Starting a business in
🇬🇮Gibraltar
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
Corporate tax
15%
Top income tax
28%
Setup from
$2,500
all-in, first year
Time to form
5 days
can be done remotely
Taxes in Gibraltar
| Corporate income tax | 15% 15% from 1 July 2024 under Legal Notice 217/2024 (previously 12.5% from August 2021 and 10% before); 20% for utilities, energy providers and companies abusing a dominant position. Tax applies only to income accrued in or derived from Gibraltar; a 15% global minimum tax applies to large groups. |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax (top) | 28% Individuals are assessed under the lower of two systems for 2025/26: the allowance system (14%, 17% then 39% above GBP 16,000 of taxable income after allowances) or the gross income system (6% to 28%, with a 25% rate on the remainder above assessable income). Only Gibraltar-source income is taxed. |
| Tax system | Territorial (foreign income untaxed) |
| Capital gains tax | 0%No capital gains tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax or VAT. |
| Dividend withholding (non-residents) | 0% |
| VAT / GST | None |
| Social security | Social insurance is a fixed weekly contribution; Gibraltar levies import duty (up to 12%) rather than VAT or sales tax. |
Forming a company in Gibraltar
| Usual entity | Private limited company (Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital | $130 |
| Setup cost (all-in) | $2,500–$6,500 |
| Annual running cost | $4,500–$12k |
| Time to incorporate | 5 days |
| Form remotely as a foreigner | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Local address required | Yes |
| Owners on public register | Yes |
| Statutory audit for small companies | No |
| Business banking for non-residents | Hard |
Residency and visas
UK, Gibraltarian and EEA nationals can work in Gibraltar; third-country nationals need a permit. Wealthy newcomers can apply for Category 2 status (capped tax) or high-earner HEPSS status, both requiring suitable accommodation and approval.
| Digital nomad visa | No |
|---|---|
| Golden visa | No |
| Ease of residency for founders | 4/5 (1 = easiest) |
Special tax regimes
Territorial taxation
Only income accrued in or derived from Gibraltar is taxed, so foreign-source income of a Gibraltar company is generally outside the 15% corporate tax if it is genuinely managed offshore.
Category 2 residency
A capped-tax residence status for wealthy individuals who rent or own approved accommodation; requirements and caps are set by the Income Tax Office.
HEPSS (High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills)
A concessionary tax status for qualifying senior executives, limiting taxable income to a fixed amount; eligibility depends on the role and minimum remuneration.
DLT Regulatory Framework
Gibraltar has licensed distributed-ledger and token businesses since 2018 under the GFSC, making it a hub for regulated crypto firms.
Pros and cons
Why founders pick Gibraltar
- Territorial 15% corporate tax
- No VAT, capital gains or inheritance tax
- English common-law system and fast company formation
- Regulated gaming and DLT licensing hubs
Watch out for
- Corporate tax rose to 15% in 2024
- Brexit and Spain-border uncertainty affect long-term stability
- Local registered office and agent costs
- Banking is limited and compliance heavy
Best for: Online gaming, fintech and DLT businesses with a licence · Companies earning mostly non-Gibraltar income with genuine offshore management · High-net-worth individuals using Category 2 or HEPSS
Gibraltar: common questions
What is the corporate tax rate in Gibraltar?
15% since 1 July 2024, up from 12.5%. Utilities, energy providers and companies abusing a dominant position pay 20%. Only income accrued in or derived from Gibraltar is taxed under the territorial system.
Can a non-resident open a company in Gibraltar?
Yes, a Gibraltar company can be formed quickly and remotely through a local service provider with a Gibraltar registered office and secretary. A non-resident director is allowed, but the company's tax position depends on where it is managed and controlled.
Is there VAT in Gibraltar?
No. Gibraltar does not have VAT or sales tax and instead charges import duty on goods, generally up to 12%. There is also no capital gains tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax.
What is the personal income tax in Gibraltar?
Individuals can choose the lower tax result under the allowance system (top rate 39%) or the gross income system (marginal rates of 6% to 28%). Only income arising in Gibraltar is taxed, and special statuses like Category 2 cap the tax payable for approved wealthy residents.
Sources
- Government of Gibraltar - Income Tax Office (corporate)
- Gibraltar Laws - Legal Notice 217/2024 Rates of Tax
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Gibraltar
Similar countries
Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.