Moving to Gibraltar will be one of the best things you can do. It has everything related to living a Mediterranean lifestyle without the hassle of moving somewhere in Europe.
Still, it’s still moving to another country. Below, we’ll give you a complete guide to moving to Gibraltar in 2025.
Understanding the Moving Process
Gibraltar has specific immigration processes. Living in Gibraltar varies per nationality. If you are a British national, there are no visa restrictions for you. You will still need to apply to be a resident. For other nationalities, applying for a visa through the Government of Gibraltar is sometimes necessary.
That’s the difficult part.
You’ll then have to think about international moving companies or maybe just how many big suitcases to take. They’re simple things to decide once you have your residency card.
Finding a Place to Live
If you enjoy a lively city atmosphere with classic buildings, the town centre is nice. If you want to buy or rent contemporary-style apartments, Ocean Village is perfect. South District and Catalan Bay are some of the most popular regions for families.
Rental prices can be high because of the limited space available, so be ready to spend a little over average. Consider checking property websites to see if you can find one in your budget.
The rental and buying process is pretty similar to the UK in terms of needing proof of income, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Move?
The applicant’s nationality plays a big part in the timeline of the moving process. If you’re from the UK and don’t need a visa, the moving process is weeks. It’ll take longer for you to find somewhere to live than it will to get a residency card. For overseas shipments, the process is obviously longer.
Remember that during summer, the rental market can be very competitive. You will find it difficult to find a rental that doesn’t ask for the property back in July/August for the summer/high tourist season. Also, be prepared to pay a bigger deposit to secure the place you want.
Cost of Living and Daily Life
Spending money in Spain is effortless. A lunch out here and there adds up, and it’s not as cheap as you think if you’re not managing your spending. Thanks to import costs, rent and groceries can be expensive, pretty similar to the UK. You will find that imports like beer and wine are cheaper when you eat out for dinner, but everything is pretty comparable to the UK.
A lot of day-to-day life will feel British! The official language is English and a lot of people living in Gibraltar are British. It won’t be the cheap in-land Spain or Benidorm £1 pint prices you’re thinking of.
Working in Gibraltar
The economy of Gibraltar comes a lot from its financial, gaming, and tourism industries. British citizens and members of the European Union can work in Gibraltar without a permit. Other foreign nationals might need to get a work visa from their employer in Gibraltar.
Gibraltarians work roughly 37.5 to 40 hours a week, and the work culture is relaxed, professional, and friendly. Again, it’s pretty similar to the UK. Because of the size of the main city, commuting is quite easy.
Tips for a Smooth Move
- Plan Ahead: The first step is to get a visa, look for accommodation, and organise how you will send your belongings.
- Visit Before You Move: Take the opportunity to walk around and experience Gibraltar before you move.
- Budget Wisely: Remember to budget for your relocation, rent, and other daily activities you may need to pay for.
- Learn the Local Customs: Be ready to enjoy the mix of British and Mediterranean cultures.
- Stay Organised: Make a document folder for all important documents like visas, rental agreements, and shipping documents.
Moving to Gibraltar in 2025 would be exciting. We’d say of all the countries you could move to, Gibraltar is one of the most simple if you’re from the UK. You won’t regret a move to Gibraltar!
