Government Publishes Residency Regulations 2026

The Government has published new residency regulations which set out the categories and requirements for those applying for residence in Gibraltar.

A statement from the Government follows below:

HM Government of Gibraltar has published the Residency Regulations 2026. 

The Regulations were published yesterday in the Gibraltar Gazette as Legal Notice No. 166 of 2026 and will come into operation on 14th July 2026. 

The publication of the Regulations brings into force the policy criteria which have already been published by the Government and shared with the business community. 

The new Regulations provide the legal framework for the issue of residence permits in Gibraltar following the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union. They are made for the purpose of giving effect to, and facilitating the implementation of, Article 45 of the Treaty and section 43 of the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union Act 2026. 

The Regulations set out the categories under which persons may apply for residence in Gibraltar, including employees, self-employed individuals, students, Crown Servants and members of His Majesty's Armed Forces, existing residents and permanent residents and the relevant requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify for a residence permit under each of those categories. 

Importantly, holders of Gibraltar identity cards will not be required to hold a residence permit under the new framework. 

The Regulations also include provisions for family members, renewal of residence permits, appeal rights and safeguards in respect of public policy, public security and public health. They also provide flexibility in appropriate cases where it is in the interests of Gibraltar to do so, including where a person possesses skills important to Gibraltar's economic development or belongs to a sector where there is a demonstrable shortage of labour or skills. 

The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: 

"Yesterday's publication gives legal effect to the policy criteria which the Government has already published and discussed with the business community. We have listened carefully to the concerns raised, including by the GFSB, and the Regulations reflect the need to balance the requirements of our economy with the need to protect Gibraltar's housing, public services and long-term national interests. This is not about closing Gibraltar off. It is about ensuring that our residency framework is modern, fair and fit for purpose as we move into a new and exciting chapter for Gibraltar. If further practical refinements are required as the new regime comes into operation, we will of course make them." 

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said:

"These Regulations bring into force the policy criteria already published by the Government and provide the legal framework necessary for Gibraltar's new residency regime. Gibraltar must remain open for business, open to talent and open to opportunity, but we must also ensure that residency is properly regulated in the interests of our community. We will not apologise for putting Gibraltar first. That is what this Government has always done and that is what these Regulations do. The Treaty will bring important opportunities for Gibraltar, but those opportunities must be managed properly. This framework gives us the tools to do exactly that."