Gibraltar to open residency route for over-55s

Gibraltar will create a new residency route for people over 55 who are entirely self-sufficient. Gemma Arias-Vasquez, Minister for Health, Care and Business, announced the plan at the GibLink London event on 20 October, and HM Government of Gibraltar confirmed it in press release 813/2026 the next day.

The change opens a door that the new residency rules had closed. Those rules capped applications at age 55, a decision that, the Gibraltar Chronicle reports, has drawn significant criticism since it was announced.

Under the new route, applicants will need to hold private medical insurance, make a financial contribution to Gibraltar's health system and spend at least six months a year in Gibraltar. The government says the amendments to the Residency Regulations will be published by the end of October, following consultation with relevant stakeholders. The size of the health contribution, and whether there will be a minimum income or wealth test, have not yet been published.

The minister said the new framework rests on one principle: residence in Gibraltar is linked to genuine contribution. The announcement follows the signing of the Treaty and the removal of the frontier fence on 15 July, according to the government.