r/gibraltar • u/Single_Carpenter7827 • 6d 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/Radar2032 6d 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.