Gibraltar

Employment taxes

• Income tax rates are progressive, with employees paying around 10–26% depending on income.
• Payroll costs are relatively straightforward, with contributions to social insurance deducted from your salary.
• Compared to neighboring countries, Gibraltar has low overall taxation, making your paycheck go further.

Leave policy

• Vacation: 20 working days per year.
• Public holidays: 11 national holidays.
• Employees that are unwell or unable to work are entitled to sick leave. Sick pay entitlements vary based on the length of service.
• Maternity leave: Ordinary maternity leave is 26 weeks, followed by another 26 week of Additional maternity leave, which makes 52 weeks in total. The payment of this leave is often related to the length of service and earnings. Tipically, is paid at rate based on average earnings for the initial weeks, followed by a lower standard rate.
• Paternity leave: one or two weeks, paid similarly as the maternity leave.

Employment termination

• Notice periods - 1 week - 12 weeks, it depends on contract length and terms,
• Severance pay is calculated based on the employee's age, length of service, and weekly pay:

1.5 weeks' pay for each year of employment after age 41

1 week's pay for each year of employment between ages 22 and 41

0.5 week's pay for each year of employment below age 22

Hiring and contracts

• Contracts must be in writing (Spanish and /or English), outlining salary, working hours, benefits, and termination terms.
• Common types: indefinite or fixed-term.
• Probation periods are common for new hires and range from 3 to 6 months

Payroll and salary payments

• Employees are typically paid monthly in GIP.
• Minimum wage rates are between GIP 7.80/hour - GIP 8.67/hour.
• Payroll deductions include income tax and social insurance contributions.

Benefits

• Mandatory: Social insurance, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, statutory holidays.
• Optional: Private health insurance, pension schemes, and employee perks vary by company.

Monthly living cost (Gibraltar Capital Edition)

• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: €900–€1,500 depending on location.
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €120–€200/month.
• Groceries & daily expenses: €250–€400/month.
• Eating out or leisure: variable but generally affordable compared to other major EU cities.

How to get a local ID number

• Residents and employees need a Gibraltar ID number for tax and social security purposes.
• Remote workers can register if planning to stay long-term or receive local payroll.

Social security registration

• Mandatory for all employees.
• Contributions fund healthcare, pensions, and benefits.
• Registration is handled through the Gibraltar Government Social Insurance office.

Banking

• Popular banks include Gibraltar International Bank, HSBC Gibraltar, and Barclays Gibraltar.
• Accounts typically require proof of residence, ID, and employment documentation.

Housing and rental process

• Tenants are protected under local rental laws.
• Typical rental agreements are 6–12 months, renewable.
• Deposits and rent are usually upfront; contracts should be in writing to protect tenant rights.

Healthcare system

• Public healthcare is available for residents, funded through social security contributions.
• Private healthcare is optional but widely used, especially for expats.

Driving and public transport

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
• Public transport includes buses connecting Gibraltar with Spain and within the territory.
• Many residents walk or bike due to the small size of the area.

Emergency and important contacts

• Police: 199
• Ambulance / Fire: 199
• Medical emergencies: Local hospitals and clinics are accessible 24/7.

Work permit and visa requirements

• EU citizens: Can live and work freely.
• Non-EU citizens need a job offer from a Gibraltar employer. The employer applies for a work permit, the government approves it, and then you apply for a visa if required. Once approved, you can move to Gibraltar and register locally to start working.

Business culture and work norms

• Punctuality and professionalism are expected.
• Networking is important, and relationships matter.
• English is the working language, but Spanish is commonly spoken socially.