Do I need a business licence to trade in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Yes. Anyone trading in goods or providing a service in Gibraltar needs a business licence from the Office of Fair Trading under the Fair Trading Act 2023, unless an exemption applies. Trading without one is an offence.

Detailed answer

The Fair Trading Act 2023 came into force on Sunday 1 October 2023 and replaced the old system of Gazette and newspaper notices. Applications now go to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which publishes them online.

Exemptions include businesses licensed under other laws (such as the Financial Services Act 2019 or the Gambling Act 2005), employees, directors and shareholders, intra-group service companies, single family offices, domestic staff, journalists and people receiving rental income from Gibraltar property. Cottage industries, artisans and service providers with a turnover of £20,000 a year or less register free of charge instead, although this does not apply to specified businesses such as tattooing, injections or healthcare.

You normally need business premises held for at least 12 months. Home addresses, trust-company addresses and virtual offices are not accepted, although the OFT may waive the requirement for some service providers.

Companies must first incorporate or register a business name at Companies House, while sole traders using their own name can apply directly. Apply using form BL1 or the eServices portal. The OFT publishes complete applications within 5 working days, and objections must be lodged within 5 working days of publication. Once licensed, register any staff with the Department of Employment.

From Saturday 1 August 2026, a new licence costs £189.50 for a single business class or £270.50 for trade and service classes together. Renewal costs £119 or £216.50. Licences last one year, and a licence left expired for more than six months is revoked.

Contact: [email protected], telephone 200 71700.