New applications for residency rights & documentation for UK & EEA nationals suspended

New applications for residency rights and documentation for EEA & UK nationals have been temporarily suspended following regulations published today.

The Government says it is attempting to mitigate an unprecedented influx of people seeking to live and work on the Rock.

The new Immigration (EU Exit) Regulations 2025, published in the Gibraltar Gazette, amend the Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act to prevent the issue of new residence documents to European Economic Area nationals who were not already registered by the 6th of October. UK Nationals are captured by the definition of EEA nationals under Gibraltar legislation.

From that date, anyone without a valid registration certificate, residence card, or permanent residence document can no longer apply for one.

The change effectively halts new long-term residency applications from UK & EU citizens until further notice.

The Government says the measure is temporary, but no time-line has specified.

Figures released by the press office in answer to GBC questions show more than 3,000 people migrated to Gibraltar in the past three years- 952 in 2022, 896 in 2023, and 1,245 in 2024.

Government describes the year-on-year increase as “unprecedented”: 754 migrants have been issued with red or blue ID cards confirming their residential status, meaning a large number of recent arrivals may still be awaiting documentation or have not applied at all.

Under the new rules, those who submitted applications before the 6th of October will not be affected, and their paperwork will continue to be processed.

The Chief Minister also retains the power to authorise the issue of residence documents in limited circumstances - for example, to meet an international obligation, prevent extreme hardship, or serve Gibraltar’s economic interests.

Such decisions will require his personal approval.

GBC has asked the Government whether it has anticipated that this may have an impact on companies needing to recruit expertise not available in Gibraltar, particularly in the Financial Services and Gaming sectors.

In reply, the Government said:

"The rules are not at all intended to apply to people in gainful employment who move to Gibraltar to contribute to our economy and public finances. They are designed to prevent abuse of the system. They apply to EEA and UK nationals."