Choose to Register Your Company in Gibraltar

Main Advantages of Incorporating in Gibraltar

• Low corporate income tax at 15% on profits accrued or derived in Gibraltar under the territorial system.
• No VAT, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax to simplify cross-border operations and asset holding.
• Fast incorporation with private companies typically formed within a few working days after document submission.
• Minimal share capital (often as low as £1) and straightforward governance requirements.
• Common law legal system offering predictability for investors and lenders.
• Business-friendly regulation with pragmatic oversight across finance, gaming, and telecom.
• Strategic location at the gateway between Europe and Africa with strong connectivity to the UK.

Types of Companies in Gibraltar

Investors can select the structure that fits their purpose, governance preferences, and regulatory requirements.

• Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd) – the most common vehicle for operating and holding activities.
• Public Company Limited by Shares (PLC) – suitable for larger groups planning broader capital raising.
• Company Limited by Guarantee – typically used for non-profit or membership-based bodies.
• Unlimited Company – rarely used but offers maximum flexibility for specific situations.
• Protected Cell Company (PCC) – ideal for funds, insurance, or multi-strategy structures requiring asset segregation.
• For trust, please check Gibraltar trust.

Tax Regime and Ongoing Obligations

• Corporate income tax: 15% on profits accrued or derived in Gibraltar; foreign-sourced profits are generally outside scope.
• No VAT on goods and services; helpful for cross-border and digital businesses.
• No capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax, and typically no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents.
• Annual accounts and filings are required; audit requirements depend on size thresholds and activity.
• Substance expectations rise for regulated sectors (e.g., finance, insurance, gaming) and for entities seeking local tax residence.

Company Formation – Step by Step

1. Name clearance: Reserve an available company name with the Registrar.
2. Constitution: Draft the Memorandum & Articles of Association and define share capital and governance.
3. KYC/AML: Provide directors’, shareholders’, and UBO documents to satisfy due diligence.
4. Filing: Submit incorporation documents; appoint a company secretary and set a registered office in Gibraltar.
5. Certificate of Incorporation: Issued once the Registrar approves the filing.
6. Bank account opening: Arrange corporate banking; timelines vary by institution and profile.
7. Post-incorporation: Register for tax as required, set up accounting, and implement compliance calendars.

Substance, Governance, and Compliance

• Board and management: At least one director and one shareholder; corporate directors are permitted subject to rules.
• Registered office and secretary: Mandatory; secretarial services ensure statutory registers and annual returns are maintained.
• Substance indicators: Local directors, staff, premises, and decision-making help establish residence where needed.
• Regulated activities: Financial services, gaming, and insurance require licensing and enhanced substance.

Banking, Accounting, and Assurance

• Banking: Corporate accounts available with Gibraltar or international banks; enhanced due diligence applies.
• Accounting: Maintain proper books and prepare annual financial statements in line with applicable standards.
• Audit: Required if size thresholds are exceeded or due to sector regulations; many SMEs qualify for exemptions.

10 Best Things About Registering a Company in Gibraltar

1. Territorial taxation limits corporate tax to Gibraltar-sourced profits.
2. No VAT, no capital gains tax, and generally no dividend withholding to non-residents.
3. Fast company formation and pragmatic regulator.
4. Minimal capital and flexible share structures.
5. Common law certainty trusted by international investors and lenders.
6. PCC framework for funds and insurance with ring-fenced cells.
7. Strategic gateway between Europe, the UK, and Africa.
8. Reputable financial services and professional ecosystem.
9. Scalable substance aligned with activity and goals.
10. Robust compliance culture aligned with OECD/FATF standards.

Register your Gibraltar company with Damalion

Damalion guides entrepreneurs, family offices, and institutional investors through every stage of Gibraltar company registration—from entity selection and name reservation to banking introductions, compliance setup, and ongoing corporate governance. Contact your Damalion expert for tailored advice and introductions to our trusted banking partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the corporate tax rate in Gibraltar?

The standard corporate income tax rate is 15% and applies only to profits accrued or derived in Gibraltar under its territorial taxation system.

How long does incorporation take?

Once documents and due diligence are complete, private companies are typically incorporated in a few working days.

Do I need local directors?

Local directors are not mandatory for all companies; however, regulated businesses and entities seeking Gibraltar tax residence may need local management and substance.

Is there VAT in Gibraltar?

No. Gibraltar does not levy VAT on goods or services.

Which company type is most common?

The private company limited by shares (Ltd) is the most frequently used structure for both operating and holding activities.

Can I open a bank account easily?

Yes, subject to standard KYC/AML checks and business profiling. Timelines vary by bank and sector risk.

Map – Gibraltar

Explore Gibraltar on the map below. If you prefer a specific point of interest (e.g., Companies House Gibraltar), we can set the map to that exact location.