The Rock of Gibraltar was formed; more or less in the shape we see it today, by a massive upheaval of the earth about 200 million years ago.
The Rock did not become a settlement until around 711 AD when a Moslem general, Tarik ibn Ziyad, landed his forces at the southern end of the Rock to begin the initial Muslim conquest of Spain. From then on the Rock became known as the Mountain of Tarik - ′Jebel Tarik′ - from which derives the name ′Gibraltar′.
Today Gibraltar is a surviving part of the British Empire and a Crown Colony. Its community drawn from British, Genoese, Portuguese, Spanish, Jewish and other origins is firmly consolidated - friendly, bilingual and in racial and religious harmony.
Gibraltar's unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa coupled with its special terms of membership of the European Union enables the provision of a wide range of services to meet the requirements of international investors.
Gibraltar has developed a financial and commercial infrastructure to meet the needs of new enterprises that are seeking a low cost operation based in Europe.
As a business location, it provides a high quality professional service overseen by a European standard of regulation.
Constitution and Regulatory Environment
Gibraltar is a self governing overseas British territory and under the Treaty of Rome Article 299(4) Gibraltar is deemed a full member of the European Union.
From a regulatory perspective all financial services are regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
As Gibraltar is within the European Union financial institutions are licenced and supervised in line with E.U. directives and Gibraltar has put in place legislation and standards to match those in place in the UK and other offshore jurisdictions.
Taxation
From a taxation perspective Gibraltar an attractive jurisdiction in which to operate as there is no Capital Gains tax, Inheritance or Wealth axes; nor VAT or sales tax. There are a range of tax efficient opportunities for structured solutions.
Travel Links
Gibraltar is just 2 and a half hours by ‘plane from London and has excellent flight networks between London Gatwick, Luton and Manchester; along with Madrid and Barcelona.