The Complete Guide to Preparing Your Documents Ready to Move to Gibraltar

With a population of only around 39,000 people across the whole of Gibraltar, this little slice of heaven is the perfect place to live in.

Every part of Gibraltar is so inviting, beautiful, and, more importantly, warm.

Moving to Gibraltar from the UK isn't that tricky, but you do need your ducks in a row (or documents in order, for the purpose of this article). Below, we'll tell you all the documents you need for relocating to Gibraltar from the UK.

1. Passport and Proof of Identity

The first and easiest box—your passport. If you're asking, "Can I live in Gibraltar as a UK citizen?", the answer is a resounding yes! With a British passport, you're eligible, and Gibraltar Residency Services offers all the helpful information you need to make the move seamless.

Ideally, you should have a valid British passport with at least 12 months remaining until renewal. Some people say six months, but for security and peace of mind, we'll say 12 months.

Being a citizen of the UK, your passport grants you effortless access into Gibraltar. Top tip: Ensure that you have photocopies ready. Authorities will always ask for copies of your passport.

Although Gibraltar falls under the UK travel area, additional identification can and will still be checked. A driving license or an official form of identification (like a birth certificate) is enough.

2. Residency Permits and Applications

Yes, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, but you cannot just stroll in and begin settling there.

You will need a residency permit, which requires you to apply to the local authorities. For this, gather the following:

• Your completed application form, which can be found on the official website of the Gibraltar government.
• Proof of employment or financial stability, like job contracts or bank statements.
• Rental agreements or proof of property ownership.

Although the application procedure is quite simple, it is still riddled with hiccups. We'd recommend hiring an immigration lawyer to help you with the ins and outs of applying for residency permits.

3. Health and Medical Documentation

As a UK citizen, it may be possible for you to claim on Gibraltar's public healthcare system. However, in order to do so, you will need to first:

• Register for a Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) card.
• Show proof of employment or residence.

If you are retired, you will need an S1 form from the UK. That will allow you to receive state healthcare while living in another EU or associated country. Don't forget to bring copies of medical and prescription records alongside any relevant vaccination certificates for extra precaution. Having these handy can save you stress later.

4. Financial Proof and Banking

When it comes to residence, work permits, and some other documents, your financial circumstances will be considered. The Gibraltar government wants to ensure that you are not a financial burden, so be prepared for the authorities' demands. Here is what you will need.

• Recent bank statements, preferably three to six months worth.
• Proof of income (pay slips or a letter from your employer)
• Any proof of savings or investments, if possible.

If you do want to go for employment in Gibraltar, one more requirement is getting a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and a Social Insurance Number. 

6. Work-Related Documents

If your purpose for moving is work-related, then there is more paperwork to think about. In addition to the contract of employment that you already have, take the following with you: 

• Reference letters from previous employers.
• Any qualifications or relevant certificates you have. 
• A copy of your updated CV.

7. Family Documents (If Applicable)

Moving with family? Extra documents needed to be prepared are: 

• Birth certificates for the children.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificates.
• School records, if your children will go to school in Gibraltar.

The evidence of finances to support the dependents is typically asked for, as we've mentioned.

8. Miscellaneous Paperwork to Consider

Finally, there are a few documents people typically don't think about until later in the moving process. We'd recommend considering:

• Pet documentation: If you have a pet that you intend to bring along with you, get to know the rules of importation of pets to Gibraltar. This post explains it well. Microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificates are compulsory requirements.
• Proof of address: Some applications may require utility bills or council tax statements from the UK as supporting documents.
• Personal references: These may be reference letters from landlords, employers, or some community leaders.

Those are the main documents you will need to move to Gibraltar from the UK. Some more specific and niche documents might pop up specific to your move, but having all of the above will prevent any delays to your move.