom, meaning UK nationals do not need a work permit to carry out employment in the country. 

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out – if necessary – before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Gibraltar

While the UK has many hospitals, Gibraltar has just one – St Bernard’s. Gov.uk says that British nationals can get emergency treatment in the country if they present their British passport, but for some more specialised treatment it may be required that you be transferred to Spain, which can incur fees.

It is advised that you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before travelling to ensure you can access the treatment you need, if you need it, during tour travels. 

As with any travel, you will need to take out appropriate health insurance to keep you covered, as the EHIC or GHIC alone will not cover all eventualities. The cards cover state healthcare and not private healthcare.

You can travel with medication into Gibraltar, but you will need to check that it is permitted before doing so. This can be checked at the HM Customs Gibraltar website.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Gibraltar

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to Gibraltar with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

Gibraltar’s Environmental Agency states that cats, dogs and ferrets travelling from the EU and listed non-EU countries – of which the UK is included – must:

• Have microchips
• Be vaccinated against rabies 
• Have a pet passport

It’s important to check the latest information at your time of travel to ensure you have ticked all the boxes that are required of you and your pet. 

10. Similar Cities

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with a small population of around 30,000. Similarities can be drawn between the country and those of the Channel Islands, owing to their similarly small size.

Unlike the Channel Islands which are entirely their own island entities, Gibraltar is attached to Spain but still has an ocean border. Similarly, Monaco is a small territory with a comparable ‘strategic’ location as seen in Gibraltar, giving good travel opportunities to and from the country. 

Both Gibraltar and Monaco have good tourism trade, both for historic and shopping opportunities. Both countries favour a low-or-no tax situation, which can be attractive for businesses and individuals alike. 

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Gibraltar from the UK

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the UK to Gibraltar, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from the UK to Gibraltar	Disadvantages of Moving from the UK to Gibraltar
Tax Benefits: Gibraltar is known for its favourable tax environment, offering potential financial advantages for residents	Limited Living Space: Gibraltar is a small territory, and finding suitable housing may be challenging due to limited living space
Cultural Blend: The cultural environment in Gibraltar is diverse, reflecting influences from British, Spanish, and Mediterranean cultures	High Living Costs: While there are tax benefits, the overall cost of living in Gibraltar, including housing and goods, can be relatively high
Mild Climate: Gibraltar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers	Commuting Challenges: Crossing the border to and from Spain for work or other activities may lead to delays and commuting challenges
Security: Gibraltar is considered a safe and secure territory with a low crime rate	Limited Job Market: The job market in Gibraltar, being a small territory, may be competitive, and finding employment opportunities could be limited

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to check Gov.uk for all the information you need.