COREDO – EU Legal & Compliance Services Expert legal consulting, financial licensing (EMI, PSP, CASP under MiCA), and AML/CFT compliance across the European Union. Headquartered in Prague, we provide seamless regulatory solutions in Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and all 27 EU member states.
Gregory Lutsenko
02.11.2025 | 6 min read
Updated: 16.10.2026
For non-residents, Gibraltar offers more than an attractive tax regime: it also brings a whole set of legal nuances that entrepreneurs from the EU, the CIS and Southeast Asia face.
Why does company registration in Gibraltar for non-residents require a special approach? How can one ensure full compliance with GFSC requirements, avoid tax risks and get the maximum benefits from an offshore structure without breaching international AML and compliance standards? These questions concern anyone striving for transparency, legality and scaling their business through the Gibraltar jurisdiction.
In this article I, Nikita Veremeev, founder of COREDO, share the strategies and practical solutions that the COREDO team successfully implements for clients from Europe, Asia and the CIS. Here you will find not only an in-depth analysis of the specifics of companies in Gibraltar, but also step-by-step recommendations that allow you to minimize costs, manage risks and build a business based on the best global practices. If you want to understand how to make a Gibraltar structure a real tool for growth and asset protection, I recommend reading to the end, you will get answers to key questions and see why COREDO is becoming the choice of market leaders.
How to register a company in Gibraltar
Registering a company in Gibraltar is not just a formal procedure but a strategic step that requires a clear understanding of local and international requirements. In practice, the COREDO team accompanies the entire process from choosing the legal form to legalizing documents for dealing with foreign banks and regulators.
Types of companies and their features
The most in-demand format, LTD (Private Company Limited by Shares), is optimal for IT, SaaS, holding and financial structures. Such a company in Gibraltar for non‑residents provides flexibility in corporate governance, the ability to issue different classes of shares and ease of transferring ownership. For family trusts, investment and holding structures, Private Trust Companies and Protected Cell Companies are often used, allowing the implementation of complex asset management and beneficiary protection strategies.
Requirements for directors and shareholders
The Companies Act requires at least one director for a private company and two for other companies, plus a company secretary; a sole director cannot also be the secretary. If the company needs to show tax residence in Gibraltar, for example under a tax treaty, it is advisable to appoint at least one local director. In COREDO’s practice, nominee directors and shareholders are often used; this is legal if the structure is transparent to the regulator and the ultimate beneficiary is disclosed in KYC documents. Important: for tax purposes, a company is resident in Gibraltar if its management and control is exercised there, or abroad by persons resident in Gibraltar. Investment companies controlled by Gibraltar residents are also treated as resident. Office solutions, local staff or regular board meetings help to show where management and control lie.
Registered address and registration
Every Gibraltar company must have a registered office in Gibraltar to which all communications and notices may be addressed. Firms that provide registered offices, directors or company management by way of business must be licensed under the Financial Services Act 2019. Using such a provider is recommended, although it is not a legal requirement for incorporation.
Registration timeline and cost
According to the Government of Gibraltar, incorporation normally takes three working days once the documents are presented; preparing documents and completing KYC checks take additional time. COREDO’s experience shows that with an integrated approach and remote processing using an electronic signature, costs can be reduced and the process accelerated.
Electronic signature and online formation
Gibraltar supports remote company registration using electronic signatures, which is especially relevant for clients from Asia and the CIS. All constitutional documents can be signed remotely, and apostille and legalization ensure their recognition in other jurisdictions.
Documents and KYC for non-residents
Opening a company and a bank account in Gibraltar for non-residents requires strict compliance with the KYC and AML procedures established by the GFSC.
List of required documents
- Copies of passports and proof of address for all beneficiaries, directors and shareholders.
- A detailed business plan disclosing sources of funding and the expected financial flows.
- Reference letters from banks or other financial institutions.
- Incorporation documents, apostilled and translated into English.
- Documents confirming the registered address in Gibraltar.
Compliance and KYC procedures
GFSC imposes strict requirements for verifying sources of funds, business reputation and the transparency of ownership structures. In practice COREDO has implemented a comprehensive pre-compliance system that helps clients avoid refusals when opening bank accounts and licensing their businesses.
Who is a licensed agent?
Licensed agents and legal advisors play a key role in assisting with registration, preparing documents and communicating with banks and regulators. The solution developed by COREDO allows centralizing the KYC process and ensuring compliance with international AML standards.
Taxes and Benefits for Companies in Gibraltar
In Gibraltar, the standard corporate tax rate of 15% applies to profits accruing in or derived from Gibraltar, which depends on where the activities that generate them take place. Profits from activities carried on outside Gibraltar are generally not taxed there, which can suit SaaS, IT and holding projects. Exceptions include businesses that need a Gibraltar license, such as financial services or gambling: their activities are treated as taking place in Gibraltar, except those of a Gibraltar company's branches abroad. Royalties received by a Gibraltar-registered company are also taxable, as is inter-company loan interest of GBP 100,000 or more a year from any one company (connected companies counted together).
Thus, the flexible tax system creates favorable conditions for various business models and explains the jurisdiction's popularity among international companies.
Corporate Tax and Income Tax
- Gibraltar corporate tax: 15% standard rate on profits accrued in or derived from Gibraltar.
- Trading profits from activities outside Gibraltar: generally not taxed, subject to the exceptions above.
- Dividend tax in Gibraltar for non-residents: none.
- Capital gains tax in Gibraltar: none.
- No VAT in Gibraltar: an advantage for digital services. Goods imported for sale on the Gibraltar market are subject to transaction tax, which replaced import duty when the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union was provisionally applied on 15 July 2026.
How to Confirm Tax Residency
Tax residence matters when a Gibraltar company needs to prove it, for example to use a tax treaty; the 15% charge itself depends on where profits are generated. COREDO's practice confirms: real management from Gibraltar, an office, a local director and corporate documentation kept there help to evidence management and control.
International Tax Planning
Gibraltar has a double taxation agreement with the UK, in force since 24 March 2020, and a separate international agreement on taxation matters with Spain. The COREDO team regularly assists clients in preparing documents to confirm tax residency and in interacting with the tax authorities of other countries.
Tax support: practical tips
Tax support is not only about preparing documents and filing returns: in today’s conditions it helps minimize fiscal risks, respond promptly to changes in legislation, and protect the company’s interests during audits. In this section we will look at practical tips, including confirmation of actual management, that enable reliable tax protection for businesses.
Confirmation of actual management
Tax residence is a separate question from the 15% charge. Where residence must be proven, what counts is where the actual management of the company and control lie; management and control in Gibraltar can be evidenced by:
- Holding board meetings in Gibraltar.
- Having a leased office and local staff.
- Keeping accounting and corporate records within the jurisdiction.
COREDO's experience shows: even with remote management it is possible to meet these requirements if corporate governance is properly organized and part of the functions are delegated to local directors.
Managing tax risks
Gibraltar is actively implementing international transparency standards (BEPS, CRS, FATF), which require companies to have full transparency of ownership structures and sources of income. COREDO's solutions make it possible to minimize tax risks through the implementation of comprehensive compliance procedures and constant monitoring of changes in legislation.
Impact of Brexit on the economy
Brexit changed Gibraltar's status in relation to the EU. Since 15 July 2026, under the provisionally applied Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union, a transaction tax on goods has replaced import duty. In addition, for companies working with European counterparties it is important to take into account the new rules on tax residency and cross-border payments. COREDO's practice shows: competent business structuring allows maintaining access to EU markets while simultaneously benefiting from Gibraltar's tax incentives.
Legal features of Gibraltar companies
The legal features of Gibraltar companies determine the procedure for creating and managing firms, including requirements for structure, capital and composition of participants. Below we will look in detail at how corporate structures are formed, which types of shares are available and what restrictions or opportunities exist for founders and shareholders in Gibraltar.
Corporate structures and shares
Gibraltar LTDs allow the issuance of shares of different classes, which is convenient for attracting investment, allocating voting rights and building holding structures. Private Trust Companies and Protected Cell Companies are used for asset management and trust protection.
Such a structure provides flexibility in corporate governance and confidentiality, which is naturally linked to the practice of using nominee directors and shareholders.
The role of nominee directors and shareholders
The use of nominee directors and shareholders in Gibraltar is permitted by law if the ultimate beneficial owner is disclosed in KYC documents. At the same time it is important to consider the risks: nominee services do not exempt from liability and do not guarantee anonymity vis-à-vis regulators and banks.
Accounting and reporting: what you need to know
All companies are required to keep accounting records and submit financial statements annually. Audited accounts must accompany the tax return if assessable income is GBP 1.75 million or more; otherwise, accounts with an independent accountant's report are filed. COREDO's practice shows: automating accounting and using cloud solutions allow non-residents to effectively control reporting remotely.
Trust management in holdings
In Gibraltar, legal trust-based asset management through trust structures is possible. This is relevant for family offices, investment funds and international holdings.
Business for non-residents
Non-residents are subject to the same corporate requirements as residents. Special attention, however, is paid to compliance, verification of sources of funds and transparency of the corporate structure.
Business licensing in Gibraltar
Licensing of business in Gibraltar is a mandatory step for companies that plan to conduct regulated activities in the financial, crypto, or payments sectors. The GFSC regulator imposes strict requirements both on the transparency of the structure and on the real presence of the business, assessing not only formal documents but also operational processes in practice. Below we will examine the main requirements and stages of this process.
GFSC requirements — what are they?
GFSC (Gibraltar Financial Services Commission) regulates financial services, including banking, insurance, investment, payment, e-money and virtual-asset business. To obtain a license, preparation of a business plan is required, implementation of AML and KYC procedures, appointment of responsible persons and passing a business reputation check. Gambling is licensed separately under the Gambling Act 2025, largely in force since 1 April 2026: licenses are granted by the licensing authority, and license holders are supervised by the Gambling Commissioner.
Online gambling licensing
Gibraltar: a recognized center for licensing online gambling, forex brokers, payment systems and crypto projects. COREDO's experience shows: licensing in Gibraltar opens access to European markets, while capital and compliance requirements remain among the most transparent in Europe.
SaaS in the IT industry
For SaaS companies and IT startups, the Gibraltar jurisdiction offers unique advantages: no VAT, low operating costs, fast launch and legalization of offshore structures for international digital commerce.
Online business registration — how to register?
Procedures for registering an online business and obtaining licenses are highly digitized - COREDO implements projects with full remote support, including document preparation, interaction with the GFSC and account opening.
Banking services for non-residents of Gibraltar
Banking services for non-residents of Gibraltar are modern financial services for clients who are not residents of the territory but seek to take advantage of a stable and liberal banking system. Despite a number of requirements and particularities, some Gibraltar banks are willing to open accounts for foreigners remotely if certain conditions are met and economic feasibility is demonstrated. Below we review the key aspects and procedures for opening accounts, as well as the specific requirements for non-residents.
How to open a bank account
For a Gibraltar company of a non-resident opening a bank account requires detailed compliance: banks request an extended package of documents, proof of sources of funds, a business plan and ownership structure. COREDO's experience shows that preliminary preparation and support significantly increase the chances of successfully opening an account.
International banking services
Gibraltar companies can open accounts in both local and international banks (United Kingdom, EU, Asia), which is convenient for global transactions and managing currency risks. It is important to note: banks strictly monitor AML and KYC compliance, as well as the absence of ties to sanctioned persons.
Risks and restrictions
In the context of tightening international sanctions and AML requirements, Gibraltar banks pay special attention to business transparency, the origin of funds and the reputation of beneficiaries. COREDO's solutions include regular audits and updates of compliance documents, which minimize the risk of account blocking.
Business Registration in Gibraltar: Steps and Tips
Business registration in Gibraltar attracts entrepreneurs thanks to the simplicity of the procedure, the flexibility of corporate structures and a favorable tax regime, especially for non-resident companies. Below are the main steps and tips that will help complete registration in this jurisdiction quickly and efficiently, taking into account all important nuances for non-residents.
Register as a non-resident
- Prepare a business plan and company structure.
- Collect KYC documents for all participants.
- Choose a licensed corporate service provider and a registered office.
- Submit documents and register the company (LTD or another form).
- Apostille and legalization of documents for international use.
- Open a bank account in compliance with AML requirements.
- Set up accounting and reporting in accordance with local standards.
- obtaining licenses (if necessary).
- Establish a corporate governance and compliance system.
Choosing a legal and tax partner
COREDO's practice shows: the success of a Gibraltar project largely depends on choosing a partner with expertise in international tax planning, transaction support and risk management.
Compliance and AML: what are they?
Implementing compliance procedures: not just a regulator's requirement, but a tool for protecting the business and reputation. COREDO's solutions include regular audits, staff training and KYC automation.
Optimization of taxes and company structure
Gibraltar allows creating holding and trust structures that benefit from no capital gains tax and no tax on dividends one company receives from another.
Business scaling — what is it?
The Gibraltar jurisdiction opens up scaling opportunities through access to the financial markets of the UK, the EU and Asia, as well as the legalization of offshore structures for digital commerce and intellectual property management.
Residence permit through business registration
Company registration in Gibraltar does not by itself give a right to a residence permit. Residence for owners and managers is a separate immigration question that needs its own assessment.
Key Findings and Recommendations
Gibraltar is not merely an offshore jurisdiction, but a modern European jurisdiction with a unique combination of tax incentives, transparent regulation, and flexible corporate structures. Registering a company in Gibraltar as a non-resident provides access to international markets, reduces tax burden, and ensures asset protection, provided all GFSC, AML, and corporate governance requirements are met.
COREDO's practice shows: the success of a Gibraltar project is determined by the quality of legal support, the transparency of the corporate structure, and continuous monitoring of changes in regulatory requirements. If you are looking for a strategic partner for company registration, licensing, and business support in Gibraltar, the COREDO team is ready to offer solutions that minimize risks and maximize the benefits of your business.
Appendices: what are they and what are they for?
Appendices are sections that complement the main part of the material and allow a deeper understanding of the specific details and nuances of the topic. They are intended to provide practical examples, legal norms, or special data that help to more precisely understand key aspects, such as tax rates in Gibraltar and other related issues.
Tax rates in Gibraltar
| Indicator | Gibraltar LTD | Holding company | Financial project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 15% (on profits accruing in or derived from Gibraltar) | Dividends from other companies: 0%; royalties: 15%; inter-company interest of GBP 100,000+ a year from one company: 15% | 15% (licensed activities are treated as taking place in Gibraltar) |
| Dividend tax (non-resident shareholders) | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Director requirements | At least 1 (private company), plus a secretary | At least 1 (private company), plus a secretary | At least 1 under company law (2 for a public company); licensing rules may require more |
| Share capital | Amount stated in the memorandum; each subscriber takes at least one share (the GBP 20,500 minimum applies only to public companies) | Amount stated in the memorandum; each subscriber takes at least one share (the GBP 20,500 minimum applies only to public companies) | May depend on the activity licensed under the Financial Services Act 2019 |
| Audit | Audited accounts with the tax return if assessable income is GBP 1.75 mln or more; otherwise an independent accountant's report | Same assessable-income test (GBP 1.75 mln) | Same assessable-income test; licensed firms may have further audit duties |
| Registered address | Required | Required | Required |
Checklist of documents for opening a bank account
- Copies of passports and proof of address for all parties
- Detailed business plan
- Apostilled incorporation documents
- Reference letters from banks
- Documents confirming the registered address
- KYC forms and source of funds declarations
After preparing this package of documents, you can proceed to selecting a legal firm and reviewing specialists' recommendations.
How to Choose a Law Firm — Contacts and Advice
When choosing a partner to register a company in Gibraltar, focus on experience, a corporate service provider license and expertise in international tax planning. The COREDO team is ready to be your guide in the world of Gibraltar opportunities, providing reliable and comprehensive support at every stage.