Gibraltar Overview

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, which means that it is under the sovereignty of the UK but it is not a part of the UK itself. It is located near the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht and Spain has been trying to get it back ever since however the British government is committed to respecting the wishes of the Gibraltarians, as they generally oppose annexation by Spain or any shared sovereignty by Spain.

The official language is English, but natives are typically bi-lingual, speaking Spanish as fluently as English.

The Gibraltar Non Resident Company* can be used for international trade, holding of investments and property holding. A number of international gaming companies have set up in Gibraltar and a number of on-line retailers are also based in Gibraltar, taking advantage of their excellent merchant service facilities.

Gibraltar Non-Resident Companies Key Facts

• It takes approximately 5 – 8 days to incorporate a company with a requested name.
• Gibraltar non-resident companies are not subject to Gibraltar taxation provided it is owned by non residents, does not trade or derive income from within Gibraltar and does not remit income for withdrawal in Gibraltar. Companies receiving income outside Gibraltar will not be liable to tax in Gibraltar, unless such income is paid to owners in Gibraltar.
• There is no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents or on interest payments when the loan is provided outside of Gibraltar.
• There is no capital gains tax, sales tax or VAT.
• There is no wealth tax or inheritance tax. There is no capital duty on share transfers.
• There are no exchange controls and there are not limitations to transfer funds into and out of Gibraltar. No tax is applicable on foreign income.
• The standard currency is usually Sterling, but any other convertible currencies are permitted.
• The minimum authorised Share Capital for a Gibraltar Company is GBP £100 (eg. 100 shares of GBP £1 each). The minimum issued Share Capital in a Gibraltar Company with a Share Capital of GBP £100 divided into 100 shares of GBP £1 each would be one share of GBP £1.
• The minimum number of Shareholders is 1. The Shareholder may be the same as the Directors
• The Register of Shareholders is available on public file.
• Shareholders’ meetings can take place anywhere in the world.
• Bearer shares are not permitted
• The minimum number of Directors is 1. Corporate Directors are allowed.
• Directors’ details are available to the public.
• A resident company Secretary is required which we will provide.
• It is required to file annual returns for Gibraltar companies.
• Filing accounts is required but in most cases abridged, non-audited accounts are acceptable. Audited accounts are only required for public and large companies. Accounts are not accessible by the general public.
• Beneficial owners are not disclosed to the Registrar however the registered agent must hold full compliance documentation.
• Changes in domicile are permitted.