Immediately after the result of the EU referendum was confirmed, there was a spike in google searches for ‘move to Gibraltar’.   

In fact it spiked by 680%, most likely from disgruntled ‘remain’ voters across the UK and Europe waking up to the shock news.

There are 1.3m British expats living in the EU, many of whom did not have the right to vote in the referendum as they had been living abroad for over 15 years, but whose lives will be directly impacted by the decision.   

Whilst these expats are legally allowed to remain in their European choice of residence in the short term (for the next 2 years and 3 months at present), the long term implications are uncertain which will be worrying for them.

It is highly unlikely that mass expulsions will be enforced, but what the precise impact on residency, the right to work, pensions, benefits, inheritance tax and health care is, still remains to be seen. This protracted period of uncertainty could linger on for many months and probably years, leaving many with ongoing worries about what the future holds. Clearly it is a situation they could do without.

For those British expats who are retired the effects are starting to emerge. With pensions being paid in pounds, the decreased value of the £ against the € is already being felt. Add to that the future prospect of paying for private medical care, lifestyle changes may be inevitable.

With so much uncertainty in the air, it is perhaps not surprising that many expats will be thinking of alternative options, including no doubt returning to the UK.  But many don’t want to lose their home in the sun and this is why moving to Gibraltar is an appealing prospect for many expats living around southern Europe, who wish to continue to do so.

Unlike the rest of the Mediterranean (other than a military part of Cyprus), Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, so British expats are welcome as they would be in the UK. There is a buoyant job market, with a 98% employment rate, providing numerous opportunities for those still at working age. The currency in Gibraltar is the British pound and the legal system is similar to that of the UK. Pension income incurs low tax rates.  The climate, social life and beach life are all significant reasons for many to make Gibraltar their home.

A recent pre-Brexit article "In Love With Gibraltar" sets out some more of these non-fiscal benefits of Gibraltar in greater detail. 

Gibraltar is such an appealing prospect, especially for those who crave certainty and safety right now. 

At Chestertons Gibraltar, we are ready and able to help anyone wishing to move to Gibraltar.  Our professional team has helped countless individuals and businesses relocate to this British Territory, so naturally we are best placed to assist anyone considering this exciting move.  We can help with everything from finding the right home, to obtaining residency, registering for tax, for health cards and driving licences.  There is a lot of information on our website. 

If you have any interest in moving to Gibraltar, or would just like to find out a bit more, Chestertons Gibraltar is here to help.  Your move to a secure, British, Mediterranean home could be easier and more achievable than you might think.

We look forward to welcoming you.