Many people who move to far flung places like Dubai or Singapore struggle to adapt to the local culture and environment and end up returning home. If you're making such a huge life change, you'll want to make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. So how different is life in Gibraltar and how many UK expats already live in our fantastic territory?
1. Understanding Gibraltar's Demographics
As of 2025, the full-time resident population of Gibraltar is approximately 34,000 people. Although the population is relatively small compared to other regions, our position as a global financial centre, combined with our political and legal ties to the UK, makes Gibraltar an interesting destination for expatriates. While many people live and work in Gibraltar, the community is known for its diverse background, with a significant number of residents hailing from various countries, including the UK.
According to the Government of Gibraltar’s statistics, British nationals make up a sizable portion of the population. This is not surprising given Gibraltar's historical, political, and economic links to the United Kingdom.
2. UK Expats in Gibraltar: Numbers and Trends
The exact number of UK expats in Gibraltar can vary over time, especially given the dynamic nature of migration patterns. However, estimates suggest that around 30% to 40% of Gibraltar's population at any given time consists of UK nationals. This percentage translates to around 10,000 to 13,000 people. While this figure may seem small, it represents a substantial portion of the total population considering Gibraltar's size and relatively low population count.
The UK expat population in Gibraltar can be broken down into several categories:
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Permanent Residents: Many UK expats in Gibraltar are permanent residents who have moved to the territory for work, business, or retirement. These individuals are often employed in the financial sector, tourism, or online gaming, industries that are key drivers of Gibraltar's economy. A significant number of UK nationals have also relocated to Gibraltar after retiring, attracted by the lower tax rates and Mediterranean climate.
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Commuters: Another large group of UK nationals in Gibraltar are daily commuters, particularly those who live just across the border in Spain. The proximity of Gibraltar to Spain means that many UK expats choose to live in nearby Spanish towns like La Línea de la Concepción and commute into Gibraltar for work. This group is often overlooked in population statistics but plays a critical role in the workforce, particularly in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and services.
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Short-Term Residents and Seasonal Workers: In addition to permanent residents and commuters, a number of UK nationals live in Gibraltar for short periods, often for business or as part of temporary work contracts. These individuals may reside in Gibraltar for months at a time but may not be counted as long-term residents. They are typically employed in sectors that require a transient workforce, such as tourism or project-based work.
3. Factors Driving the UK Expat Community in Gibraltar
Several key factors make Gibraltar an attractive destination for UK nationals, contributing to the significant number of expats living in the territory.
Political and Legal Ties to the UK
One of the main reasons for the high number of UK expats in Gibraltar is the territory's strong political and legal ties to the United Kingdom. Gibraltar has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713, and its legal system is based on English common law. This means that UK nationals moving to Gibraltar can benefit from the same legal protections and rights they would have in the UK, making the transition easier and more appealing.
Furthermore, UK nationals do not need a visa to live or work in Gibraltar, which is a significant advantage compared to other countries in Europe. This ease of movement between the UK and Gibraltar further promotes the flow of expats.
Tax Benefits
Another important factor driving UK expats to Gibraltar is the territory's favourable tax regime. Gibraltar offers attractive tax rates, including no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and a relatively low income tax rate compared to the UK. These tax benefits have made Gibraltar a popular destination for British retirees, investors, and individuals seeking a more tax-efficient lifestyle.
The tax advantages have also made Gibraltar an attractive location for businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Many UK nationals move to Gibraltar to take advantage of the tax incentives, which can result in significant savings, particularly for those with considerable wealth or complex financial situations.
Quality of Life
Gibraltar boasts a high quality of life, which is another draw for UK expats. The territory enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. This climate, combined with beautiful scenery, a relatively low crime rate, and a small, close-knit community, makes Gibraltar a highly desirable place to live.
For retirees, Gibraltar offers a relaxed lifestyle with excellent healthcare facilities, modern amenities, and a range of recreational opportunities. The compact nature of the territory means that everything is within close reach, and residents can enjoy the benefits of both a relaxed lifestyle and a strong connection to the UK.
Proximity to the UK
Gibraltar’s proximity to the UK is another key reason why British nationals are drawn to the territory. The short flight between Gibraltar and the UK (approximately two and a half hours) makes it easy for expats to travel back and forth. This accessibility ensures that UK nationals feel connected to their home country while benefiting from Gibraltar’s favourable living conditions.
Business Opportunities
Gibraltar has a thriving economy, particularly in the financial, online gaming, and maritime industries. For UK nationals working in these sectors, Gibraltar offers a wealth of business opportunities. The financial services sector, in particular, has attracted many expats, with Gibraltar serving as a base for international banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. Similarly, the online gaming industry has seen rapid growth in Gibraltar, with several high-profile gaming companies setting up operations in the territory.
4. Impact of Brexit on UK Expats in Gibraltar
The 2016 Brexit referendum had a significant impact on the relationship between Gibraltar and the UK, as well as on the movement of UK nationals to the territory. While Gibraltar voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, the UK’s exit from the EU introduced some uncertainty for both Gibraltar and its expat community.
For UK nationals living in Gibraltar, the transition out of the EU has had mixed effects. On one hand, Gibraltar's status as a British Overseas Territory meant that the rights of UK nationals in Gibraltar were not directly affected by Brexit. However, Brexit has complicated the status of UK nationals living in Spain, especially those who commute from nearby Spanish towns. While Gibraltar has worked to maintain its open border with Spain, UK nationals commuting to Gibraltar from Spain may have faced new bureaucracy and border controls post-Brexit.
Despite the challenges, many UK expats have remained in Gibraltar, and the territory continues to be a popular destination for British nationals seeking stability, favourable tax conditions, and a high quality of life.
5. Our View
Although Gibraltar may not be as widely known as other expatriate destinations, its appeal to British nationals remains strong. Whether they are permanent residents, commuters, or retirees, UK expats play a crucial role in the territory’s economy and society, contributing to its diverse and dynamic community. As Gibraltar continues to develop, the number of UK nationals living in the territory is likely to remain significant, as the benefits of living in this unique British Overseas Territory continue to attract expats from the UK.
If you are considering making the move and want first hand experience of UK nationals that have done the same, many of our staff have done exactly that. We are proud at Richardsons to have Gibrtaltarians, UK nationals, Spanish and more among our ranks and are testament to the relaxed and integrated environment Gibraltar has to offer. Get in contact with us today to start your relocation story!