Efficient Company Incorporation for Non-Residents: Offshore Company Registration in Gibraltar for Your Thriving Business

In today's global economy, choosing the right location for your business can be crucial to its success. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory in the Mediterranean, offers numerous advantages for those looking to establish a company or expand their business footprint. With its favorable tax regime, easy company incorporation process, and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Gibraltar has become a hub for offshore companies and non-resident businesses. We will explore some of the benefits of setting up a Gibraltar company, and how it can help you reach new markets both in Europe and worldwide.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar offshore company.

Popularity of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar has long been recognized as a premier jurisdiction for offshore company registration. Due to its advantageous tax regime and easy registration process, Gibraltar has become a popular destination for companies looking to optimize their business operations and expand their reach in a cost-effective manner. Gibraltar's excellent geographical location is another key advantage for businesses looking to expand their reach. Located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar provides its industries easy access to the markets of Mediterranean Europe and North Africa, bringing great business opportunities to the country. Gibraltar is conveniently located for businesses looking to trade with the UK and the rest of Europe. Also, both English and Spanish are widely spoken in Gibraltar.

Favorable taxation of non-resident companies.
One of the most significant advantages of Gibraltar company registration is the country's favorable tax regime. Gibraltar does not tax companies on their profit made outside the country. For activities carried out within Gibraltar, the corporate tax rate is only 10%. Additionally, there are no capital gains or wealth taxes in Gibraltar.

Ease of company registration.
Another benefit of Gibraltar company registration is the ease of registration itself. Unlike many other jurisdictions, only one shareholder and one director are required to register a company in Gibraltar. The company can be registered in just one week with a minimum paid-up capital of 1 GBP. This enables businesses to set up quickly and start operating without unnecessary delays or excessive costs.

Secure legal system.
Gibraltar's legal system is also a significant advantage for businesses considering company incorporation. Gibraltar operates under a common law system based on the English model. The Gibraltar judiciary is independent, and the legal system is transparent and well-regulated, making it a safe and secure place to conduct business.

Things to consider before company incorporation.
There are some disadvantages to registering a company in Gibraltar. Since 2019, the Gibraltar government has required all Gibraltar LLCs to comply with new substance requirements. This means that companies must demonstrate that they have a real presence in Gibraltar, including staff, office space, and other resources.

Confidentiality.
Following registration of a Gibraltar LLC, shareholders' and directors' details are available for public at the Gibraltar Registrar of Companies.

Not with EU.
Another consideration is that Gibraltar is not part of the EU. It left the EU together with the UK during Brexit, which can be important for companies selling goods to Europe. However, Gibraltar still has a close relationship with both the UK and the EU, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to conduct trade with both regions.

Accounts submission.
All companies registered in Gibraltar are legally required to submit annual financial statements to the Gibraltar Income Tax Office within nine months after the end of their financial year. Companies with annual sales below £500,000 are, however, exempted from audit requirements.

Services and fees.
The fees associated with setting up a non-resident company in Gibraltar will depend on your order details and will be provided at request. We will incorporate an international business company, provide a secretary and a registered office in Gibraltar, open a bank account and assist with the accounting and accounts submission.

Summary.
As compared to other similar European offshore centers (Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Liechtenstein) Gibraltar remains to be the most cost-efficient. The costs of establishing and operating a business through Gibraltar compare favorably with many other offshore jurisdictions of the world. As a result, Gibraltar non-resident company is probably the most cost efficient offshore company in Europe today. It  also competes very well worldwide with the likes of BVI, Belize, Bahamas, Cayman Islands and other better-marketed offshore centers.

Please send a message if you are considering the incorporation in Gibraltar. We will be happy to advise the details and send an offer taylor made to your needs.  

FAQ.

Some useful information to consider when registering a Gibraltar company.

 Why do companies register in Gibraltar?
There are several reasons why companies may choose to register in Gibraltar:
Taxation: Gibraltar has a favorable tax regime, non-resident companies are not taxed on corporate profit made outside of Gibraltar. This makes it an attractive location for businesses looking to minimize their tax liabilities.
Strategic location: Gibraltar is strategically located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, making it a gateway to both the Mediterranean and Atlantic markets. This makes it an ideal location for companies looking to expand their operations into Europe and beyond.
Business-friendly environment: Gibraltar is known for its business-friendly environment, with a streamlined regulatory framework and a pro-business government that is supportive of foreign investment.
English-speaking workforce: Gibraltar is a bilingual territory, with English as the official language. This makes it an ideal location for companies looking to operate in an English-speaking environment.
Overall, the combination of a favorable tax regime, strategic location, business-friendly environment, access to EU markets, and English-speaking workforce make Gibraltar an attractive location for companies looking to establish a presence in Europe.

Is Gibraltar a tax haven?
Gibraltar is often categorized as a low-tax jurisdiction, rather than a tax haven.
While Gibraltar does offer a favorable tax regime, it is not considered a tax haven by many experts. This is because Gibraltar has implemented measures to combat tax evasion and money laundering, and is considered to be a transparent and well-regulated jurisdiction.

Is Gibraltar an offshore jurisdiction?
"Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. It is a well known and regulated international finance centre and has been a popular jurisdiction for European offshore companies."
Taxation in Gibraltar  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Gibraltar

What is the meaning of incorporation of the company?
Incorporation is the legal process of forming a new corporation, which involves registering the company as a separate legal entity. This offers benefits such as limited liability protection and the ability to raise capital through issuing shares, but also requires compliance with various legal and regulatory requirements.

What are the benefits of an offshore company?
Offshore companies, also known as international business companies (IBCs), are corporations that are established in a foreign country or jurisdiction. Here are some of the benefits of setting up an offshore company:
Tax advantages: Many offshore jurisdictions offer tax benefits to foreign investors, such as low or zero corporate tax rates, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
Asset protection: Offshore companies can provide a layer of protection for assets by shielding them from litigation and creditors in the investor's home country.
Confidentiality: Offshore companies can offer greater privacy and confidentiality for investors as they often have strict laws governing information disclosure.
Access to global markets: Offshore companies can provide investors with access to new markets and customers around the world.
Simplified regulatory requirements: Some offshore jurisdictions have simpler and more flexible regulatory requirements, making it easier and cheaper to set up and operate a business.

What are the risks with an offshore company?
While offshore companies can offer various benefits, there are also some risks involved. Here are some of the risks associated with setting up an offshore company:
Legal and regulatory risks: Some offshore jurisdictions may have weaker or less reliable legal systems, making it difficult to enforce contracts or resolve disputes.
Reputation risks: The use of offshore companies is sometimes associated with tax evasion, money laundering, or other illegal activities, which can damage a company's reputation.
Compliance risks: Offshore companies are subject to various legal and regulatory requirements, such as anti-money laundering laws and tax reporting requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or legal action.
Operational risks: Operating a business in a foreign country can be challenging due to language and cultural barriers, time zone differences, and other logistical challenges.
Currency and market risks: Offshore investments can be subject to fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in local market conditions.
It is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of setting up an offshore company and to seek professional advice before making any decisions.

Is Gibraltar outside EU for VAT?
Gibraltar is neither part of the EU nor part of the EU customs areas and VAT zone. It is important to note that goods imported from Gibraltar to the EU are subject to import VAT just as they would be if coming from outside the EU, without any VAT charged in Gibraltar.

Will Gibraltar join Schengen?
Currently, Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen Area. However, as a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar's status regarding Schengen is subject to the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU. Gibraltar has expressed an interest in joining the Schengen Area to facilitate movement across its land border with Spain, but whether or not this will come to fruition remains to be seen.

Why are so many companies registered in Gibraltar?
Many companies are registered in Gibraltar due to its favorable tax system, as Gibraltar has a corporate tax rate of only 10%. Additionally, Gibraltar is strategically located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, making it a prime location for companies looking to do business in Europe and Africa. The British Overseas Territory also has a stable political and legal system, and its economy is closely linked to the UK. These factors make Gibraltar an attractive destination for companies seeking to establish a presence in Europe.

Can EU citizens move to Gibraltar after Brexit?
Yes, EU citizens can still move to Gibraltar after Brexit, but they will now be subject to different rules and requirements.
Since January 1, 2021, Gibraltar is no longer part of the EU, and as a result, the free movement of people between the UK and the EU has ended. However, the UK and Gibraltar have a separate agreement that allows for certain EU citizens to continue living and working in Gibraltar. This agreement includes those who were already living and working in Gibraltar before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020, as well as those who are married to a Gibraltar resident or who have close family ties in Gibraltar.
EU citizens who do not meet these criteria will now need to follow the same immigration procedures as non-EU citizens. This may include obtaining a visa or work permit, depending on the circumstances of their move to Gibraltar.