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Working in Gibraltar

Jan 15, 2010 · Caitlin · 5 replies · 4980 views
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Me and my family are moving to Spain within the next couple of months. I work in the accounts industry and i have discovered that there is a lot of jobs in Gibraltar, basically the same as i'm doing in England. We don't want to live in Gibraltar though, does anyone know how long it takes to cross the boarder at peek hours? Is it straight forward?

Thanks for your help in advance
Jan 16, 2010 · MAC31

> Me and my family are moving to Spain within the next couple of months. I work in the accounts industry and i have discovered that there is a lot of jobs in Gibraltar, basically the same as i'm doing in England. We don't want to live in Gibraltar though, does anyone know how long it takes to cross the boarder at peek hours? Is it straight forward?

Thanks for your help in advance


I couldnt help but laugh that you think there is "Plenty Of Work In Gib" I live here (Until End of this Month) I can assure you there is no jobs like Accounts only Gaming Jobs which is developers and website developers for online Casino Companies and that is all! Hence why most of the Brits are moving back to the UK or Trying Brazil and Canada.

There is plenty of Job Agencies in Gib (More Than Work Vacancies :-D).

Sorry to rain on your parade!! but who ever told you there is lots of Work in accounts is incorrect also dont believe JobSites that have Vacancies like them as mostly there out of date!

Good Luck!

Mac
Mar 4, 2010 · SpainExpat member
Working in Gibraltar is an excellent career choice, especially as the economy is still doing well and the job market has picked up dramatically in 2010. Gibraltar has a tax system that is more attractive for many companies and individuals than mainland UK, as a consequence an increasing number of professional organisations in certain sectors have moved to Gibraltar. Probably the best example of this being the on-line gaming industry but there are lots of opportunities in the financial, IT, Legal and banking sectors for qualified and experienced candidates.

Whether you choose to live in Gibraltar itself, or one of the nearby Spanish coastal towns, relocation to this area is an excellent choice for those wanting a fantastic lifestyle change. Some of the benefits are:

? Excellent careers for English speaking professionals, with little or no compromise on salaries compared to the UK
? Lower income tax
? Low cost of renting and buying accommodation in Spain compared to the UK (also many homes have private or shared pools)
? Approximately 300 days of sunshine per year
? Glorious beaches stretched across the Costa del Sol and Cadiz
? Cosmopolitan Marbella and Puerto Banus nearby
? Weekend skiing in Sierra Nevada
? Relaxed, sociable and enjoyable way of life
? Huge variety of restaurants, quality fresh food and wine
? Easily accessible to the rest of Europe with regular and low cost flights from Malaga and Gibraltar
? Duty Free Alcohol and Tobacco in Gibraltar

Where to Live

Some people are lucky enough to secure a job in Gibraltar before they commit to relocating, and many companies also offer a relocation package with free short term accommodation for the right candidate. However, if you are making your own arrangements it is advisable to consider your living location carefully. By living in Spain and working in Gibraltar you can get the best of both worlds! Yes there is a small commute, but this allows you to experience the culture, food and language of Spain and enjoy the lower house prices, but work in the vibrant business community of Gibraltar. Below we have estimated the cost of two bedroom apartments in each of the areas to give a rough guide of living costs.

Gibraltar has much in common with its next door neighbour Southern Spain, it also has a fascinating history of its own, as well as special climatic conditions, its own particular geography, and of course a unique culture. The fact that Gibraltar is a self-governing British Crown Dependency makes it a popular choice. However, living in Gibraltar can be expensive, with an average 2 bedroom flat costing between ?1,000 and ?1,500 per month to rent.

La Linea is just over the border from Gibraltar and is a convenient choice for relocation due to being within 10-20 minutes walking distance to the central areas of Gibraltar. This commercial/industrial district is packed with local shops and amenities, whilst still being accessible to the more cosmopolitan and picturesque towns further along the coast. Typically the cost of accommodation is lower than in Gibraltar but slightly higher than the more popular Spanish towns due to its brilliant location and no need for its residents to own a car. A typical two bedroom flat would cost 500-600? per month.

Sotogrande is a very exclusive and beautiful area favoured by top executives and the rich and famous. Because of this, the rents are also high in this area and a two bedroom apartment can cost 900?2000? per month (including shared pool). However, you have stunning sports facilities, golf courses, polo fields and a famous marina on your doorstep so it's a popular choice if your salary allows it. Sotogrande is just a 15 minute commute from Gibraltar.

Manilva is 30 minutes drive to the East of Gibraltar, a surprisingly under-developed and picturesque part of the Costa del Sol. You can choose from living in the pretty white village of Manilva, the fishing port of Sabinillas or the lively marina of Duquesa with lots of places to eat, drink and enjoy yourself. By living in a more traditional Spanish area you will only pay 400-600? per month to rent a two bedroom apartment and this will usually include a shared swimming pool, so it can make your salary stretch a lot further.

Estepona is a pretty seaside town of with its fantastic wide beaches and Spanish small town character. There are lots of amenities, bars, cafes and restaurants serving good Spanish food at reasonable prices as well as swanky beach bars and big supermarkets selling international brands. Estepona is a great choice for families with children as it is a very family friendly place. This is a 40 minute commute from Gibraltar and rents for a 2 bedroom apartment range from 450?800? per month and will usually include a shared pool.

Please note when planning your commute into Gibraltar every day, remember to account for the Queues at the border. In rush hour, getting over the border to your place of work will usually add on 20-40 minutes to your commute, but this can be reduced by parking in La Linea and either taking the bus, walking, riding a moped or bicycle. Some companies offer flexible working hours which many people take advantage of to avoid the rush hour traffic.
Mar 5, 2010 · The Sentinella
Hiya, most people I know who live in Spain and work in Gib, live in La Linea or Estepona. One option is to park up just outside of Gib and walk in, which takes about 20 mins. That's a good option if you dont want to be sitting in the traffic queue of a morning, which can get pretty bad, especially at certain times of the year. Plus if your firm doesnt have a staff car park then parking in Gib is quite nightmarish. I'd go for the park outside Gib and walk in option.... Are you planning to get jobs sorted before you arrive, or when you get here ?
Mar 12, 2010 · paulauk
Hello

You seem very knowledgable so I am going to pick your brains lol


Me and my husband plan to move to warmer climates within the next year or so and are unsure which area is best? I am an accounts Clerk, AAT qualified and my husband a project manager in I.T.

I speak little Spanish probably at intermediate level.

Any ideas as to where we should be looking at moving too? We will rent property.

Thanks
Paula