Gibraltar at a Glance

Administration

Gibraltar has its own local Government called the House of Assembly elected every four years and headed by the Chief Minister.  The local Government is responsible for most matters including the financial services sector which has become a mainstay of the local economy. The British Government is responsible for defence and foreign policy. The present Government is very supportive of the financial services sector and is intent on Gibraltar becoming one of the leading financial centres in Europe providing fiscal benefits.

Company Law in Gibraltar

Private or public companies may be incorporated in Gibraltar either with limited liability are controlled by the Companies Ordinance (which is based on the UK 1929 Companies Act). In addition, companies incorporated outside Gibraltar may also register under Part IX of the Companies Ordinance.

The essential requirements for incorporating a limited company are:

• The company name must not be similar to any existing company registered in Gibraltar or else the Registrar may reject the name.
• A minimum of one shareholder.
• The registered office must be in Gibraltar where the company's seal must also be kept for all types of companies and the company register of shareholders in the case of a 'tax exempt' company.

Gibraltar companies are required to keep accounts and depending on size, will need to file at least an abridged balance sheet, annually at the Companies Registry.