Gibraltar operates a territorial tax system: tax is charged only on income accruing in or derived fromGibraltar. Properly structured foreign-source income, where there is no underlying Gibraltar activity, isgenerally outside the Gibraltar corporation tax net.
The core position for Gibraltar companies, current as of 2026.
The standard corporation tax rate increased from 12.5% to 15% with effect from 1 July 2024, aligning Gibraltar with the OECD Pillar Two minimum rate. Where a financial year straddled 30 June 2024, the 15% rate applied from 1 July 2024 onwards.
Tax outcomes depend on how the company is operated in practice and should always be considered alongside independent tax advice.
Gibraltar is typically considered where a common law corporate framework is required within a well-regulated and proportionate environment.
Common law framework
Company law is derived from English principles and is familiar to UK and international advisors.
International compliance
Gibraltar meets OECD and international information exchange standards. Properly structured companies operate without friction with banks and counterparties.
Defined tax system
The 15% rate on Gibraltar-source income is competitive within an OECD aligned framework. The territorial system can be effective for holding and cross-border structures where appropriately applied.
Established professional environment
The jurisdiction has an experienced network of lawyers, accountants and corporate service providers. Its size allows for direct engagement and practical coordination.
Access and proximity
Incorporation is efficient, and Gibraltar operates in the UK time zone with English as the working language.
Gibraltar is not a universal solution. It is most effective where the structure is proportionate and can be properly governed and managed within the jurisdiction.
Holding company
A Gibraltar company sits above operating subsidiaries. Where properly structured and supported by appropriate governance, it can be used to hold investments or group interests.
Trading company with Gibraltar presence
Operating businesses with staff, premises and decision-making in Gibraltar. Common in sectors such as gaming, insurance and financial services.
IP holding structure
Companies holding intellectual property licensed to operating entities. These structures require careful consideration of substance and international tax rules.
Family investment company
A vehicle holding family assets, often alongside a trust or wider family structure.
Branch or subsidiary of a wider group
Used within international groups for finance, treasury or licensing functions.
Substance remains a central consideration for any family, business or structure setting up in Gibraltar. The requirements of a Gibraltar company will differ depending on its wider group, contractual and international tax purpose.
Commonly, where central management and control (CMC) is to sit in Gibraltar this will be influenced by:
Substance is not a formal requirement alone. It is how the structure is evidenced in practice.
It is important to note that, by design, central management and control will sometimes need to sit outside Gibraltar. Therefore, detailed assessment with your advisors is imperative to ensure governance is properly designed.
Acquarius supports clients by providing governance, administrative and, where appropriate, operational support in Gibraltar. We will advise at the outset on the level of substance required and ensure that it is delivered and documented consistently over time.
Our Approach
Coordination with legal and tax advisors prior to incorporation incorporation and statutory setup.
Registered office and company secretarial services tax registration and ongoing compliance accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting audit coordination where required.
Support for management and control, including board processes substance services where appropriate banking introductions and ongoing AML support.
Our role is to ensure that the Gibraltar company operates properly, not simply that it is formed.
Where the nature of the business changes, we review the structure and adjust the level of support accordingly.
We form companies for:
In each case, suitability depends on how the company will be used and how it will be managed over time.
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Key Contacts
Oliver Andlaw
Managing Director
Gareth Cross
Chief Operating Officer
Laura Fuhr
Company Manager
Speak to our corporate team
Talk to usHow long does Gibraltar company formation take?
Incorporation itself takes five to ten working days from complete instructions. The realistic end-to-end timeline including corporate banking is four to eight weeks.
What is the corporation tax rate in Gibraltar?
15% standard rate from 1 July 2024 (raised from 12.5%). 20% applies to utility and fuel companies and to companies abusing a dominant market position. Telecoms companies pay 20% on telecoms services and 15% on other taxable income.
Do I need to be resident in Gibraltar to set up a company?
No. Shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, and directors can be resident anywhere. The company itself may need substance in Gibraltar depending on its activities.
What documents are required?
For each shareholder, UBO, and director: certified passport, certified proof of address, bank or professional reference, source-of-wealth declaration, and CV. Corporate shareholders need full corporate documentation.
What does an annual Gibraltar company cost?
Registered office, company secretarial, accounting, and tax compliance for a simple company typically run £3,000 – £8,000 per year. Substance services, where required, sit on top.
Do Gibraltar companies need to be audited?
Audit is required for companies above defined size thresholds. Smaller private companies may file abridged accounts.
What are the 2018 substance regulations?
The Income Tax Act 2010 Amendment No. 3 Regulations 2018 transposed the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive into Gibraltar law from 1 January 2019. Combined with the March 2019 Spain-Gibraltar tax agreement, these rules require Gibraltar companies — particularly those incorporated after 16 November 2018 — to demonstrate genuine economic substance to maintain Gibraltar tax residence.
Acquarius Trust
Company Limited
+(350) 200 50418
Icom House, Suite 3,
2nd Floor 1/5 Irish Town,
PO Box 883
Gibraltar, GX11 1AA
Reg. N 64486
GFSC N 5136
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