Working in Gibraltar by Nationality
Whether you can work in Gibraltar depends on your passport. British and EU citizens need no work permit. Non-EU nationals need an employer to sponsor one. And since June 2026, living here is tied to holding a qualifying job. Pick your country below for the exact 2026 route.
New to the rules? Start with our full 2026 guide to who needs a permit, then pick your nationality below for the specifics.
EU or EEA citizen? You can work without a permit, see what that means for EU and EEA nationals.
Hiring rather than job-hunting? See the employer guide to sponsoring and hiring.
British citizens
EU & EEA citizens
Non-EU nationals
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a work permit to work in Gibraltar?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can work in Gibraltar without a work permit. Many live in Spain and commute across the border as frontier workers.
Do non-EU nationals need a work permit for Gibraltar?
Yes. Non-EU, non-British nationals need a work permit sponsored by a Gibraltar-registered employer, who must first show no Gibraltarian or EEA worker was available. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Do I need a job before I can live in Gibraltar?
Increasingly, yes. Under the Residency Regulations 2026 (LN 166/2026), in force since 14 July 2026, a new residence permit generally requires an employment contract paying at least around £37,500, and the permit lapses 16 weeks after a Notice of Termination is filed unless a new contract is shown. The job has become the route to residency. Apply via the official portal, residency.gov.gi.
Not legal or immigration advice. This page is general information only. The Residency Regulations 2026 (LN 166/2026) have been in force since 14 July 2026. The separate Bill amending Gibraltarian Status and permanent-residence qualifying periods had not been confirmed as passed at the last update. Always verify the current position at gibraltar.gov.gi or residency.gov.gi before acting, and consult a licensed immigration adviser for your situation.
Last updated: 17 July 2026
Ethan Roworth is a Gibraltar-based writer and one of the founders of Norry Group. He covers the Gibraltar and Spain border region: cross-border work, daily life, business, and the markets that move between the two.