Category 2 Status in Gibraltar 2026

Last reviewed: 17 July 2026

Wealth, Tax, Accommodation and Residency Requirements

Category 2 is Gibraltar's specialist tax and residence status for qualifying high-net-worth individuals. It is distinct from ordinary employment-based residence and requires coordinated consideration of eligibility, tax, accommodation, private medical insurance, family arrangements and continuing status.

Category 2 Status

Category 2 is Gibraltar’s specialist status for qualifying high-net-worth individuals.

For new applicants, Government has announced changes to the Category 2 regime, including an increase in the minimum net wealth requirement from £2 million to £5 million and an increase in the application fee from £1,233 to £5,000. Existing Category 2 individuals are grandfathered and are not affected by the revised minimum net wealth requirement.

To qualify for Category 2 status, an applicant must satisfy the relevant Category 2 requirements, including:

• meeting the applicable minimum net wealth requirement;
• having approved residential accommodation in Gibraltar available for their exclusive use;
• not having been resident in Gibraltar during the relevant previous period;
• being issued with a Category 2 certificate;
• satisfying the applicable tax, good-standing and continuing-compliance requirements.

At a practical level, applicants should be ready to provide evidence covering wealth, approved accommodation, private medical insurance, character references, identity, professional background and previous residence position. Category 2 status is usually applied for through a lawyer or accounting firm. Several full-service legal and accounting firms can manage the whole process.

Category 2 tax treatment is separate from ordinary residence. A Category 2 individual is taxed only on the first £118,000 of assessable income. The current annual tax liability is subject to a minimum of £37,000 and a maximum of £42,380.

Category 2 status does not give automatic entitlement to publicly funded schooling or healthcare services. A person who does not maintain Category 2 status should not assume that they have a right to continue residing in Gibraltar.

This route is therefore not simply a “wealth visa”. It is a specialist tax and residence status with accommodation, tax, medical insurance, good-standing and continuing-compliance requirements.

This dedicated Gibraltar.com guide covers the Category 2 route in more detail.

Category 2 should be considered alongside the main Residency guide, the Gibraltar Tax Guide and the Gibraltar-EU Treaty guide. The Treaty may improve practical access and confidence, but it does not remove the separate Category 2 eligibility or residence requirements.

Family Members, Accommodation and Advice

Applicants using Category 2 or HEPSS should not assume that family members automatically receive the same position without supporting documentation. The position for a spouse, children, healthcare, schooling, private medical insurance and residence documents should be checked before relocation.

Suitable accommodation is central to both routes. Applicants may need to understand not only whether a property is available, but whether it is suitable for the relevant status and family circumstances.

For related background, see Gibraltar Tax Advantages.

Applicants should also consider taking advice from relevant professional service providers, including Tax Consultants, Accountants, Lawyers, immigration specialists, Relocation Services, Estate Agents and private medical insurance providers before relying on either route.

Approved accommodation, family arrangements, private medical insurance and tax residence should be coordinated before applying. Relevant help may include a private-client or residency lawyer, tax adviser, personal financial adviser and Estate Agent.

Frequently asked questions

Is Category 2 the same as ordinary residence?

No. It is a specialist tax and residence status with separate wealth, accommodation, tax, insurance and good-standing requirements.

What is the minimum net wealth requirement?

For new applicants, Government announced an increase from £2 million to £5 million. Existing Category 2 holders are grandfathered under the announced change.

What tax does a Category 2 individual pay?

The Income Tax Office currently states that assessable income is capped at £118,000, with a current minimum annual liability of £37,000 and maximum of £42,380.

Does Category 2 provide public healthcare and schooling?

No. Government has reaffirmed that the status does not confer entitlement to publicly funded schooling or healthcare services.

Can a Category 2 individual work in Gibraltar?

Category 2 is not the ordinary employment route. Any Gibraltar trade, business or employment activity requires specific advice.

Related Gibraltar.com guidance and professional help

Read the HEPSS guide only if comparing Category 2 with a qualifying senior employment route; the two statuses serve different purposes.

Company ownership, investment or business activity should be reviewed separately with corporate lawyers, Accountants and company-management providers.