With its dramatic cliffs, stunning coastlines, and panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar has become an attractive destination for tourists all around the world. But beyond its appeal as a tourist destination, this British Overseas Territory offers a charming and vibrant place to live. Let’s delve into the lifestyle in Gibraltar and discover why it might be the perfect place for your next adventure.
Getting to know Gibraltar
Gibraltar is nicely located at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. The Mediterranean Sea surrounds it on the south side and is shared with Morocco. It remains under British sovereignty thanks to the Treaty of Utrecht since 1713 and has given the name to the Strait of Gibraltar as well as the famous Rock of Gibraltar —a nature reserve at the top, whilst there is a fortress located at the bottom known for the network of underground Tunnels of Gibraltar.
The location makes Gibraltar a perfect place for Mediterranean, Spanish, and British cultures to co-exist. For example, while English is the official language, there is in fact a predilection for bilingualism thanks to the constant exposure to Spanish through proximity. However, there is also influence from some Mediterranean languages such as Portuguese, Hebrew, and Maltese that has created the local dialect: Llanito or Yanito.
Why move to Gibraltar from UK?
It is easy to picture one of the main reasons for Gibraltar to be an appealing choice for retirement and expats: the weather. In contrast with the gloomy and often rainy weather that dominates in the UK countries, Gibraltar offers the possibility to enjoy the warm climate that is prevalent in the Mediterranean cities. Thus, provides some advantages since some physical problems benefit from mild weather that helps reduce the pain in bones and muscles, as well as the continuous exposure to natural vitamin D with just a walk on the beach on a sunny day.
Moving to Gibraltar from UK also offers a unique cultural experience and traveling options. It is rich in the historical landmarks that have prevailed through centuries such as the St. Michael’s Cave or the Impressive Moorish Castle. Plus, you can find the best of Spanish cuisine and not miss classical British dishes. Moreover, you can take part in food festivals like the “Calentita Festival” or the local music festival that is held every year to showcase a wide variety of local and international artists during summer.
The lifestyle of an expat in Gibraltar
Though Gibraltar may be small, it offers big opportunities for those considering retirement. While the territory’s limited size can make housing more expensive and smaller and may represent encountering certain obstacles, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. However, you can easily enjoy a retirement in Gibraltar. Let’s discover why:
1. Taxes in Gibraltar
It is well known that there is a favorable tax environment in which is easy securing your wealth. This is one of its biggest draws since Gibraltar’s tax regime has a friendly tax benign environment that does not include taxes such as inheritance tax, VAT, wealth tax, or capital gains tax. This way expats can enjoy financial stability and preserve their wealth.
2. Quality of life
Moving on to other crucial aspects of a better living, one which highly benefits expats is the peaceful lifestyle that Gibraltar has. The low crime rate that exists is a hallmark. Additionally, Gibraltar boasts an excellent healthcare system that operates under the NHS model but without waiting lists. It offers comprehensive, affordable care that covers everything from primary care to specialist treatments.
3. Gibraltar Residency
Expats and retirees may take advantage of certain benefits related to obtaining residency and even citizenship status. One of the most common is Category 2 HNWI Status since it mainly provides tax benefits. This status is valid for a year and can be renewed.
4. Retirement and housing
As mentioned before, getting a house might be quite a challenge. However, there are options designed for expats when it comes to housing. There are some housing programs provided by the Government of Gibraltar which purpose is to offer housing for sale or rental.
Undoubtedly, Gibraltar offers much more thanks to its rich historical legacy and vibrant blend of cultures that are also welcoming to expats. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa has made this land a diverse, multicultural society. Despite its small size and intimate population, of only 38,000 people, Gibraltar’s unique charm lies in the balance between modern comforts and old-world charm. The true essence of Gibraltar can only be fully appreciated by experiencing it first-hand, exploring its scenic landscapes, vibrant community, and deep-rooted history awaiting to be discovered.
