Brexit
News
Breaking: Residency Applications Suspended
In a surprise move, the Gibraltar Government has announced a temporary suspension of new residency applications for EEA nationals, following the publication of the Immigration (EU Exit) Regulations 2025 in the Gibraltar Gazette. The new rules, effective from 6 October, prevent the issue of new residence documents to EEA nationals who were not already registered by that date.
What’s changed
From now, anyone without a valid registration certificate, residence card, or permanent residence document can no longer apply for one. While the Government has stressed the measure is temporary, it has not given a timeline for when applications will resume.
According to GBC, the new restrictions also apply to UK nationals. The move follows what the Government has described the year-on-year increase as “unprecedented” with more people seeking to live and work in Gibraltar. Figures released by the Government show that more than 3,000 people migrated to Gibraltar in the past three years: 952 in 2022, 896 in 2023, and 1,245 in 2024.
Applications submitted before 6 October will still be processed. The Chief Minister retains discretionary powers to approve individual cases in “limited circumstances,” such as to meet international obligations, prevent hardship, or serve Gibraltar’s economic interests.
Government’s explanation
In a statement to GBC, 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.”
Why it matters
The suspension could have implications for businesses recruiting from overseas, particularly in financial services, gaming, and hospitality, sectors that rely on skilled workers from the EEA and UK. The lack of a defined end date adds further uncertainty for employers managing current or future hiring plans.
The GFSB is writing to Government for more details. In the meantime, the GFSB is seeking feedback from members on how this measure could impact recruitment, staffing, and operations.
Have your say: Share your views via the GFSB’s Glue Up community page or email admin@gfsb.gi.
SHARE THIS
OTHER NEWS
Last week, we shared a Treaty Readiness Survey with our members and the wider community to take a temperature check of how they feel with just over a month to go until July 15th. The results provide a useful snapshot of how Gibraltar businesses currently feel about Treaty implementation, with responses pointing to a business community that is engaged with the issue but still facing uncertainty around the practical implications.
OTWO and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) are delighted to announce that Marble Arc has been named the winner of the 2026 World Environment Day Shop Window Competition, marking an impressive second consecutive victory for the business following its success in 2025.
Thrive
Explained: Cyber threats
Cyber security is often framed as a technology problem, but Matthew Baird argues the real risk is human behaviour. Using local fraud cases and real-life examples, he explores how criminals exploit trust, urgency and familiarity to trick individuals and businesses, and shares simple, practical steps to help spot and stop social engineering attacks.
Brexit
News
Your Customs Playbook
Following the publication of HMGoG’s guidance on NIF and EORI registration requirements, the GFSB has produced a practical step-by-step playbook to help Gibraltar businesses navigate the process as clearly and confidently as possible. Over recent weeks, many members have contacted us with questions around whether they need a NIF or EORI number, what the process involves, and whether obtaining these registrations could create Spanish tax obligations.
Brexit
NIF & EORI Guidance
After weeks of questions, confusion and growing concern amongst Gibraltar businesses, HM Government has now published formal guidance on NIF and EORI registration requirements linked to the future customs arrangements under the treaty. This is the clearest explanation yet of what these registrations are, who actually needs them, and perhaps most importantly, what they do not mean.