We’ll start by answering the question: yes, it’s a lot easier to move to Gibraltar than it is to move to Spain. Brexit did no good for any British citizen wanting to move around Europe for more than 90 days in 180 days. Gibraltar, however, is technically part of the UK and a free travel zone for British citizens. Neighbouring Spain isn’t.
Considering a Mediterranean move? Read on for why we think relocating to Gibraltar is easier than Spain.
Gibraltar’s British Ties Make Relocation Simpler
Gibraltar has been British-owned since 1713, and it also uses a similar framework of governance and administration to Britain.
Because of this, if you own a British passport, moving to Gibraltar is much less troublesome than moving to Spain. The British-owned Gibraltarian territory does not require any form of visa, work permit, or even residency, all of which you do with Spanish regulations. And even with all that, you’re not guaranteed a visa. Spain is currently putting itself as an anti-tourism country if you’ve been following the news. Most of the Brits in Gibraltar will tell you it’s a simple process.
Gibraltar’s small size and efficient administration make paperwork a quick process definitely quicker than the overly complicated Spanish bureaucracy. If you’ve ever tried dealing with Spanish bureaucracy, you’ll know it’s never quick.
English Is the Official Language
Don’t think that everyone knows English in Spain. If you’re going to any of the more inland areas, people will speak very little to no English. In Gibraltar, the main spoken language is English and the people who speak Spanish tend to know English.
It’s a lot easier to understand the online systems for moving and managing everything to do with the moving process feels easier.
You won’t find it difficult to understand legal document signings, household bills, etc., now most of them are processed in English. That would not be the case in Spain.
Gibraltar Has a Simple Tax System
The tax system in Spain is a nightmare. If you’re self-employed or in business, you’ll know what we mean. The Spanish tax system works as a progressive system: you’re quickly paying more tax than in other European countries.
Gibraltar has a unique tax system; they’ve removed capital gains, inheritance, and wealth taxes completely. Their approach steers away from long tedious procedures and makes Gibraltar’s citizenship and tax system seem more easy to understand. And they don’t follow the same progressive tax scale.
If you’re doing it in Spain and you’re not employed, you most likely will hire an accountant to manage the tax system for you.
No Need for Spain’s Complicated Residency Process
Long-term residency in Spain is layered with lengthy administrative processes if you’re from outside the EU. EU citizens have it slightly luckier, registering for a residency permit is slightly less complex as they have to show proof of sufficient funds and mandatory health insurance.
Spain’s immigration and visa policies are so strict, most of them having high financial thresholds and lengthy processing times. Some visas can take up to 12 months to organise.
If you are a UK National wanting to live in Gibraltar, there is absolutely no proof of income or residency bureaucracy to deal with. All UK citizens can seamlessly relocate, obtain local accommodation, and start residing without excessive documentation.
That’s reason enough to convince you.
Proximity to Spain Without the Bureaucracy
Gibraltar is in the perfect location. It’s not far from the UK, borders Spain with easy access, you can’t ask for anything more. It’s an international gateway to Spain but with British legal and administrative systems and Gibraltar’s better tax system.
All the expats will tell you Gibraltar is like enjoying the Spanish way of life without needing the hassle of moving to Spain.
Spain’s culture and way of life are incredible, but you can have a slice of that in Gibraltar. Without a doubt, moving to Gibraltar is easier than Spain!