| In this section:
- Gibraltar Business Environment
- Gibraltar Trust Management
- Gibraltar Professional
Services
- Gibraltar Banking and
Financial Services
- Gibraltar Telecommunications
- Gibraltar Internet and
E-Commerce Facilities
- Gibraltar the Labour Market
Gibraltar Residence and Property
Nationals of EU member states have the right
to enter, live and work in Gibraltar. Initially
a six-month visa is given, and then a 5-year renewable
residence permit, provided that they have found
suitable employment or have started a business.
Work permits cannot be denied to EU citizens.
Other nationals have to apply for residency under
the Immigration Control Ordinance and permission
is issued by the Governor. Government guidelines
indicate that an applicant for residency must
be ready and able to purchase a property of sufficient
size to accommodate himself and his family, must
be in good health, and must have adequate financial
resources. The Government looks more favourably
on those applicants who purchase luxury property
in Gibraltar.
Property bought by a non-resident may be owned
by an individual applicant or joint applicants,
or alternatively, in the name of a company of
which the applicant is the 100% beneficial owner
and over which he/she has full and effective control.
In fact there are tax advantages if the property
is purchased through a Gibraltar company. It is
not essential that the property be purchased prior
to approval of an application. However, the property
to be purchased must be nominated and a refundable
deposit paid to reserve the property for the applicant
until the application is considered by the Government.
Once the application is approved the applicant,
on completion of the purchase of the property,
will obtain a permit of residence. A permit is
renewable after a specified term providing the
requirements are met and the property is owned
by the applicant.
The holder of a residence permit need not live
in Gibraltar and is not automatically entitled
to social security or citizenship. However, the
resident's children may attend local schools and
are entitled to the same benefits as other local
residents.
If a non-EU national wishes to stay in Gibraltar
other than through the property 'doorway', he
must usually try to find employment, for which
he will receive a work permit only if there are
no Gibraltarians able and willing to perform it.
Such individuals will be given residence permits
for shorter or longer periods depending on the
nature of the work for which they have a permit.
The government can deny a non-EU national the
possibility of buying residential property.
In the June 2007 budget, passport issue and renewal
fees were abolished for persons aged 65 and over.
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Gibraltar Office Facilities
The rental rates for office space have traditionally
been moderate. Few offices come already furnished
so it is likely that furniture will have to be
bought in Gibraltar or imported from Spain. Locally
bought goods such as computers and office equipment
can be expensive and remember all goods that are
imported (except foodstuffs) are liable to import
tax; but there is no VAT. VAT on items purchased
from the EU can be reclaimed.
In terms of utilities, water is distilled from
sea water but is metered and can be expensive.
Electricity is generated locally and can also
be a bit more costly than the UK but at least
the heating bills are cheap!
Telecommunication rates have been about the same
as in the UK but they have been favourably affected
by liberalisation measures.
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