Effective 1 January 2025, His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar will implement an increase in fees for services provided by the Civil Status and Registration Office (CSRO). Despite the increase, CSRO fees will still remain significantly lower than those charged in other jurisdictions. This measure is also intended to safeguard taxpayer money by addressing instances of system abuse and ensuring the sustainability of services.

Historically, many of the services offered by the CSRO have been provided either with little or no charge, leading to an influx of applications and creating undue strain on public resources. This has not only burdened our systems, but also meant that taxpayers were inadvertently subsidising services for individuals who should be contributing fairly.

This move is designed to both curb abuse and increase Government revenue, thus enabling the CSRO to continue providing a high level of service to the community, while ensuring that those who use these services pay the expected level of fees commensurate to what they are applying for.

The Head of the CSRO, Mr Karl Triay, commented: “Our services remain critical, but it’s equally important that we do not allow the system to be exploited. Aligning our fees will ensure that applicants contribute appropriately, allowing us to maintain the integrity and quality of the services we provide, as well as reallocating resources accordingly and not to unnecessary applications which, for example, might have already been rejected a while back and have simply been resubmitted due to these important processes carrying minimal or no fee."

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo, said: "These changes are about protecting the interests of Gibraltar and its taxpayers. CSRO fees have remained low for some time, which has unfortunately led to opportunities for misuse. By increasing fees, we not only safeguard public resources but ensure that those using our services contribute fairly. This is a responsible and necessary step for the future of our community."