A BETTER LIFESTYLE WITH THE RIGHT TAX RESIDENCY BEHIND YOU
- Tailored Relocation Guidance
- Gibraltar & Portugal Expertise
- Hassle-Free Application Process
- Local Insight & Trusted Partners
- Tax-Efficient Wealth Planning
If you dream of the Mediterranean lifestyle – the climate, culture, social activities and leisure, with all the benefits of a well-structured residency solution, Abacus can help.
It’s a strategic decision that can shape your future wealth, lifestyle, and global mobility. At Abacus, we help individuals and families secure residency in jurisdictions that offer both an exceptional quality of life and well-structured tax advantages.
Whether you’re seeking a Mediterranean base with low taxation, long-term wealth protection, or a new lifestyle chapter, we guide you through the process with clarity, discretion, and a personalised approach.
Gibraltar combines Mediterranean living with a stable, English-speaking, UK-aligned legal and regulatory framework. It remains one of the most appealing residency options for individuals seeking tax efficiency, asset protection, and ease of travel.
What is Cat 2 Status In Gibraltar?
Designed for high-net-worth individuals, offering capped income tax and significant tax planning benefits.
What are the Benefits of the Category 2 Status in Gibraltar?
- Favourable income tax treatment
- Tax is only paid on income remitted into Gibraltar
- Income tax is capped and only calculated on the first £118,000 of assessable income.
- Minimum annual income tax liability of £37,000, maximum of £42,380
- Gibraltar residency can be obtained once a Category 2 application is approved
- No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar
- Children are eligible to attend local private schools that follow the UK national curriculum
- No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment
What are Cat 2 Status Requirements?
- Applicants must be able to evidence net assets of at least £5 million to demonstrate self-sufficiency
- The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family
- Generally, the applicant may not engage in any business activities, trade or employment in Gibraltar. Some business activities are permissible but must be disclosed for pre-approval prior to the application being submitted to the Gibraltar Finance Centre
- The applicant should not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 5 years preceding the application
- Private medical insurance must be obtained
Where Can I Get Cat 2 Status Advice?
Here at Abacus we have been helping clients negotiate tax residency since the early 70’s. Our experts are on hand to provide you with a full assessment based upon your personal circumstances.
Aimed at senior executives relocating to Gibraltar to contribute specialist skills to the economy.
Each programme has distinct requirements, and we help you determine the most suitable option based on your circumstances.
Benefits of HEPSS
- Favourable income tax treatment
- Tax is only payable on the first £160,000 of income per annum under the Gross Income Based (GIB) tax system
- Gibraltar residency can be obtained once the HEPSS application is approved
- No inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT or wealth tax in Gibraltar
- Children are eligible to attend local schools that follow the UK national curriculum
- No minimum number of days that must be spent in Gibraltar each year of assessment
Requirements
- The individual must possess specialist skills that are not readily available in Gibraltar
- These skills must promote and sustain economic activity in Gibraltar
- The individual must not have been a Gibraltar resident for the 3 years preceding the application
- The purchase or rental of approved residential property in Gibraltar that must be available for the exclusive use of the applicant and the applicant’s family throughout the year. The property must be of a certain standard appropriate for a wealthy individual and proportionate to the needs of the family
- The applicant must be the individual’s employer, and the HEPSS status is dependant on the employment of that individual within that same company. If employment ceases, the HEPSS status is immediately withdrawn
How Abacus Supports Your Relocation
We provide a fully-comprehensive service to help you navigate your tax status and residency options with complete confidence and ease, starting with an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances, plans and aspirations, right through to the submission of your application until your certificate is granted.
Our support includes:
- Assessing the suitability of Gibraltar or Portugal based on your personal and financial goals
- Guiding you through the residency application process step-by-step
- Introducing trusted tax advisers, legal counsel, banks, and relocation partners
- Assistance with property search, documentation, and relocation needs
You will be supported throughout, with complete discretion and a personalised, service.
Please note that we do not provide legal, tax or financial advice, so we therefore strongly recommend that you obtain professional tax advice prior to your application. We work in partnership with leading tax professionals and can help you procure this upon request.
Relocating your tax residency can offer significant lifestyle and financial advantages. Many individuals choose Gibraltar or Portugal to benefit from lower tax exposure, greater flexibility in structuring their wealth, and a more favourable environment for long-term estate planning. Aside from tax efficiency, a change in residency unlocks a higher quality of life, better climate, enhanced safety, and access to international travel and education options. The right residency solution can help protect your assets, reduce your tax burden, and support the way you want to live.
The process varies by jurisdiction, but both Gibraltar and Portugal offer structured pathways for individuals looking to relocate. Gibraltar provides tax residency through programmes such as Category 2 and HEPSS, while Portugal offers the well-known Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) 2.0 regime. Each programme has its own eligibility rules relating to income, property, residency status and personal circumstances. At Abacus, we guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition.
To qualify for Category 2 status, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Gibraltar Finance Centre,
Cat 2
Category 2 applicants must demonstratea minimum net worth of at least £2 million, securing approved residential accommodation in Gibraltar, and holding private medical insurance, and not have been Gibraltar resident for 5 years previous.
HEPSS status
HEPSS is designed for highly skilled senior executives with specialist skills relocating to Gibraltar, subject to eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and approval from the Gibraltar Finance Centre. We assess your circumstances, confirm your suitability, and manage the application process discreetly and efficiently.
Get in touch for more information about our Accounting & Tax Services.