HM Government of Gibraltar has strongly rejected claims that the Gibraltarian Status and Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025 will unfairly restrict access to residency or Gibraltarian status. The Government says the reforms are “responsible, considered and align with current times,” adding that they are essential to protect the integrity of Gibraltar’s systems and ensure fairness for those who live and contribute to the community.

More major changes to residency and Gibraltarian status have been announced without any consultation with the business community.  The move comes just weeks after the Government “paused” residency applications, save those approved by CM discretion, before “clarifying” that those in Gibraltar’s economic interest would continue to be processed. 

The GFSB directors were delighted to welcome His Excellency the Governor and representatives from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to our Jap telecom conference hall this week. A very successful meeting and as directors of the GFSB, we represent our members' views in pushing for the benefit of Gibraltar's businesses and ensuring they have a voice in shaping public policy.

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.

Following concern over its surprise decision to pause new long-term residency applications earlier this month, the Gibraltar Government has issued a formal statement in Parliament reassuring the business community that Gibraltar remains open for investment and growth.

Even if you are not attending, next week could be an important moment for Gibraltar. The HM Government of Gibraltar will host a full programme of events in London, bringing together leaders from finance, insurance, technology and private client sectors. The series builds on the success of Gibraltar Day in London and aims to showcase Gibraltar as a thriving hub for business, innovation and international collaboration.

New space, new energy. The GFSB has launched an AI-powered campaign by local firm Motion to showcase its beautifully refurbished Business Hub. Members can now hire work and meeting spaces in the heart of town from just £10. Book yours and discover a new space to succeed.

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.