Do British passport holders have special privileges in Gibraltar?
Yes — but they’re not absolute.
British citizens do have advantages over non-British nationals when it comes to living and working in Gibraltar, but these are regulated through permits and do not constitute automatic rights.

1. British citizens are treated as “Qualified Persons”
British nationals (UK passport holders):

Do not require a visa to enter Gibraltar

Can apply for residency and work permits more easily than third-country nationals

Are often granted these permits if standard conditions are met

Immigration Act (Gibraltar):
https://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/legislations/immigration-asylum-and-refugee-act-178

Post-Brexit guidance for British nationals in Gibraltar (Gov.gi):
https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/sites/default/files/2021-08/Guidance-on-British-Citizens-living-and-working-in-Gibraltar.pdf

Additional permit and entry information:
https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/new/sites/default/files/2023-01/British%20Citizens%20Living%20and%20Working%20in%20Gibraltar.pdf

2. Non-British nationals face more restrictions
Third-country nationals (e.g. from outside the UK/EU):

Typically require visas to enter Gibraltar

Must go through stricter immigration procedures

Are not eligible for streamlined permit processes like British citizens are

Bottom Line:
British citizens do have special privileges—faster access to residency, work eligibility, and no visa requirement.

But permits are still required; there is no absolute or automatic right.