Registration with the Companies House in Gibraltar is the only approved way in which companies that are being set up in this jurisdiction are allowed to operate lawfully. The following article discusses the process of company registration in Gibraltar in terms of mandatory submissions with the Companies House, as well as the main functions of this authority. At the same time, our local team of experts in company formation can assist investors with business registration.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trade Register’s full/ official name | Companies House Gibraltar |
| Services offered by our team for company registration with this authority | Our agents offer complete guidance and assistance for new company incorporations as well as any updates to existing companies. |
| Main role of the Companies House | To ensure the registration of new companies and at the same time grant access to public information on registered companies |
| Organizational chart | The Companies House operates under the Government of Gibraltar and includes, among others, an acting managing director, several directors, a registry manager, and other key persons. |
| Laws observed and implemented by the Registry | The Companies Act along with other relevant laws and regulations |
| Legal entities registered with the Gibraltar Companies House | Companies, partnerships, foundations and private trust companies, among others |
| Public services offered by the Companies Registry | Legal entity registrations and updates as well as general public access to certain information on registered entities. |
| Compliance insurance | The Companies House fully observes the Companies Act and other laws in force. |
| Modifications | Changes to registered companies, partnerships, or other legal entities are reported accordingly. |
| Modification notification | Takes place within due time. |
| Renewals | According to law and as per the registered business form |
| Company names | A separate service is in place to conduct company name searches and to register an available company name. |
| Company name changes | Subject to availability, also performed with the Companies House Registry |
| Company deregistration | Striking off a company in Gibraltar according to law |
| Companies House fees | £100 for the incorporation of a company, £10 stamp duty for incorporation, £100 for the company name change, etc. |
Table of Contents
What are the documents required for company registration in Gibraltar?
The registration process includes several steps, and it starts with verifying that the proposed company name is available for use. This is also performed with the Companies House, as it is one of its statutory duties (see below).
To register a company in Gibraltar, the founder(s) will prepare the following documents:
- Memorandum of Association;
- Articles of Association;
- filled-in application for company registration in Gibraltar.
In addition to drafting the documents, business owners will also prepare for the following fees (which may be subject to change):
- £100 registration fee;
- £10 stamp duty;
- £200 for an expedited incorporation (in 24 hours).
Please note that these amounts do not include any legal fees or costs associated with company incorporation services.
Who can register a business in Gibraltar?
There are no limitations on foreign investments, meaning that business registration in Gibraltar can be performed regardless of whether or not the applicant is a resident or not.
The following types of legal entities are subject to registration in Gibraltar:
- companies;
- private trust companies
- limited partnerships;
- limited liability partnerships and others.
The Companies House keeps adequate Registries for these business forms. Upon request, our team can give you detailed information on the types of business entities mentioned above, which are subject to business registration in Gibraltar.
What is the role of the Gibraltar Companies House?
The main function of the Companies House is to provide a platform for those who register a company in Gibraltar. That being said, its role is more complex as it is involved not only in offering options for corporate registration, but also for business name searches, and access to public information.
The Gibraltar Companies House handles the following:
- incorporation of new companies;
- processes related to dissolving a Gibraltar legal entity;
- making information on companies available to the public;
- providing access to the mandatory forms submitted as part of the applications made with the House;
- issuing documents on companies or duplicates thereof, upon request;
- providing access to business name searches;
- keeping and updating the e-Registry accordingly, as changes are brought to already registered companies.
In addition to being in charge of business registration in Gibraltar, the House also functions as the registrar for trademarks and patents.
What information is available through the Companies House?
Company details are disclosed for many types of businesses, including when the company is limited by shares. When investors set up a business in this jurisdiction, they can expect the following data about companies to be available for public access:
- incorporation date and its registered address in Gibraltar;
- details on its officers;
- insolvency information;
- statutory documents, etc.
Our team can help you register a business in Gibraltar. Contact us if you want to find out more about the role of the Companies House and the mandatory registrations that take place.