A business license in Gibraltar is required for most companies, for various types of activities. Licensing and renewal submissions are made to the Office of Fair Trading, belonging to the Government of Gibraltar and can be assisted by our team.
The need to obtain a trade license in Gibraltar is just one of the steps for company creation. Understanding all the requirements is essential before starting any type of business activity here and our team of agents specialising in company formation in Gibraltar can assist you.
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Who needs to obtain a business license in Gibraltar?
All natural and legal persons who engage in the trading of goods and/or the provision of services must have a valid business license issued by the Office for Fair Trading.
Some of the activities that are licensed under other Gibraltar laws include: financial services, medical and legal services and gambling activities. Special laws, such as the Financial Services Act 2019 and the Medical and Health Act of 1997, govern these types of regulated activities.
The sale of goods authorized under the Leisure Areas Licensing Act is also subject to different requirements, as is the case with companies that engage in the sale of tobacco and need a separate business license under the Tobacco Act 1997.
The license is applied for with the Office for Fair Trading, as per the rules set forth by the HM Government of Gibraltar.
What companies are not required to have a trade license in Gibraltar?
Business licenses are not required when the company or natural person engaging in the activity is already licensed under a separate local law (such as some of the laws mentioned above by our team).
It may also be the case that a certain type of activity is not subject to licensing under the Fair Trading Act.
What are the requirements for proper premises for traders in Gibraltar?
If you wish to set up a company in Gibraltar that will engage in the trade of goods you will need to have proper business premises. These are commercial real estate units, commonly a store.
A company that has a trade license in Gibraltar and is therefore considered a trader for business purposes cannot operate from home. Moreover, office space is not usually included as an acceptable commercial space for trading.
Some of the issues that are taken into account to ascertain the suitability of the premises include:
- the type of goods that are sold and their volume;
- the contact level with the clients and suppliers;
- the number of employees the company will need to properly engage in business.
Investors who open a company in Gibraltar and will perform their activities as online retailers will also need to meet the requirements for proper premises briefly listed above.
If you want to obtain a business license in Gibraltar and need to determine if your premises are suitable for trading activities, our team can answer your questions. This is an important step, as the company will need to carry out its activities from this location.
In a waiver from the premises requirements, companies may be allowed to carry out their activities without having set up a location (as defined above) when they do not need premises to carry on their business. A special clause also applies to activities that may involve unfair advantage over similar businesses.
Our experts in company registration in Gibraltar can give you more details about the premises waiver and using multiple premises.
What are the fees for a business license in Gibraltar?
Our team highlights some of the most important business license fees. Please keep in mind that these can be subject to change:
- £179.50 for a single business class;
- £256.50 for trade business class; the same amount also applies to the service business class;
- £112.50 for renewing the license for a single business class.
Contact us if you want to apply for a trade license in Gibraltar. We can guide you throughout the application process.