Post-Brexit Gibraltar agreement: What it means for Spain and the UK

The “last major unresolved issue from Brexit” appears to have been resolved.

On June 11th, the UK government finally struck a post-Brexit deal with the European Union (EU) in regards to Gibraltar’s status. Talks on rules governing the border between Spain and the British Overseas Territory have been continually ongoing ever since the UK left the EU in 2020.

The new agreement is said to remove the need for checks on people and goods crossing the border between Spain and Gibraltar.

What’s the Gibraltar agreement with the EU?

According to an official statement from the UK government, the agreement’s main objective is to ‘secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union.’

For any travellers arriving at Gibraltar airport, passport checks will be carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. British arrivals can continue into Spain and the EU free-travel area without any further checks.

The new agreement is a similar system to the Eurostar at London’s St Pancras station. Travellers pass through both the British and French passport control before boarding international trains.

What are the key points of the new agreement?

• Fluid border movement – One of the main aims of the deal is to remove the barriers that limit people from crossing the border between Gibraltar and Spain. The fluid border movement will be beneficial for the thousands of people who have been moving through passport checks at the crossing point as part of their daily commutes.
  
• Schengen area integration –Gibraltar will now have arrangements that facilitate similar movement to that of the EU’s Schengen passport-free zone. Gibraltar will be responsible for implementing its own immigration rules, whereas Spanish officials will be responsible for the Schengen rules.
  
• Sovereignty protection – There is an explicit clause in the agreement that states this change to movement doesn’t impact British sovereignty over Gibraltar. The UK retains full operational autonomy of military facilities in Gibraltar.
  
• Goods and customs – The agreement aims to reduce checks to ensure a smoother flow of goods and avoid border delays.
  
• Visas and permits – There are now arrangements in place for visas and permits, and close cooperation between police and law enforcement authorities.
  
• Economic prosperity – Finally, the new deal is designed to secure the future prosperity of the region by removing barriers to foster economic and social partnership. A financial mechanism to support training and employment in Gibraltar has also been agreed.

Why the delay?

It has taken five years to resolve this issue between the UK, Spain and the EU. Why, though?

Gibraltar’s status has been a key issue since Brexit in 2020. Around 15,000 people cross the border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Currently, residents in Gibraltar can cross the border using their residence cards and don’t require their passports to be stamped. Spanish citizens can cross with a government-issued ID card.

There were concerns that the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit system in late 2025 would disrupt this, causing huge delays.

What’s the reaction from leaders?

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat.”

Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, also welcomed the agreement. 

“I have worked hand in glove with the UK government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs – one that will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty,” he said.

Downing Street said UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, agreed in a phone call with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, that the deal “unlocks significant opportunities to strengthen UK-Spain relations”.

Speak to Bromley Estates Marbella

At Bromley Estates Marbella, we love to stay on top of the latest news surrounding the south coast of Spain.

Having worked in the Costa del Sol area for many years, helping people find their dream homes in Marbella and beyond, we know the many legal complexities and regulations of the area – and we’re always keeping an eye out for changes.

If you’d like to stay in the loop, continue reading our insightful blogs. If you’d like to find out more about the properties we have available for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us today by calling +34 952 939 460.