Gibraltar Joins Schengen Zone Under New UK–EU Deal

Gibraltar is officially entering the Schengen Area under a treaty signed by the UK and EU on June 11, 2025. The agreement removes routine border checks with Spain and restores freedom of movement for residents, cross-border workers, and travellers.

Key points of the deal:

• Passport checks at the Spain–Gibraltar land border will be dropped
• Schengen controls shift to Gibraltar’s airport and seaport (managed by Spanish officers)
• Gibraltar–UK travel still requires passport checks
• Gibraltar’s British sovereignty remains fully intact

The treaty concludes nearly four years of negotiations and sets a new structure for mobility and trade without changing Gibraltar’s political status.

Residency, Property, and Investor Pathways Get Legal Clarity

The treaty improves legal and logistical certainty for property buyers, long-term residents, and high-net-worth individuals. It directly benefits UK nationals and international investors who rely on cross-border stability.

Existing programs now operate under a clearer legal framework:

• Category 2 residency: For individuals with at least £2 million in net assets
• High Executive route: For senior professionals earning £160,000+ annually
• Self-employment options: For entrepreneurs and business owners
• UK pensioner pathway: For retirees transferring medical rights to Gibraltar

Real estate ownership and long-stay residency planning are now easier to navigate. Property buyers gain more confidence when acquiring second homes or relocating, with clearer expectations and fewer procedural hurdles.

While the agreement opens the door to cooperation between Gibraltar and neighboring Spanish regions, it does not affect political control or sovereignty. The focus remains on mobility, trade, services, and practical cross-border coordination.