5 October 2026
Set Up a Cryptocurrency Company in Gibraltar
Find here how to establish a Gibraltar cryptocurrency business. Please contact our agents in Gibraltar for support and guidance.
Opening a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar requires specific incorporation steps to follow. Below, our local specialists explain the key requirements, mentioning that international customers can access our online services for in-depth support.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency seen as a legal tender (Yes/No) | No |
Local regulatory agency | The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission |
Special licenses for those who open a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar | Subject to the Financial Services (Distributed Ledger Technology Providers) Regulations 2020 (made under the Financial Services Act 2019) which also includes licenses for certain activities |
| Special licenses for those who open a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar | The DLT Provider license |
| Anti-money laundering rules | Generally applicable The cryptocurrency companies are expected to observe the rules for market integrity. |
| Special requirements for investors who open a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar | The investor does not need to have special qualifications. |
| Residency requirements for investors | No mandatory residency provisions |
| Types of companies used by those who open a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar | Private and public limited companies |
| Minimum capital for a cryptocurency company in Gibraltar | No mandatory prescribed minimum |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 1 for the private company |
| Minimum number of directors | 1 for the private company |
| Business license | DLT Provider permission from the GFSC; a business licence, where required, from the Office of Fair Trading (Companies House only registers the company) |
| Mandatory requirements for the crypcoturrency company | – observe the DLT regulatory framework for the technology, – present the business model, business plan and founders, etc. – have a company secretary as per the general particulars |
| Cryptocurrency company taxation | Income derived by DLT providers is taxed as per the usual corporate taxation rules. The corporate income tax rate in Gibraltar is 15% (since 1 July 2024). |
| Reasons to open a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar | – a leading jurisdiction for blockchain companies, – a legal and regulatory regime that embraces the growth of blockchain technology – easy company formation in Gibraltar, – full foreign ownership |
Who can set up crypto companies in Gibraltar?
EU and non-EU/EEA investors interested in doing business in Gibraltar.
Who regulates cryptocurrency in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
Do investors need residency in Gibraltar to open a crypto company?
No.
What type of crypto license is needed in Gibraltar?
The Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Provider License or the VASP license.
Explore this infographic with details on this topic:
What type of business structure is recommended for a crypto company in Gibraltar?
Private or public company limited by shares.
What are the main steps in opening a crypto company in Gibraltar?
- at least 1 shareholder is needed to incorporate this business,
- must verify and reserve the desired business name,
- the company registration starts at the Companies House Gibraltar,
- must prepare and present a business plan,
- must appoint a company secretary,
- apart from the company documents (Articles of Association), a standard form must be filled in and submitted.
NOTES:
- a private company can have only one director,
- each company must have a secretary. For companies with only one director, he or she cannot also be the secretary,
- a public company has at least 2 directors and a company secretary,
- virtual offices are also permitted for crypto companies in Gibraltar.
IMPORTANT: The application for a crypto license in Gibraltar is submitted after the company is duly registered.
We also invite you to watch a short video on these types of companies:
How do I apply for a DLT/ VASP license in Gibraltar?
A company that applies for a crypto license in Gibraltar needs to comply with a set of principles related to:
- business conduct based on honesty and integrity;
- the use of risk management processes;
- corporate governance effectiveness;
- clear communication with clients;
- adequate financial and non-financial resources;
- resiliency and good contingency arrangements;
- security controls meant to combat cybercrime and others.
What is the DLT fee for a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar?
GBP 45,000 (GFSC application fee for DLT Provider permission, from 1 April 2025), plus annual fees (base fee £12,254 plus a trade-activity fee).
Are Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer policies imposed?
Yes. A crypto company in Gibraltar will only be active if AML and KYC are implemented.
What is the taxation of crypto companies in Gibraltar?
- 15% standard corporate income tax rate,
- 0% capital gains tax rate,
- 0% WHT on dividends, royalties and interest,
- no VAT imposed in Gibraltar.
What is the time frame to open a cryptocurrency company in Gibraltar?
Around 6-9 months, considering also the time frame to obtain the DLT license.
Ready to start your crypto company in Gibraltar? Please explore the company formation services we offer in Gibraltar and benefit from our affordable prices. Contact us today and see the business options.