The EU mandates a minimum VAT rate of 15%, but there is no maximum. While Gibraltar has ruled out introducing VAT, the Government is considering either a sales tax or a transaction tax as part of a potential agreement with the EU. Both would have different impacts on businesses and consumers.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has relocated to newly refurbished premises in the same building, offering upgraded facilities to enhance its services to Gibraltar’s businesses and consumers.

The Ministry of Equality has launched its 2025 cycle of the Women’s Mentorship Programme, continuing its mission to support professional development and gender equality in the workplace. This initiative, supported by the GFSB’s Women in Enterprise (WIE), builds on its work since 2018, has benefited over 200 participants and tackled the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across in Gibraltar.

We’ve been given further insight into what post-Treaty taxation could look like. Speaking with GBC’s Jonathan Scott, the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo shared potential changes to Gibraltar’s taxation model, including the introduction of a sales tax. Here's what we know...

In his annual New Year Message, the Chief Minister has outlined what we can expect over the next 12 months. As well as plans for a new reclamation project, Mr Picardo gave updates on treaty negotiations, digital initiatives, housing plans and a potential new sales tax... Here are our key takeouts...

The European Commission has now proposed a phased rollout of its digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen zone. Originally planned for November 2024 (The EES was actually initially supposed to start operating in 2022. It was then postponed until May 2023, then until the end of 2023 and finally, until 10 November), the start date has been delayed further due to readiness concerns.

The Gibraltar Parliament has passed amendments to the Register of Property Occupation Act, introducing significant changes for short-term rental properties. Designed to address calls from the hotel sector for fair competition, the legislation introduces mandatory registration for properties and aims to ensure safety, quality, and tax compliance.

In what's been a busy week for Gibraltar Parliament, crucial legislation to implement the Gibraltar Access Regime (GAR) that ensures long-term access to the UK market for Gibraltar’s financial services firms was passed.

easyJet has announced a year-round route from Birmingham to Gibraltar starting June 2025. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, with fares starting at £26.99. The route adds to easyJet’s existing connections to Gibraltar from Bristol, Gatwick, and Manchester.

Addressing concerns raised by local businesses, the Gibraltar Government will launch a crackdown on unlicensed cross-border trade from January 2025. Announced in Parliament and covered by the Gibraltar Chronicle, the initiative includes awareness campaigns and targeted enforcement. The GFSB has actively engaged on this issue, representing members and welcoming efforts to create a level playing field.