John Westwood, Group Chairman, Blacktower Financial Management, comments on the news that a deal has been reached between UK, Spain and Gribraltar on the future of the border.
After years of uncertainty, a landmark agreement between Spain, the UK, and the EU has reshaped Gibraltar’s post-Brexit future. For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and retirees considering life in Southern Europe, this deal signals stability, opportunity, and smoother cross-border living in a uniquely international setting.
What Was Agreed?
Abolition of the Gibraltar-Spain land border (“La Verja”), allowing frictionless travel across what was once one of Europe’s last physical frontiers.
Inclusion of Gibraltar in the Schengen Area.
Customs cooperation to reduce checks on goods, align tax policies and control smuggling (notably tobacco).
Dual control at Gibraltar’s airport and seaport, modelled after the Eurostar system in London, where Spanish and Gibraltar border officers jointly manage immigration.
No change in sovereignty: the UK retains military and political authority over Gibraltar.
Why This Matters for HNWIs and Retirees
1. Cross-Border Living Made Easy
The removal of the land border may transform the lifestyle landscape.
Whether you're enjoying a quiet life in Sotogrande or conducting business in Gibraltar’s low-tax jurisdiction, the seamless cross-border flow adds mobility and convenience.
2. Fiscal Transparency and Stability
Gibraltar’s agreement to align its tax structure with EU standards gives investors and wealth planners renewed confidence. This includes:
Harmonisation of indirect taxes.
Customs predictability, allowing smoother movement of goods and clearer tax planning for private clients and family offices.
3. Property Investment & Residency Planning
With stability restored, both Gibraltar and the neighbouring Campo de Gibraltar and Costa del Sol regions look increasingly attractive to those planning a strategic relocation or second-home investment.
Golden Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa routes in Spain remain highly viable for British and American retirees.
4. Global Mobility Through Gibraltar
With Gibraltar now effectively a gateway into the Schengen zone, HNWIs who secure residency in Gibraltar could benefit from easier travel across Europe—a compelling edge for global citizens.
This development alone boosts Gibraltar’s profile as a micro-hub for international families, digital nomads, and mobile entrepreneurs.
Broader Implications: A Unique Crossroads
The deal provides freedom of movement for the 15000 or so workers that cross into Gibraltar everyday to that help the jurisdiction function. The concerns around a ‘hard border’ have gone and this is good news for these workers, Gibraltar industry and the entire Campo de Gibraltar region. Both Gibraltar and Spain will see economic opportunities open up to them
This will come with other potential issues as an influx of people into the region could place pressure of property prices/rentals and general infrastructure. Entry and Exit to La Linea de la Concepcion has been cause for concern for decades due to the volume of people seeking to enter/exit Gibraltar on a daily business whether for business or pleasure.
What to Watch
Treaty finalisation is expected by autumn 2025—important for legal certainty around mobility, tax, and border operations. What we have is a broad framework which, whilst holds positives, the detail in the treaty will be ‘key’ to understanding the opportunities.
All in all the general consensus is that we have reached an important point in negotiations which demonstrate that all sides are keen to seek solutions that provide all with economic opportunities top grow the entire region.
With this will come opportunities and it is anticipated that the region will be firmly back on the map as a location to consider to live, build a business and enjoy the very many gifts both Gibraltar and the South of Spain have to give.
By John Westwood, Group Chairman, Blacktower Financial Management
