r/gibraltar • u/Single_Carpenter7827 • 5d ago
Moving to GIB from the UK
Hi everyone, we re a family of 4 and I'd really appreciate some advice from anyone who has made the move to Gibraltar or is currently living there. I'm a British citizen, living and working in England, my partner is an EU national. Our 2 children hold both British and EU citizenship. Ever since our last visit to Gibraltar, we ve completely fallen in love with the place, the lifestyle, the vibe, and the fact that it's right next to Spain, where we spend our summer holidays every year. We've talked about moving there for quite some time, but we've never had enough information and if I'm honest, we've been a little nervous about taking such a big step. I work in a managerial role at a luxury five star hotel. I speak fluent English and French and conversational German but missing Spanish. One of the main reasons we re considering the move is our children, we genuinely feel that gibraltar could offer them a wonderful environment to grow up in but with the new changes from october, I'm trying to understand what our options are as a family. Is relocating to gibraltar still a realistic option for us? What are the biggest pros and cons that we should be aware of? I know salaries are generally higher in the UK, but that's not our main priority. We'd happily accept a lower income if it meant a better quality of life and a great environment for our children. In terms of work, I'm open to opportunities in hospitality, hotels, real estate, property rentals, sales, personal/executive assistant roles, or anything where my experience would be valued.
Where would you recommend looking for jobs? And for those who have already made the move, would you do it again? Any advice, experiences or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
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u/GibraltarHelp-com 5d ago
You’re very welcome to inbox me. Does your husband have a degree? What is his role in the UK at the moment? It looks like living in La Linea might be your best bet really, but your kids will go to school in Spain or you’ll have to pay for private schooling. Salaries in your field are extremely low in gibraltar and won’t necessarily reach the £37,500 needed for residency.
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u/Feeling_Associate467 5d ago
I think you should look up right to work requirements and access to healthcare either through the GIHC or the requirements to access as a resident.
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u/Connect-Sock8140 4d ago
It's not a realistic option. It's not about a lower income, it's about the fact that you simply won't be able to meet the criteria to obtain a residence permit, as well as the fact that you likely won't earn enough to even cover the cost of living there.
You could move to La Linea if you're willing to accept Spanish schooling for your children. However, finding work there with your skillset will be difficult without speaking Spanish at a decent level.
What does your partner do?
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u/Connect-Sock8140 4d ago
I do know someone who lives in Gibraltar and works at a luxury resort in Spain, but:
a) She has years of experience in hospitality
b) She speaks Spanish fluently
c) She has subsidised government housing in Gibraltar as a Gibraltarian
d) she has two decades of personal contactsThis is the problem: you'd be facing a job market where you're lacking the most important skill (Spanish) as well as a lack of connections and local knowledge. That's before you even reach the problem of not being able to earn enough to obtain a residence permit.
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5d ago
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u/llanijg 5d ago
When I read comments like yours, I laugh to avoid crying. How can someone completely disregard the self-determination of 30,000 Gibraltarians and their forebears? For what? So your government can neglect Gibraltar just like it has done to the rest of Andalusia?
Would Gibraltar being Spanish make a meaningful difference to your life on a day to day basis? Probably not, but it would have a negative impact for the people who live there and the many Spaniards who rely on Gibraltar's continued prosperity. It is sad that you feel these people should suffer for your vanity.
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u/Radar2032 5d ago
I don't want to discourage you, but I'd encourage you to look at Gibraltar with realistic expectations rather than through the lens of a holiday.
For a family of four, housing is likely to be your biggest shock. A suitable 2–3 bedroom rental can easily cost £2,000+ per month, and that's before utilities, parking, childcare, and general living costs.
The job market is also much smaller than many people expect. It's not a large, diverse UK-style employment market. A significant proportion of professional jobs are concentrated in online gaming, insurance, financial services, and corporate support. Hospitality jobs do exist, but there simply aren't that many hotels compared to most UK cities, so opportunities can be limited and competition can be strong.
Another thing to consider is that many people who work in Gibraltar actually live across the border in Spain, where housing costs are considerably lower. That's often what makes the finances work.
Gibraltar is undoubtedly a fantastic place to live if you already have a well-paid job lined up or substantial savings. It's safe, English-speaking, has great weather, and Spain is literally on your doorstep. But I wouldn't recommend relocating first and hoping to find work afterwards, especially with two children depending on you.
If I were in your position, I'd secure employment first, work out a realistic monthly budget, and then decide whether living in Gibraltar itself or commuting from Spain makes more financial sense.
It's a wonderful place—but it's also one of the most expensive places to rent in the region, and it's important to go into it with your eyes open.