Around fifteen members joined the latest GFSB Self-Employed Group meeting, with discussions centred on regulatory changes, residency requirements, compliance issues and upcoming developments linked to the Gibraltar–EU Treaty.

Residency rules remain unclear

Members raised concerns about the recent changes to residency requirements and the lack of clarity around how they should operate in practice. Several attendees noted uncertainty about what to do during the interim period and highlighted the impact on self-employed individuals who have recently established their businesses in Gibraltar.

Treaty Timelines & Border Expectations
The group reviewed the latest public information on the treaty negotiations. The view among attendees was that the removal of the physical border could realistically happen by the end of April 2026, in line with the EU’s rollout of the Entry and Exit System. Members also requested clearer guidance on how the proposed sales tax on goods may affect small operators.

Small Claims Court Fees
Some attendees reported that filing fees for the Small Claims Court may have risen sharply, with figures cited of around £1,000 compared to the historic £300 level. This information has not yet been formally verified and will be followed up.

Companies House Penalties Rise
The meeting discussed reports of higher Companies House penalties for late filings. New figures mentioned by members included:

• £150 for a first late submission
• £250 or more for delays of two years
• Higher penalties for longer non-compliance

Following a direct conversation with Companies House, the rationale was clarified. Fee levels are set by the Government, not Companies House. The increase followed FATF recommendations during Gibraltar’s removal from the grey list, after finding that historically low penalties encouraged non-compliance. The stronger penalty regime is intended to improve filing standards and align Gibraltar with international expectations.

Business Setup Guide Coming Soon
Members again requested a comprehensive, easy-to-use guide for setting up and running a business in Gibraltar. The GFSB confirmed that a full guide is already in development and will be published soon.

Next Steps
The group agreed the following actions:

• Verify the reported Small Claims Court fee changes
• Monitor the implementation of Companies House penalties
• Continue work on the upcoming business setup guide
• Provide regular updates on residency rules, border timelines and treaty developments

The next meeting date will be shared with members shortly. For now, check out our Events Calendar for lots more events.

Find Gibraltar Courts Service Latest Fee Rates here.