Sanctions Information

CEST

00:39

TODAY’S WEATHER

Find information quickly and easily

Sanctions Information

His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar supports the effective understanding, implementation, and enforcement of sanctions within the jurisdiction. Sanctions play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of Gibraltar’s financial and legal systems and in sustaining international confidence.

Information, guidance, and licensing services are provided to facilitate lawful compliance with sanctions legislation. Gibraltar is committed to implementing robust, proportionate sanctions in line with its international obligations and in close coordination with the United Kingdom and other global partners.

Sanctions policy is led by the Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry. In addition to financial measures, Gibraltar may also apply relevant trade sanctions concerning the movement of goods, services, or technology.

Quick Links

What Are Sanctions?

Sanctions are restrictive measures imposed by governments or international bodies to promote national security, prevent terrorism financing, uphold international law, and influence behaviour. They can include:

Asset freezes
Travel bans
Arms embargoes
Restrictions on financial services or markets

Gibraltar recognises and enforces sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, United Nations Security Council, and the European Union.

What Are Financial Sanctions?

Financial sanctions are the most common form of restriction. They may prohibit:

Dealing with a sanctioned person’s assets
Making funds or goods available, directly or indirectly, to a sanctioned individual or entity
Providing access to financial markets or services

Why Are Sanctions Imposed?

Sanctions aim to:

Coerce individuals or regimes into changing behaviour
Deny access to funding that enables malign actions
Signal disapproval and impose reputational costs
Protect misappropriated assets
Communicate broader political messages

Gibraltar enforces sanctions to uphold international norms and ensure local compliance with its legal and reputational obligations.

Legal Framework: The Sanctions Act 2019

The Sanctions Act 2019 is the principal legislation governing sanctions in Gibraltar. It allows for:

Automatic recognition and enforcement of UN, UK and EU sanctions regimes
Power to impose domestic sanctions in Gibraltar
Provides exceptions and for the issuance of licences

Sanctions Regimes in Gibraltar

Sanctions enforced in Gibraltar fall into three broad categories:

UN Sanctions
UK Sanctions
EU Sanctions
Gibraltar Sanctions (Part 3 of the Sanctions Act 2019)

These regimes may target countries, individuals, companies, or economic sectors.

Licensing and Exemptions

Certain activities may be permitted via licence. You should apply for a licence if you intend to:

Release frozen funds (e.g., for legal or essential expenses)
Conduct transactions for humanitarian purposes
Engage in activities covered by specific exemptions
Each application is assessed individually. Applications must include full details and justification.

The Licence Application Form should be used by individuals or entities seeking a licence to allow an activity or transaction to take place that would otherwise be prohibited under Sanctions Act 2019

Email the completed application form together with any supporting evidence to: sanctions.licence@gibraltar.gov.gi

License Application Form and Guidance Notes outline the essential considerations and required information for a successful application.

License Application Form

Guidance Notes

Reporting Obligations

All individuals and entities in Gibraltar must comply with sanctions law, such as: