Last updated: 26 February 2026
The UK-EU Gibraltar Treaty, published 26 February 2026, creates the strongest legal protections cross-border workers between Gibraltar and Spain have ever had. Here's what it means for you.
Under the treaty (Article 291), you're a frontier worker if you:
This applies to employed workers and self-employed workers who operate on both sides of the border.
You have the right to work in Gibraltar on exactly the same terms as UK nationals. That means:
Equal pay - cannot be paid less because of nationality
Equal conditions - same dismissal, hours, employment terms
Social & tax advantages - same benefits (except housing)
Trade unions - join, vote, and hold positions
Vocational training - same access to training and retraining
Job-seeking - register with Gib employment services
The same protections apply in reverse. You work in Spain on the same terms as Spanish nationals.
The treaty protects your family too (Article 293). Family members include:
Their rights:
You have the right to an official document certifying your frontier worker status (Article 296). This can be in digital form. This is your proof of your rights under the treaty when dealing with employers, tax authorities, or government services on either side.
You don't immediately lose your frontier worker status. The treaty protects you if (Article 292):
Temporary illness or accident - status retained while unable to work
Involuntary unemployment (1+ year employed) - status retained as long as you're registered as a job-seeker
Fixed-term contract ended (<1 year) - at least 6 months protected status while job-seeking
Vocational training - status retained if training relates to previous employment
The treaty includes a full Protocol on Social Security Coordination (referenced in Part Four, Title III). This ensures your social security contributions and entitlements are properly coordinated between Gibraltar and Spain, so you don't lose out on pensions, healthcare, or other benefits because you work on one side and live on the other.
If your employer temporarily sends you across the border to provide services (Article 295), you're protected too. You'll receive the terms and conditions of employment that apply in the territory where you're posted, whichever is more favourable to you.
From 10 April 2026, the physical border between Gibraltar and Spain is expected to be removed. No passport checks, no queues, no barriers at the land frontier. For frontier workers, this means:
Your commute transforms - no more unpredictable border queues
More job opportunities - easier cross-border hiring
Unified labour market - one employment zone
Legal certainty - rights in an international treaty
Know your rights - bookmark this page and share it with colleagues
Get your documentation - once the treaty is in force, apply for your frontier worker certificate (digital or physical)
Check your social security - make sure contributions are properly coordinated between both jurisdictions
Update your employer - make sure they're aware of the equal treatment obligations
Register with employment services - if job-seeking, register on both sides to access all opportunities
Plain-English breakdown of every major change in the UK-EU Gibraltar Treaty.
Visit GibTreaty.com →How the treaty is transforming the La Línea property market for Gibraltar workers.
Visit LaLínea.com →