How to Find a Job in Gibraltar : The Ultimate Guide 2023
Uncover the secrets of Finding a job in Gibraltar! Our expert guide breaks down the steps, tips, and strategies you need. Navigate your career path now!
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, is an attractive destination for expats seeking work opportunities. Its unique blend of British and Mediterranean cultures, coupled with its robust economy and English-speaking environment, makes it an ideal place for job seekers.
Gibraltar: An Overview
Economy
Gibraltar’s economy is primarily based on tourism, logistics, and the financial sector. The country’s favorable tax conditions have led to a thriving financial services industry, particularly offshore banking.
Language
English is the official language of Gibraltar, making it a convenient location for English-speaking expats.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Gibraltar is a blend of British and Mediterranean cultures, offering a unique living experience for expats.
Job Market in Gibraltar
Financial Services
Thanks to Gibraltar’s favorable tax conditions, the financial services sector, particularly offshore banking, is a thriving industry.
Tourism
Tourism is another major sector in Gibraltar. With millions of visitors each year, there are plenty of job opportunities in this industry, especially during the busy summer months.
Online Gaming
Gibraltar has also become a global leader in the online gaming industry, hosting several international gaming companies. This is due to its favorable tax climate, reliable internet connectivity, and a well-developed regulatory system.
Finding a Job in Gibraltar
Networking
Word of mouth and personal recommendations are often the best ways to secure a job in Gibraltar.
Online Job Portals
For those who haven’t yet made the move, exploring online job portals and expat forums can be beneficial.
- RecruitGibraltar is a recruitment agency that offers a variety of jobs in different sectors, such as online gaming, finance, legal, and IT. You can register your CV and browse the available vacancies on their website.
- LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows you to create a profile, connect with other professionals, and apply for jobs in Gibraltar and other locations. You can filter your job search by industry, function, experience level, and more
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can also be a valuable resource for job seekers.
- Purple Chilli Recruitment is a recruitment agency that provides global and local recruitment services in various industries, such as hospitality, financial services, insurance, and banking. You can browse and apply for jobs such as managing director, financial controller, and AML analyst on their website
Work Culture in Gibraltar
Work Ethics
Gibraltar’s work culture is similar to that of the UK. Politeness, punctuality, and respect are important cornerstones of working life.
Working Hours
The standard working week in Gibraltar is 40 hours, with 48 hours a week being the legal maximum.
Annual Leave
Employees are allowed 15 days of annual leave. After eight years of service, this increases to 25 days of leave per year.
Work Permit and Residence Permit
EU Nationals
EU and EEA citizens looking to live and work in Gibraltar do not need avisa. However, non-EEA citizens will need work and residence permits to legally take up employment in the British territory.
Non-EU Nationals
Conditions for non-EU nationals are stricter and will depend on whether a company can find someone from the EU/EAA to fill the position. If you are not from the EU and wish to work in the territory, you will need to apply to the Employment Training Board and you will only be able to do so once you already have an employment contract.
UK Citizens
If you are from the UK, however, since Gibraltar is a British territory, you will be allowed to work without a residence permit.
Self-Employment in Gibraltar
Registration
If you intend to be self-employed in Gibraltar, you will need to register with the Employment Office and the Income Tax office.
Requirements
Most expats register as a sole trader. The process is usually straightforward.
- You need to complete an application form (S1) for registration as a self-employed person and send it to the Gibraltar Tax Office. The application takes approximately five working days to be considered.
- You need to register with the Employment Service after your application is approved by the Gibraltar Tax Office. You will receive an information pack with all the necessary documents from the Gibraltar Tax Office.
- You need to register your business name with Companies House Gibraltar if you wish to trade with a name other than your own name. The name has to be unique and approved before registration. You will have to pay a fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration of a Business Name.
- You may need to obtain a trade licence depending on the kind of business you are operating. For example, retailers may require a trade licence. You can find information about the different types of licences that may need to be obtained on the Department of Business and Employment website.
- You need to pay personal income tax rates as a sole trader and declare your business income and any losses on your personal tax return form. Tax returns for sole traders must be submitted by 30 November following the tax year for which tax is assessed; tax payments are due on 31 January and 30 June each year of assessment.
Skills and Qualifications
Required Skills
Those with specialized skills in one of Gibraltar’s main industries stand a good chance of finding work.
Language Skills
As English is commonly spoken throughout Gibraltar, it’s possible to get a job without knowledge of Spanish. However, Spanish skills can sometimes set applicants apart from those that don’t speak the language.
Transferable Qualifications
If you are qualified in a particular field (such as medicine) in the UK, your qualifications will be treated as analogous in Gibraltar. Generally, professional qualifications across the EU are transferable.
Salaries and Working Conditions
Average Salaries
On average, Gibraltarian salaries are around 20% lower than similar positions in the UK.
| Job Title | Average Salary in Gibraltar (GIP) | Average Salary in UK (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Assistant | 23,500 | 25,000 |
| Operations Manager | 51,000 | 42,000 |
| Graphic Designer | 20,000 | 23,000 |
| Accounts Assistant | 19,800 | 21,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 32,000 | 33,000 |
| Compliance Officer | 37,500 | 36,000 |
| Compliance Manager | 46,500 | 51,000 |
Note: The salaries may vary depending on the industry, location, experience level, and other factors.
Working Hours
Typical working hours are similar to the UK: business hours typically run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. over a 5 day week.
Maternity Leave
If you have been continuously employed for more than 1 year before the birth of your child, you will be entitled to 14 weeks’ maternity leave.
Job Application Process
CV/Resume
A standard one-page CV/resume is recommended.
Interviews
The Equality Act legislates against discrimination on the basis of sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and age or age group, pregnancy or maternity leave, racial or ethnic origin, or gender reassignment.
Equality Act
You should not experience questions at interview which violate the terms of the Equality Act.
Living in Gibraltar and Working in Spain
Cross-border Work
Gibraltar also affords possibilities of becoming a cross-border worker, living in Gibraltar and working in neighboring Spain, for example, or vice versa.
Language Requirements
Speaking Spanish may be helpful if you are living over the border in Spain and if you plan to live in Gibraltar and work in Spain, speaking the language might well be essential.
Conclusion
Finding a job in Gibraltar as a foreigner may seem challenging, but with the right skills, qualifications, and a good understanding of the job market and work culture, it is certainly achievable. Whether you’re interested in the financial services, tourism, or online gaming industry, Gibraltar offers a range of opportunities for expats.
FAQs
- Do I need a work permit to work in Gibraltar?
- If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you do not need a work permit to work in Gibraltar. However, non-EEA citizens will need work and residence permits to legally take up employment in Gibraltar. If you are from the UK, you can work in Gibraltar without a residence permit as Gibraltar is a British territory.
- What is the average salary in Gibraltar?
- On average, salaries in Gibraltar are around 20% lower than similar positions in the UK. However, this can vary depending on the industry and the specific role.
- What are the main industries in Gibraltar?
- The main industries in Gibraltar are financial services, tourism, and online gaming. Gibraltar’s favorable tax conditions have led to a thriving financial services industry, particularly offshore banking. Tourism is another major sector with millions of visitors each year. Gibraltar has also become a global leader in the online gaming industry, hosting several international gaming companies.
- Is it possible to live in Spain and work in Gibraltar?
- Yes, it is possible to live in Spain and work in Gibraltar. This is known as being a cross-border worker. However, if you plan to live in Gibraltar and work in Spain, speaking Spanish might well be essential.
- What is the work culture like in Gibraltar?
- Gibraltar’s work culture is similar to that of the UK. Politeness, punctuality, and respect are important cornerstones of working life. The standard working week in Gibraltar is 40 hours, with 48 hours a week being the legal maximum. Employees are allowed 15 days of annual leave, which increases to 25 days after eight years of service.
