Company Registration in Gibraltar

Company Registration in Gibraltar: introductory information 

Gibraltar is located on the Iberian Peninsula and is considered a European territory of the United Kingdom. It has its own jurisdiction and a unique tax system. Some additional facts:

• Official languages — Llanito (vernacular), English.
• Currency — British pound sterling.
• Legal system — common law.

The territory is home to only about 34,000 people. However, close ties with the UK and international relations with EU member states create extensive opportunities for international business development. Many entrepreneurs have already taken advantage of the vast number of opportunities for commercial growth.

Taxation features after company registration in Gibraltar

Before opening a company in Gibraltar, it is recommended to study the local tax system, which is highly beneficial for entrepreneurs. Since 2011, a low corporate tax rate of 10% has been in effect here. This allows Gibraltar to compete with Switzerland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and other EU countries with favorable tax regimes. Moreover, only resident companies are subject to corporate tax; non-resident firms pay no taxes.

Thus, registering a company in Gibraltar is attractive for international trade because:

• there is no property tax;
• no capital gains tax;
• no inheritance or gift tax.

For those who want to conduct international business from Gibraltar, there are additional benefits:

• no VAT;
• no tax on profits;
• confidentiality of beneficiary lists.

Gibraltar is not a tax haven, and the jurisdiction is on the FATCA and OECD white lists.

How to open a non-resident company in Gibraltar

On Gibraltar’s territory, registering a non-resident company is possible if the following conditions are met:

• the company does not hold accounts in local banks;
• the company’s directors and shareholders are non-residents;
• the company does not conduct business in Gibraltar and is not a partner of local firms.

If these conditions are met, the legal entity is exempt from taxes. Registration is simplified thanks to:

• Minimal management requirements — one director and one shareholder of any nationality and status. Copies of identity documents are required.
• In Gibraltar, the company must have: a registered office address, a secretary, and a company seal.
• Registration can be completed remotely (through a representative).

A non-resident company is typically registered when it is necessary to:

• Protect and maintain confidentiality of existing assets.
• Register and use marine or aircraft assets for commercial purposes, including within the EU.
• Register vehicles tax-free.

Standard steps for opening a company include choosing a unique company name, paying registration fees, and opening an account (e.g., through a payment system). In brief, the process looks like this:

• Selecting a name and checking its availability.
• Preparing personal documents for company registration.
• Preparing and submitting registration forms to the relevant authorities.
• Receiving registration confirmation.

Reporting requirements in Gibraltar after company registration

There are no strict requirements for financial reporting. In this dependent territory, annual reports are not mandatory, and additionally:

• small companies are not required to undergo audits;
• there is no strict currency control.

If a company is registered as a resident, specific norms and deadlines for reporting apply:

• Private companies must file financial reports once every 13 months, public companies once every 10 months.
• Companies with income exceeding £1.25 million are required to undergo audits.

Thus, a resident company can be used for ICOs or other similar purposes. In such cases, the company pays 10% corporate tax and files regular reports.

How to register a company in Gibraltar

Despite its flexibility, the process of registering companies in Gibraltar involves certain challenges:

• Special requirements for documentation submission apply.
• Resident companies must comply with strict deadlines and procedures for financial reporting.

Opening accounts is given particular attention — this is a simple and straightforward process without unnecessary bureaucracy. Financial institutions provide a wide range of services, including a personal manager.

Nevertheless, doing business within the European Union requires compliance with international law. Therefore, to simplify company registration and reporting in Gibraltar, we recommend contacting our experts. Let’s discuss your project — fill out the online form, and we’ll get in touch with you.