The Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) was invited to comment for a feature in iNews exploring how the recently agreed post-Brexit treaty has reignited business and lifestyle interest in Gibraltar. The article, written by Madrid-based journalist Graham Keeley, highlights a growing sense of optimism on the Rock, tempered by practical challenges such as the temporary pause in residency applications.

It’s been a busy and productive week in London for Gibraltar’s businesses. From the City to the South Bank, the familiar lilt of Gibraltarian voices filled the air as Gibraltar’s professional and financial services providers touched down, joined this year, for the first time, by a wide range of other businesses from our broader community.

At the inaugural Gibraltar Business Conference in London’s Oxo Tower, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Attorney General Michael Llamas outlined how the forthcoming UK–EU treaty could create new business and investment opportunities for Gibraltar.

If you've been following the Spanish news, you'll know that Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, appeared before the Congress of Deputies this week to explain the EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar, calling it a “historic” milestone that ends the last pending chapter of Brexit. He said the deal will bring prosperity to both sides of the border without compromising Spain’s long-standing position on sovereignty.

This week started with a leftfield surprise. The sudden publication of new regulations led to a temporary halt in the registration of new residency applications in Gibraltar. The move came without any accompanying press release or explanatory note, leaving the business community and many GFSB members in a state of confusion. It was only after follow-up coverage from GBC that additional information emerged, setting out the Government’s rationale.

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.

The Government’s new Business Transition Advisory Group, chaired by Minister for Business Gemma Arias-Vasquez, met earlier this week to continue exploring how Gibraltar will adapt to the proposed UK–EU treaty. It was very useful and informative. For the first time, HmGoG’s chief negotiator Michael Llamas KC provided details on how the commercial frontier will operate for goods post implementation of the Brexit Agreement.

One year on from our Brexit Town Hall, we've reconvened business leaders to unpack the newly announced political agreement. Optimism is rising, but big questions remain. Will UK goods face double taxation? Is support on the way for affected sectors?Hints of a Government rebate scheme and clarity on tax mechanics offer some reassurance.

The UK and EU today announced a political agreement on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the European Union. After years of negotiations, the agreement marks a significant breakthrough, but it’s not a treaty, and for businesses, the details that matter most are still to come.

The European Commission has once again proposed removing Gibraltar from its list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorism financing — a long-awaited recognition of the Rock’s progress in strengthening its financial oversight.