Moving to Gibraltar: A Step-by-Step Relocation Guide for Renters

Your Guide to Moving to Gibraltar

Moving to Gibraltar is an exciting step.

A compact, sun-soaked British Overseas Territory with a booming economy and a tight-knit international community, it's a place that attracts people from all over the world.

But relocating to the Rock requires careful planning, especially when it comes to finding somewhere to live. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about moving to Gibraltar and renting your first property. Interested in this topic? Read our renting process in gibraltar: complete step-by-step overview.

Before You Arrive: Residency Requirements

To live and rent in Gibraltar, you need a valid reason to be on the Rock. The main pathways to residency, as outlined by the Civil Status and Registration Office, are:

1. Employment in Gibraltar

The most common route. You need an employment contract and a rental agreement (typically 6+ months). Your employer helps with social insurance registration.

2. Self-Employment

Register with the Income Tax Office and the Employment Service. You'll need to demonstrate financial means and arrange private medical insurance.

3. Category 2 (High Net Worth Individual)

For individuals with a minimum net worth of £2 million. Category 2 status offers a tax cap of £42,380/year (minimum tax: £37,000).

You must not have been resident in Gibraltar in the preceding 5 years, and you must rent or buy approved accommodation. Full details from the Gibraltar Income Tax Office.

4. UK State Pensioners

Retirees can qualify with proof of pension income and accommodation.

Note: "Ordinarily resident" means spending 183+ days per year in Gibraltar, or 300+ days across 3 consecutive years. All residency permits are issued for a maximum of 1 year and must be renewed annually.

Finding Your Rental

1. Define your priorities: Budget, location, furnished vs unfurnished, parking needs.
2. Browse online: Use RentGibraltar.com to filter by district, price, and property type.
3. Arrange viewings: Visit in person if possible. If not, ask for a video walkthrough.
4. Move fast: With only 70–100 units on the market at any time, good properties go quickly.
5. Budget for upfront costs: First month's rent + deposit (1–2 months) + agency fee (0.5–1 month). For a 1-bed, budget £2,500–£5,000 upfront.

Registering as a Resident

Once you have a rental address, register with the Civil Status and Registration Office (CSRO). You'll need:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Proof of employment (contract or employer letter)
• Proof of address (tenancy agreement)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Private medical insurance (for self-employed and Cat 2 applicants)

Registration gives you a Gibraltar identity card for accessing public services.

Banking

Gibraltar's active banks include:

• Gibraltar International Bank (GIB): Government-owned, largest by deposits, primary mortgage provider
• NatWest International: Took on former Barclays customers after Barclays left in 2016
• Trusted Novus Bank: Private banking (formerly Jyske Bank)
• Xapo Bank: Digital and crypto-enabled banking

You'll need your Gibraltar ID card, proof of address, and proof of employment to open an account. All banks are supervised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC).

Healthcare

If you're employed in Gibraltar, you and your dependents are entitled to care through the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) via the Group Practice Medical Scheme (GPMS).

Coverage includes:

• Primary care and specialist referrals
• Hospital treatment at St Bernard's Hospital (212 beds)
• Emergency care (dial 190 for ambulance or 112 for universal emergency)
• Maternity care
• Prescription charges: £5 per item, maximum £15 per prescription

Important: Adult dental care is NOT covered by the GHA. You'll need a private dentist. Dental care is free only for children up to age 18 (or 19 if in full-time education).

Internet & Phones

• Gibtelecom: Fibre 300Mbps at £28/month, 500Mbps at £40/month, 1Gbps at £50/month
• u-mee: 1Gbps smart broadband bundles from £59/month (includes Wi-Fi, TV, and phone)
• Average broadband speeds: u-mee averages 424 Mbps download; Gibtelecom mobile averages 195 Mbps

If you cross into Spain frequently, consider a dual-SIM setup with a Spanish provider to avoid roaming charges.

Day-to-Day Living

• Shopping: Morrisons and Eroski supermarkets, plus Main Street shops. Many residents cross into Spain for larger grocery shops at lower prices.
• Transport: Gibraltar is walkable. It's just 5km long. Local buses are cheap. If you have a car, parking is the main challenge.
• Community: Incredibly welcoming expat community. The Gibraltar Tourist Board and local social media groups are great resources for events and networking.

Ready to start your Gibraltar journey? Find your rental property or speak to our relocation team.