Living in Gibraltar
So you want to live in Gibraltar. Here is what you need to know.
Residency in Gibraltar – Relocating in Gibraltar – Gibraltar Tax Advantages
Gibraltar left the European Union with the United Kingdom on 31st January 2020. EEA nationals have the right to live in Gibraltar up to the end of this period. After this period residents of the United Kingdom only will retain the right to Gibraltar Residency subject to existing conditions. Civilian ID cards are issued initially for a period of 1 year at the same time as the residence documentation, then renewed for 4 years, then renewed every 5 years thereafter. To apply for residency you will need the following.
Employed
Must present a passport/National ID Card, an ETB registration for work along with a letter from the employer if registration is older than 6 months and proof of address ie a rental agreement with a validity of more than 6 months.
Self Employed
Must present a passport or National ID Card, ETB registration as self employed, a business certificate, a DSS schedule, proof of accommodation as above
Retired/Self Sufficient
Must present a passport, proof of income (Pension dividends, bank statements) – funds must come from a local bank, private medical insurance (unless have NHS entitlement transferred from the UK) and proof of accommodation as above. For further information contact the Civil status and Registration Office. Tel +350 200 51725 or visit their website https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/civil-status-registration-office/id-cards-civilian-registration-cards.
Living in Gibraltar – GP Service and Hospitals
The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) follows a model closely linked to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. Sometimes patients are referred to the UK hospitals or to local Spanish Hospitals.
Getting Registered
You need to register for the Gibraltar Healthcare scheme under a contributory system called the Group Practice Medial Scheme (GPMS). You need to qualify as an entitled person. If you qualify, the entitled person and their dependents will have access to all health care services free of charge. Medicine prescriptions are subsidized to a capped charge and dental treatment is available free for children.
Entitled persons
The rules are complex, but as a rough guide, you need to complete and application and submit it to the Registration office. If working in Gibraltar you need to prove that your social insurance payments are up to date. This is done by a getting a certificate from the Contributions Office in College Lane. You will also need to produce your residency card and submit your application with a passport size photograph.
Registration Checklist
- Fully completed application form.
- ETB Contract (if applicable).
- PAYE Allowance & Social Insurance Contributions Class Certificate.
- One passport photo on a WHITE background.
- Civilian Registration Card (Current ID card / Passport).
- Proof of address. (e.g. tenancy agreement, rental agreement and/or utility bills (water and electricity bills only))
- Changes of name or address – documentary evidence will be requested.
- If applying as a Frontier Worker – The S1 Certificate will be required.
- If applying as a Pensioner for the first time – Proof that you are in receipt of an Old Age Pension will be required.
Getting a GP appointment
The Primary Care Centre is located at the St Bernard’ Hospital, Europort Road. Visits to GP’s are arranged by appointment. The centre also handles outpatient treatments. Secondary Care procedures are dealt with at the St Bernard’s Hospital. Primary Care Centre +350 200 72355. St. Bernard’s Hospital +350 200 79700. For more information and application forms visit: https://www.gha.gi/.
Living in Gibraltar – Driving Licence
Gibraltar left the EU with the United Kingdom on 31st January 2020 however Driving licences for Gibraltar and the UK will be treated in the same way as the rest of Europe until the end of the transition period. Living in Gibraltar with an EU licence means you do not need to change your license to a Gibraltar licence prior to 31st December, 2020. After that time, new arrangements may be required.
Applying for a driving licence in Gibraltar
Complete the application form and provide a valid Gibraltar identity card or permit of residence along with 2 passport photographs and possibly a medical certificate (if required). You must have resided in Gibraltar or the UK or N.Ireland for the last 12 months, 185 days and provide documentary evidence of this. If you are over 70 your driving licence expires. To continue driving it must be renewed every 3 years by submitting a medical certificate confirming you are medically fit.
International Driving permits
An IDP allows you to drive a vehicle outside the European Union as long as it is accompanied by a valid Gibraltar driving licence. You will need to be a permanent resident of Gibraltar. Applying for and IDP, complete the application form and send to the driving licence centre along with 2 passport sized photographs. The IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Department
Eastern Beach Road, Gibraltar. Tel+350 200 51603. email: driverinfo@gibraltar.gov.gi. Source Gibraltar Government Office. living in Gibraltar, relocating in Gibraltar, Gibraltar tax advantages.
