Work Permits
A work permit in Gibraltar is required for non-EU/EEA nationals seeking employment. Issued by the Gibraltar Department of Employment, it ensures legal work authorisation. Employers must sponsor applications, demonstrating the unavailability of local or EU candidates. Permits are typically job-specific and time-limited, requiring renewal for continued employment.
How We Can Assist With Work Permits
Our services are divided into two stages:
Stage 1 – Document Preparation: We prepare all required forms and obtain the necessary supporting documentation, including creating and advertising the vacancy in local newspapers and on social media, as well as gathering any additional documents required to support your application.
Stage 2 – Application Submission and Follow-Up: We complete and submit your New Work Permit application on your behalf, arrange payment of the applicable government fees, and liaise regularly with the Department of Employment to monitor progress and ensure everything remains in order until a decision is reached.
Why Might You Need a Work Permit?
You may require a Work Permit to:
- Take up employment in Gibraltar where a work permit is required
- Employ a non-entitled worker in accordance with Gibraltar’s employment regulations
- Comply with Gibraltar’s work permit requirements before employment begins
- Support an employee’s relocation to Gibraltar for employment purposes
- Meet the legal requirements for working in Gibraltar.
Important Things to Remember
- Non-entitled workers should not commence work until the necessary permission has been granted.
- Work permits are employer-specific. A permit is generally issued in relation to a particular employer and position and cannot automatically be transferred to another employer.
- Supporting documentation is required. Incomplete or incorrect documentation may delay the processing of the application.
- Additional information may be requested by the Department of Employment during the assessment of the application.
- Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval. Each application is assessed on its own merits and approval is at the discretion of the Department of Employment.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being processed.
- Changes to the employment arrangement may require a new application or further approval from the relevant authority.
- All documents not issued in English must be translated into English by a certified translator.
Required Documents
The documents required will depend on the employee’s circumstances. However, a Work Permit application will mainly require:
- A registered Notification of Vacancy for the position
- Completed Work Permit application form
- The applicant’s valid passport
- The applicant’s CV
- Proof of qualifications and professional experience, where required for the role
- A Notice of Terms of Engagement signed by the employer
- A Certificate of Good Conduct for the applicant
- The applicant’s marriage certificate (if applicable)
- The applicant’s spouse’s or partner’s passport or identity card (if applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents requested by the Department of Employment or considered necessary to support the application
Turnaround Time
Work Permit applications involve two stages:
Application Preparation and Submission: Once we have received all the required information and supporting documents, we will prepare your work permit application. Before it can be submitted, the vacancy must be advertised locally, including in the local press and on social media, and applications from suitably qualified candidates must be considered. This recruitment process typically takes two weeks, after which, provided all requirements have been met, we will submit the work permit application to the Department of Employment.
Application Processing: After submission, your application is processed by the Department of Employment. Processing times* vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being handled.
*Disclaimer: The processing of the above services is the sole responsibility of the Department of Employment. A2Z Business Solutions acts only as an independent facilitator and assumes no responsibility for the processing, approval, or outcome of these services.
