Gibraltar Companies

Gibraltar Companies

Gibraltar companies are used for a variety of different purposes, including E-Commerce, Trade, Investing, and various types of Holding Companies. Gibraltar gives non-resident companies the same benefits and opportunities as local companies, as well as single-member ownership, access to European markets, and minimal financial reporting (for small businesses), all of which make Gibraltar an attractive destination for forming an international company.

The following are the types of company that can be formed in Gibraltar:

• Partnership
• Limited Liability Partnership
• Company
• Protected Cell Company
• Trust
• Foundation

A Gibraltar Non-Resident Company (NRC) is a corporate entity that can be set up in just a few days with minimal paperwork and low fees. It is a tax-efficient structure, as it is exempt from taxation on worldwide profits. While Gibraltar does not describe itself as a conventional offshore jurisdiction, it offers investment opportunities and tax benefits similar to those found in offshore financial centers.

Also referred to as Gibraltar’s equivalent of an International Business Company (IBC), a Non-Resident Company serves as an international investment and tax-planning vehicle. These companies operate much like local Gibraltar entities but benefit from unique tax advantages.

Gibraltar Companies Act

Gibraltar’s financial services sector dates back to the Companies Ordinance of 1967, which was modelled on the UK Companies Act 1929. Over time, the legislation has evolved to align with Gibraltar’s distinct regulatory and economic environment.

Of the four different types of Gibraltar companies, the Non-Resident Company is the most popular due to its flexibility and tax-exempt status. Gibraltar companies can be structured as:

• Limited by Shares
• Limited by Guarantee (with share capital)
• Limited by Guarantee (without share capital)
• Unlimited Company

Key Advantages of Gibraltar Non-Resident Companies

• Reasonable annual fees
• Company name may be in any language
• Strong offshore finance sector since 1967
• Financial and accounting records are not publicly disclosed
• Nominee services available
• Single individual ownership permitted
• English Common Law system
• Modern financial infrastructure
• Secure asset protection
• English-speaking jurisdiction

Common Uses of a Gibraltar Non-Resident Company

• Holding Company
• International Trade
• Property Holding
• E-Commerce
• International Investment
• Ownership of Vehicles, Ships, and Other Transportation Assets

Gibraltar’s Non-Resident Company is an excellent choice for international businesses seeking a secure, flexible, and tax-efficient corporate structure.

Tax Rates of Non-Resident Companies

There is no corporate tax for any non-resident-based companies. This is primarily the reason why it can be considered a tax haven. Taxation of 15% is limited to income that is accrued in and derived from Gibraltar. This means all foreign income that is sourced from outside the jurisdiction is not subject to local corporate taxation. There are also no taxes in:

• no capital gains
• no sales tax
• no VAT
• no estate
• no wealth tax
• no dividends tax
• no withholding tax

Gibraltar has signed onto 27 Tax Information Exchange Agreements and is on the OECD and FATF white list as a commitment to tax transparency — with 134 EOI agreements as of November 2024. This strengthens administrative cooperation and information exchange to prevent illegal activity, money laundering, and tax fraud and helps maintain its reputation as a well-regulated and stable place from which to do business.

The Gibraltar Finance Centre is a significant component of Gibraltar's economy, known for its focus on financial services, insurance, online gaming, and wealth management. Gibraltar has positioned itself as a jurisdiction with robust regulatory standards while offering tax efficiency, making it attractive for international businesses.