Commercial, Office, or Warehouse Space for Business in Gibraltar

Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias

Gibraltar, this small British territory located at the southern tip of Spain, offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in a tax-advantageous and strategically positioned environment. Whether you’re seeking commercial space, an office, or a warehouse, this guide will help you navigate the Gibraltar real estate market and find the perfect space for your business.

The Secrets to Finding the Perfect Commercial Space in Gibraltar

Searching for professional space in Gibraltar might seem intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can quickly find space that meets your needs. The first step is to clearly define your criteria: required square footage, desired location, budget, and technical specifications needed for your business.

Once your needs are clearly established, several options are available to you:

  • Check online listings on specialized websites like PropertyGibraltar or Savills Gibraltar
  • Contact local real estate agencies directly
  • Hire a real estate agent specializing in commercial property
  • Scout locations in person by looking for “For Rent” signs in areas that interest you

Don’t hesitate to seek help from the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, which can direct you to opportunities suited to your industry. Additionally, local networking can prove valuable: attend professional events to meet other entrepreneurs who might give you useful leads.

Good to know:

Demand for commercial space in Gibraltar is strong, so it’s recommended to begin your search several months before your planned move-in date to have options and negotiate better terms.

Essential Commercial Real Estate Agencies in Gibraltar

Several real estate agencies have specialized in the professional space market in Gibraltar. Among the most reputable are:

  • Savills Gibraltar: an international reference with sharp local expertise
  • Chestertons Gibraltar: offering a wide selection of commercial properties
  • BMI Group: specialist in high-end real estate, including for businesses
  • Solomon Levy: a well-established local agency with deep market knowledge

These agencies typically offer comprehensive support, from space search to lease finalization. They can also advise you on legal and tax aspects related to renting commercial space in Gibraltar.

It’s important to note that certain areas of Gibraltar are particularly sought after for business locations. The Europort business district, located near the port, offers modern offices with sea views. Main Street, Gibraltar’s main thoroughfare, is ideal for businesses wanting to benefit from high foot traffic. For companies requiring more space or warehouses, the North Mole Road industrial area can be an interesting option.

Good to know:

Real estate agencies in Gibraltar are typically bilingual English-Spanish, which can facilitate procedures for international entrepreneurs.

Building a Solid Rental Application

To rent commercial space in Gibraltar, you’ll need to provide several documents. Preparing a complete application will increase your chances of securing the desired space. Here are the main required elements:

  • A detailed business plan for your company
  • Your company’s articles of incorporation (if already established in Gibraltar)
  • Bank references or financial guarantees
  • Proof of professional liability insurance
  • Recent financial statements (for existing businesses)
  • Identification and proof of address for directors

It’s also common for landlords to request personal guarantees from directors, particularly for new businesses. This practice aims to secure rent payments in case of company financial difficulties.

For foreign entrepreneurs, it’s recommended to have important documents translated into English by a certified translator. This will greatly facilitate the rental process and show your seriousness to potential landlords.

Good to know:

Incorporating a company in Gibraltar may be a prerequisite for some landlords. Make sure you fully understand the legal requirements before committing to a lease.

Rental Costs: What You Need to Know

Commercial space rental prices in Gibraltar vary considerably depending on location, size, and quality of premises. On average, offices in sought-after areas like Europort can rent for between £25 and £40 per square foot per year. Commercial spaces on Main Street, highly in demand, can reach higher rates, up to £60 per square foot per year.

For warehouses or industrial spaces, prices are generally more affordable, ranging between £10 and £20 per square foot per year, depending on location and facilities.

It’s important to note that these prices typically don’t include utilities, which can represent a significant additional cost. Make sure you clearly understand what’s included in the rent and what remains your responsibility (electricity, water, common area maintenance, etc.).

When negotiating the lease, pay attention to clauses regarding rent review. In Gibraltar, it’s common for rents to be indexed to inflation or periodically revised according to market developments.

Good to know:

Some landlords may offer rent-free periods or custom build-outs to attract tenants, especially for long-term leases. Don’t hesitate to negotiate these benefits.

Areas to Prioritize for Cost-Effective Locations

Although Gibraltar is a limited territory, certain areas offer more affordable opportunities for businesses looking to optimize their setup costs. Here are some sectors to consider:

  • The North Mole Road industrial area: ideal for businesses requiring large spaces or warehouses, with more competitive rents
  • The Casemates area: located at the entrance to Main Street, it offers good visibility at more affordable prices than the heart of the shopping street
  • The Glacis Road vicinity: a developing area offering modern office space at attractive rates

For startups and small businesses, coworking spaces can represent an interesting economical solution. Places like World Trade Center Gibraltar offer flexible offices and shared services, allowing significant reduction in setup costs.

Don’t forget that location choice should also consider accessibility for your employees and clients. Gibraltar has an effective public transportation network, but peripheral areas may be less well served.

Good to know:

Real estate prices in Gibraltar tend to increase regularly. Locating in a developing area may prove to be a good long-term investment.

Available Support to Reduce Costs

The Gibraltar government, aware of the importance of attracting businesses to its territory, has implemented several incentive measures that can help reduce your setup costs:

  • The “New Business Start-up” program: offers reductions on social contributions for new businesses during the first two years of operation
  • Employment grants: available for businesses hiring Gibraltar residents or cross-border workers
  • Tax incentives: Gibraltar offers an attractive corporate tax rate of 10%, with possible exemptions for certain business sectors

The Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) can guide you in accessing these supports and inform you about other available assistance programs. Don’t hesitate to contact them for personalized support.

Additionally, some local banks offer preferential rate loans for business setup in Gibraltar. It may be wise to compare offers from different institutions to find the best financing terms.

Good to know:

Businesses operating in strategic sectors like information technology, renewable energy, or financial services may benefit from additional support. Inquire with the Gibraltar Ministry of Economy to learn about opportunities specific to your field.

Conclusion: Gibraltar, a Land of Opportunity for Your Business

Finding the ideal space for your business in Gibraltar might seem challenging, but with the right information and some perseverance, you can find the perfect space for your activity. This territory offers a business-friendly environment, combining tax advantages, strategic positioning, and modern infrastructure.

Remember that the key to success lies in meticulous preparation. Clearly define your needs, enlist local professionals, and don’t hesitate to negotiate your lease terms. Opportunities are plentiful in Gibraltar, whether you’re looking for a prestigious office in the business district, commercial space on famous Main Street, or a functional warehouse in the industrial area.

With its favorable regulatory framework and dynamic economy, Gibraltar can be the ideal springboard for your business’s international development. Take advantage of available support and local organizations to optimize your setup and grow your business in this unique territory.

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About the author
Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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