Company formation in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is not the most well-known jurisdiction for conducting international business. However, due to the combination of the British legal system, high reputation and favorable conditions for international activity, Gibraltar can in practice compete with jurisdictions such as Hong Kong.

Companies in Gibraltar are widely used for international trade, consulting, IT services, asset ownership, investment activities, intellectual property management and other types of business carried out outside the territory of Gibraltar.

One of the main features of the jurisdiction is the possibility of incorporating a Non-Resident Controlled Company. Subject to certain rules, such a company may not be subject to taxation in Gibraltar if its activities are carried out exclusively outside the jurisdiction and it does not receive income from sources in Gibraltar.

The procedure for registering a company is relatively quick and can be carried out entirely remotely. In most cases, the incorporation process takes up to 5 business days after the compliance review and approval of the documents by the Registered Agent. However, the compliance review itself will be extensive and may take several weeks.

If you are planning to set up a company in Gibraltar, it is important to assess the company structure, taxation and banking requirements in advance and consult with specialists.

COMPANY FORMATION IN GIBRALTAR - KEY ADVANTAGES

Registering a company in Gibraltar offers the following benefits:

1. The ability to start a business remotely. To register a company, it is usually sufficient to provide scanned copies of documents and go through identity and source of funds verification procedures. There is no need to visit Gibraltar in person;
2. Another important advantage is that the company may not be subject to taxation in Gibraltar. Provided that the company is controlled by non-residents of Gibraltar, does not have a physical presence in the jurisdiction and carries out activities exclusively outside its borders, such a company can legally pay zero corporate taxes in Gibraltar;
3. Above that, Gibraltar companies enjoy no withholding taxes on dividend payments, interests, capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. There is also no withholding tax;
4. Gibraltar allows all companies to obtain a tax identification number (TIN), which greatly simplifies bank compliance and opening corporate accounts with many financial institutions;
5. No audit requirements for most non-resident companies. This significantly reduces the administrative costs of maintaining a company compared to many other European jurisdictions and some Asian  jurisditctions as well. Unlike the main competing jurisdiction of Hong Kong, where an audit is mandatory regardless of financial performance of the company.

Thanks to these factors, Gibraltar is an extremely effective jurisdiction for registering and conducting international business.

WHAT BUSINESSES FORM A COMPANY IN GIBRALTAR

Companies registered in Gibraltar can be used for a wide range of international commercial activities. Most often, such structures are used by entrepreneurs who work with clients outside Gibraltar and need European jurisdiction for one reason or another:

• Provision of consulting services in various areas of business. Gibraltar companies are used by consultants, marketing agencies, IT companies, business analysts and other specialists who work with international customers;
• International trade of goods and services. The company can purchase and sell goods, work with suppliers and customers from different countries of the world;
• Assets ownership and holding intellectual property. Gibraltar companies can be used for transactions involving copyrights, trademarks, software and other intellectual property;
• Ownership of real estate, investment activities, management of corporate groups and holding structures.

TYPES OF COMPANIES IN GIBRALTAR

Gibraltar laws allow several forms of doing business. The choice of the legal structure depends on the nature of the activity, degree of liability of the founders and corporate governance. For international business, the most common is the Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd).

Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd)

A Private Company Limited by Shares is the most common form of company in Gibraltar. The company has the status of a separate legal entity, and the liability of shareholders is limited to the amount that remains unpaid on the shares they own.

This is the form most often used for international trade, IT business, consulting, asset ownership and holding structures.

Company Limited by Guarantee

A Company Limited by Guarantee is a company in which the liability of the founders is limited to the guarantee amount that they agree to contribute only in the event of the company's liquidation. Such a company can be established both with and without authorized share capital.

In practice, this form is used mainly for non-profit organizations, professional associations, foundations and other structures where profit is not the main purpose of the activity.

Branch (Foreign Company Branch)

A foreign company can conduct business in Gibraltar through a branch without creating a separate legal entity. In this case, all the rights and obligations of the branch belong to the parent company.

A branch is usually used by international groups of companies that wish to expand their presence in Gibraltar without creating a separate subsidiary.

Partnership

A partnership is a form of joint business between two or more persons on the basis of a partnership agreement. The partners jointly participate in the management of the business and the distribution of profits.

This structure is usually used for small professional practices or businesses where the owners are directly involved in the operating activities. Companies House Gibraltar separately provides for the registration of partnerships and limited partnerships.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) combines elements of a partnership and a limited liability company. Members can participate in the management of the business, while their personal liability is usually limited to their contribution to the partnership.

Companies House Gibraltar expressly allows Limited Liability Partnerships to be registered as a separate legal entity. LLPs are often used by professional firms in the fields of consulting, accounting and legal services.

What business form should you choose to register in Gibraltar?

For most international projects related to IT, consulting, e-commerce, international trade or asset ownership, the optimal solution is a Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd). This form provides limited liability for owners, a clear corporate structure and is the standard for international business in Gibraltar.

STRUCTURE AND KEY FEATURES OF GIBRALTAR LTD COMPANIES

Minimum Share Capital

For a private limited company in Gibraltar, there is no mandatory minimum share capital. In practice, a company can be registered even with a minimum capital, for example, 1 GBP. At the same time, a common option is a structure with 100 ordinary shares with a par value of 1 GBP each, since such a model is convenient for distributing shares among shareholders.

Registered Address

A company in Gibraltar must have a registered office address in Gibraltar. At this address the statutory documents, corporate registers and official correspondence of the company should be stored. In practice, a registered office address is usually provided by a licensed registration agent / corporate provider.

Director

One director is sufficient to register a Gibraltar Ltd. There is no requirement for a director to be a resident of Gibraltar. So a non-resident director is usual practise. At the same time, the directors are responsible for the management of the company, and keeping the company in compliance with the Companies Act 2014.

If the company's director is a resident, the company risks being recognized as a tax resident of Gibraltar and being taxed as a local company.

Shareholder

The company must have at least one shareholder. Shareholders can be both individuals and legal entities, including non-residents of Gibraltar. For a non-resident company, it is important that the beneficial owners, directors and shareholders are non-residents of Gibraltar, and the company's activities are carried out exclusively outside Gibraltar.

Company Secretary

A Gibraltar company is required to have a company secretary. The secretary is appointed by the directors and performs administrative functions related to corporate support, maintaining statutory books, filing documents and interacting with the registration agent. We provide a secretary service along with a legal address - this is included in the standard package of services when registering a company in Gibraltar.

TIN

As soon as the company is incorporated, we obtain the Tax Identification Number. This number is used for tax identification of the company and is often important for bank compliance and opening a corporate account in banks and payment systems.

Register of Beneficial Owners

Gibraltar has a Register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners. Legal entities registered in Gibraltar are required to collect, store and submit up-to-date information about their ultimate beneficial owners.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR COMPANY FORMATION

In order to register a company in Gibraltar you must complete the standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Source of Funds, Source of Wealth (SOF / SOW) verification process. Company registration in Gibraltar can be done remotely without a personal visit by providing scanned copies of documents and completing online verification.

All persons in the company's structure (directors, shareholders, ultimate beneficiaries) must provide:

• copies of passports;
• a separate digital photo;
• a selfie;
• proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement, ID card or driver's license with address, issued no earlier than 3 months prior to submission of application for company formation in Gibraltar).

A resume or LinkedIn profile of directors, shareholders and beneficiaries to confirm their professional experience and compliance with the declared activities.

A detailed business description including the following:

• a description of the company's activities;
• a business plan or presentation;
• link to the website (if available);
• information about the countries of operation;
• main clients and suppliers;
• list of goods or services;
• income generation model.

Documents confirming source of funds such as:

• bank statements;
• contracts and invoices;
• salary confimrations;
• documents on dividends or rental income;
• other documents explaining the origin of funds;
• in some cases - confirmation of the bank account from which the payment for services will be made.

The client fills out and signs a company registration form, which indicates:

• proposed company name;
• shareholder structure;
• directors and beneficiaries;
• type of activity;
• countries of operation;
• expected turnover;
• other information for compliance;
• if necessary - a separate form on the source of funds.

The timeframe of registration depends on the doucments provided:

• complete and transparent information speeds up the compliance check;
• an incomplete or general description of the activity may result in additional requests and delays.

PROCEDURE OF COMPANY REGISTRATION IN GIBRALTAR

TAXATION

One of the main reasons for Gibraltar’s popularity is the so called Non-Resident Controlled Company structure. Under certain conditions, such a company is not subject to taxation in Gibraltar.

To enjoy the zero-rate corporate tax it is necessary that the ultimate beneficial owners, directors and shareholders of the company were not residents of Gibraltar, and the company itself carried business exclusively outside of Gibraltar. In addition, the company must not have a physical operational presence in Gibraltar and receive income from sources in Gibraltar.

If these conditions are met, the company effectively does not pay any corporate tax in Gibraltar. That is why such structures are often used for international consulting, IT services, e-commerce, holding activities, ownership of intellectual property and international trade.

• Dividend Tax – 0%
• Withholding Tax – 0%
• Capital Gains Tax – 0%
• Inheritance Tax – 0%
• Corporate Income Tax – 15% (0% for Non-Resident Controlled Company)

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Despite the possibility of using the non-resident tax regime, Gibraltar companies are required to comply with accounting requirements and corporate reporting.

We provide accounting services in Gibraltar, we also prepare and submit the annual financial reports.

When a company is formed, its financial year is determined. Gibraltar legislation allows you to choose the end date of the financial year within the period from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. In the future periods, reporting is based on the selected financial period.

The main financial document is the Balance Sheet. It reflects the financial position of the company and is subject to submission to Companies House Gibraltar. The balance sheet must be signed by the directors of the company.

Unlike many other jurisdictions, an audit is not required for most scenarios. This significantly simplifies administration of the company and reduces the costs of its maintenance.

In addition, the company submits a CT1 Tax Return to the Gibraltar tax authorities. Even if a company is exempt from taxation it is still obliged to file tax returns.

The Balance Sheet is filed with the Registrar of Companies within 13 months of the end of the relevant financial year. In order to prepare the reports in a timely manner, the directors must ensure that the accounting records are kept and the necessary financial documents are provided to the registered agent or accountant.

The responsibility for proper accounting, preparation of reports and compliance with the deadlines for filing lies with the directors of the company.

AUDIT SERVICES IN GIBRALTAR

One of the advantages of doing business in Gibraltar is the absence of a mandatory audit for most scenarios. Gibraltar legislation provides for a simplified approach to financial reporting, which allows to reduce the administrative burden and costs of maintaining a company.

At the same time, certain categories of companies may be required to have their financial statements audited. In particular, if the company exceeds the established criteria for income or business size. As of 2026, companies with taxable income of more than 1.75 million GBP must file audited financial statements together with their tax return.

This makes Gibraltar one of the most convenient European jurisdictions in terms of corporate administration if compared to Hong Kong or Cyprus.

TIN (TAX NUMBER)

A TIN (Tax Identification Number) is one of the practical advantages of a Gibraltar company compared to classic offshore jurisdictions like the Seychelles. It confirms that the company has an official tax identity in Gibraltar, even if its business model exempts it from actual taxation in that jurisdiction.

In practice, a TIN is often crucial when going through banking and payment compliance. Banks, EMIs (Electronic Money Institutions), and PSPs (Payment Service Providers) may request the company’s tax number to identify the client, verify the corporate structure, and open an account.

A TIN is also used when filing tax returns and communicating with the Gibraltar tax authorities. Because of this, having one makes a Gibraltar company more transparent and understandable to financial institutions and counterparties compared to classic offshore structures.

OPENING A CORPORATE ACCOUNT FOR A GIBRALTAR COMPANY

After registering a company in Gibraltar, one of the next steps is opening a corporate account. Gibraltar companies can open accounts with traditional banks, as well as electronic money institutions (EMIs) and payment service providers (PSPs).

Where to Open an Account for a Gibraltar Company

Most often, Gibraltar company owners open accounts with European EMIs and PSPs that specialize in servicing international businesses.

Additionally, Gibraltar companies can open accounts in certain European banks and some Swiss banks. The feasibility of opening an account depends on the company's business activities, the country of residence of the beneficial owners, expected turnover, and the results of the banking compliance review.

International payment systems and EMI providers such as Wise, Airwallex, Paysera, Revolut Business, 3S Money, and others are most frequently used to service Gibraltar companies. The choice of a specific financial institution depends on the company's line of business, target countries, required currencies, expected turnover, the presence of high-risk operations, and other individual factors.

Taxters has established partnerships and direct contacts with over 30 EMIs and PSP providers in Europe and other jurisdictions. This allows us to analyze the specifics of your business, payment requirements, and geographic footprint to select the most optimal solution tailored to your needs. This significantly increases the chances of successfully opening an account and helps avoid unnecessary rejections during banking compliance.

Why Opening an Account in Gibraltar Is Not Recommended

For non-resident companies, opening corporate accounts directly in Gibraltar banks is generally not recommended. This is because using a local bank account can provide additional arguments for classifying the company's income as having a nexus to (connection with) Gibraltar.

If a company's business model relies on maintaining non-resident status and zero taxation in Gibraltar, it is crucial to preserve proof that operations are actually conducted outside the jurisdiction. For this reason, in practice, most Gibraltar company owners choose to open accounts in other European countries or through international payment institutions.

Ultimately, the choice of a specific bank or payment provider always depends on the nature of the company's activities, the geography of its clients, expected transaction volumes, and the compliance requirements of the financial institution.

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOUNT OPENING

After a company is registered in Gibraltar, banks, EMIs, and payment institutions conduct their own compliance procedures (KYC/AML). While the list of required documents may vary depending on the specific financial institution, in most cases, they will request the company's corporate documents, information on the beneficial owners, and proof of the nature of the business.

Corporate Documents

To open an account, you generally need to provide the company's core registration documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, proof of the Registered Office address, as well as an up-to-date registry extract or Company Profile from the Gibraltar Companies House. Some banks may additionally request detailed information regarding the structure of shareholders and directors.

Documents for Directors and Beneficiaries

Financial institutions are required to verify the individuals who control the company. As a rule, you must provide a passport, proof of residential address, and contact details for all directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs). Banks pay particularly close attention to individuals who directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the corporate rights.

Proof of Business Activity

Virtually all banks and EMIs request documentation that verifies the nature of the business operations. This can include a business plan, a company description, the corporate website, agreements with clients or suppliers, invoices, pitch decks or presentations, and any other information that helps the institution understand the source of future incoming funds.

Corporate Group Structure

If the company is part of an international group or has a complex ownership structure, the bank may request an organizational chart (corporate structure chart), as well as corporate documents for any intermediary holding companies. This allows the financial institution to trace the ultimate beneficial owners and properly assess the compliance risks of the partnership.

GIBRALTAR TAX RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE

A Tax Residency Certificate is an official document confirming that a company is recognized as a tax resident of Gibraltar for taxation purposes. These certificates are issued by the Gibraltar Income Tax Office upon the company's request.

Eligibility for the Certificate

To obtain a certificate, a company must meet Gibraltar's tax residency requirements. As of 2026, a company is considered a tax resident of Gibraltar if its management and control are exercised from Gibraltar, or by individuals who are tax residents of Gibraltar.

Consequently, classic non-resident companies which are established to conduct business exclusively outside of Gibraltar and are controlled by non-residents, typically do not utilize Gibraltar Tax Residence Certificates. For these structures, the primary benefit is precisely their lack of tax residency and the resulting zero taxation in Gibraltar, provided they meet the relevant statutory criteria.

Purpose of the Certificate

A Tax Residence Certificate is most frequently used to verify a company's tax status to foreign tax authorities, banks, payment institutions, and counterparties. It may also be required to claim benefits under international double taxation treaties, provided the business structure is eligible to utilize such mechanisms.

VAT STATUS AND INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Gibraltar does not apply a classic VAT system, as it is not part of the European Union VAT zone. Consequently, Gibraltar companies do not receive a VAT number and do not issue invoices with VAT.

For non-resident companies, this offers a practical advantage - if the company does not conduct business in Gibraltar and has no Gibraltar-source income, its invoices are typically issued without VAT. However, for transactions involving physical goods, it is necessary to separately account for the new transaction tax regime, which applies specifically to goods rather than services.

At the same time, foreign companies engaged in e-commerce or selling digital services to residents of other countries may be required to obtain a VAT number in the country of the end consumer (in accordance with the local legislation of those consumer jurisdictions). If e-commerce activities or the sale of digital services take place within the EU, the Gibraltar company is obligated to register as a VAT payer and obtain an EU VAT number. This brings subsequent obligations to collect and remit VAT to the respective countries, including through the One-Stop Shop (OSS) system.

We do not recommend using Gibraltar companies to evade VAT in EU countries as today specialized control systems are actively enforced through the financial institutions of EU member states. Any company evading EU VAT registration will quickly find itself targeted by tax administrations and financial intelligence units (FIU's).

TRANSACTION MONITORING & COMPLIANCE

In Gibraltar, significant emphasis is placed on compliance reviews, AML/KYC procedures, and the monitoring of corporate transactions. Even if a corporate service provider only delivers registered office facilities, company secretary solutions, or other basic corporate services, they are legally mandated to monitor the client company's activities in strict accordance with Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) regulations and AML guidance.

This means that a company must maintain a transparent business model, preserve all transaction-related documentation, be able to substantiate the source of incoming funds, and provide detailed transaction information upon request. Consequently, it is imperative that accounting records, business activity descriptions, invoices, contracts, and bank statements are properly prepared and kept up to date.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TAXTERS FOR GIBRALTAR COMPANY REGISTRATION

We deliver our work on time, with top-tier quality, and at a reasonable cost.

Leave a request on our website, and we will provide you with a free initial consultation covering all the nuances of registering and managing a company in Gibraltar.

Authors: Valeriia Nevinchna, Pavlo Dubynskyi.

Information updated in 2026.