What is GIFT City?
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City also popularly knows as GIFT City, is an integrated development on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and is designed to be India’s first international financial services centre.
GIFT CITY is the central pillar of the tri-city approach, located on the banks of the Sabarmati river between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad boasts glorious history, Gandhinagar is the central hub of policy and decisions, and GIFT City is the main centre of the economy. Gujarat International Finance Tec-City also popularly knows as GIFT City, is an integrated development on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and is designed to be India’s first international financial services centre.
Futuristic Infrastructure
Next-gen urban planning offering plug and play infrastructure
Strategic Location
20 mins away from Ahmedabad International Airport with planned metro and bullet train connectivity
Global IT & Finance Hub
India’s first and only operational IFSC that gives ease of doing business and provides a conducive regulatory environment
Our Comprehensive Guide to India's First International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
The goal of this guide is to provide anyone interested in GIFT with a clear overview of the regulatory and tax frameworks, along with some on-ground insights we’ve gathered through our journey at GIFT IFSC. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to know more or has heard about GIFT. Download our guide to learn more about the opportunities, and the regulatory framework for India’s first IFSC!
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We Are Problem Solvers.
And Take Accountability.
Key Benefits
Tax Benefits
- 100% tax exemption for 10 years within a 15-year window
- Reduced MAT/AMT of 9% on book profits
- GST exemption
IT/ITes Subsidies
- CAPEX support up to INR 50 Cr
- OPEX support up to INR 20 Cr per year
- Up to 100% reimbursement
of employer’s contribution of EPF
Others
- World-class infrastructure
- Strong regulatory framework
- Walk to work concept
- Proximity to international markets
Permissible Sectors
Banking
Banks can establish International Banking Units (IBUs) with an IFSCA license, offering an onshore solution for cross-border financial service transactions.
Bullion
Bullion means precious metals, including gold, silver or any other precious metal and covers activities like trading in bullion spot delivery contracts and bullion depository receipts.
Global Centers
GICs include units providing support services to entities within its financial services groups such as banks, NBFCs, financial intermediaries among others.
Capital Markets
Capital market intermediaries encompass broker-dealers, clearing members, depository participants, investment bankers, portfolio managers, investment advisers, custodians, credit rating agencies, debenture trustees, qualified jewelers and account aggregators.
Finance Company
Financial institution dealing in core activities such as lending, factoring, without accepting deposits from the public and not registered as a banking unit in IFSC
Fintech
The framework covers FinTech and TechFins servicing clients in the BFSI space
Fund Management
This covers AIFs, Angel Funds, Family Investment Funds, REITs, INviTs and Mutual Funds operating in GIFT IFSC
Aircraft Leasing
Aircraft financing and leasing (operating / finance lease)
Universities
International branch campuses and offshore education centres in GIFT IFSC
Insurance
Indian and foreign players in the insurance sector such as insurance, Managing General Agents, Lloyd’s, and intermediaries like brokers and loss assessors are covered in this segment
Ship Leasing
Ship Leasing includes operating lease, hybrid of operating and financial lease of a ship or ocean vessel, engine or any other part of a ship or ocean vessel as a financial product
Ancillary Services
Service providers rendering legal, compliance and management consulting services, administration, assets management support services and trusteeship services
Are you looking to set up your office at GIFT City?
Our Services
Your success is our mission, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve it. Our advisory services extend to evaluating the strategic fit of GIFT IFSC for your business goals, ensuring it aligns with your long-term objectives and operational needs.
Setup Assistance
Assistance in making IFSCA applications, coordinating with regulators, entity incorporation –company, LLP, trust, branch
Accounting & Secretarial
Bookkeeping, tax & regulatory compliances, payroll support, maintaining secretarial records, IFSCA & SEZ compliance
Regulatory & Tax Advisory
Identifying legal form of entity, fund structuring, tax planning
Legal & Transaction
All kinds of contract support – vetting or drafting, legal transaction support
Connect with us
Jitesh Agarwal
Founder
[email protected]
Jitesh Agarwal is the driving force behind Treelife, where he leads with a strong foundation in finance, overseeing key practices like VCFO, Finance, Tax & Regulatory, and GIFT City. Jitesh has successfully positioned Treelife as a trusted service provider in the startup ecosystem.
Priya Kapasi Shah
Associate Partner | Finance
[email protected]
Priya Kapasi Shah, a Chartered Accountant with 12+ years of experience including tenure at PwC and KPMG. Priya heads Financial Advisory, leads GIFT IFSC setups, leveraging expertise in tax, regulatory compliance, and investment structuring.
Priyal Shah
Associate | Financial Advisory
[email protected]
Priyal, a Chartered Accountant, is an Associate in Financial Advisory at Treelife. With prior experience as Manager – Taxation at VJS Associates, Priyal brings strong expertise in taxation and financial management. She holds a B.Com in Accounting and Finance and is currently pursuing LLB.
Mokshita Agnihotri
Associate | GIFT City
[email protected]
Mokshita Agnihotri is an Associate at Treelife, works out of our GIFT City office. With a specialized background in Law from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role, focusing on Investment Transactions and Private Equity.
Jitesh Agarwal
Founder
[email protected]
Jitesh Agarwal is the driving force behind Treelife, where he leads with a strong foundation in finance, overseeing key practices like VCFO, Finance, Tax & Regulatory, and GIFT City. Jitesh has successfully positioned Treelife as a trusted service provider in the startup ecosystem.
Priya Kapasi Shah
Associate Partner | Finance
[email protected]
Priya Kapasi Shah, a Chartered Accountant with 12+ years of experience including tenure at PwC and KPMG. Priya heads Financial Advisory, leads GIFT IFSC setups, leveraging expertise in tax, regulatory compliance, and investment structuring.
Priyal Shah
Associate | Financial Advisory
[email protected]
Priyal, a Chartered Accountant, is an Associate in Financial Advisory at Treelife. With prior experience as Manager – Taxation at VJS Associates, Priyal brings strong expertise in taxation and financial management. She holds a B.Com in Accounting and Finance and is currently pursuing LLB.
Mokshita Agnihotri
Associate | GIFT City
[email protected]
Mokshita Agnihotri is an Associate at Treelife, works out of our GIFT City office. With a specialized background in Law from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role, focusing on Investment Transactions and Private Equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the real estate developers in GIFT City?
There are multiple real estate developers offering office space in GIFT City. There are also a few Plug N Play service providers in GIFT City. Refer here for more details – https://www.giftgujarat.in/business/ifsc
What is the difference between fintech and techfin under the GIFT IFSC framework?
Fintech: This refers to emerging financial technologies and innovations that drive new business models, applications, processes, or products in areas connected to financial services. These are typically B2C in nature.
𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 – 𝘗𝘢𝘺𝘵𝘮, 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘙𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘢𝘺, 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘻𝘢𝘢𝘳, 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘴, 𝘚𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘦𝘵𝘤.
Techfin: These are advanced or innovative technological solutions primarily designed to support, aid, and enhance activities related to financial products, services, and institutions. These are typically B2B in nature where they have tech products which can be used by financial institutions for their operations.
𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 – 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦 (𝘣𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘺𝘴), 𝘔𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘶, 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘌𝘥𝘨𝘦, 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘊𝘙𝘔, 𝘖𝘋𝘐𝘕, 𝘦𝘵𝘤.
Is the AIF regulated by GIFT IFSC?
Unlike SEBI’s domestic AIF regulations where the fund (AIF) seeks registration with SEBI, under the IFSCA regulations, the fund management entity (FME) seeks registration with the IFSCA and can launch funds (schemes) with only prior intimation to IFSCA.
How many approvals does one need to obtain to operate in GIFT IFSC?
As of now, approval is needed from the SEZ authorities and the IFSCA authorities for operating in GIFT IFSC. A proposal to make a single window clearance in underway.
Are entities in GIFT IFSC treated as a resident in India?
From an Income-tax perspective, entities in GIFT IFSC are “resident” in India while from an exchange control perspective, entities in GIFT IFSC are “non-resident”.
How does GIFT City’s IFSC compare with other global financial hubs?
GIFT City’s IFSC is strategically designed to offer services at par with global financial hubs. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure, streamlined regulatory framework, and competitive advantages position it as a leading financial center in the Asian market.
What kind of tax incentives does GIFT City’s IFSC offer?
Companies in GIFT City’s IFSC enjoy various tax benefits, including lower tax rates, exemptions from several duties, and other incentives aimed at promoting the ease of doing business.
Are there special regulatory provisions for businesses in GIFT City’s IFSC?
Yes, businesses in GIFT City’s IFSC are governed by a separate regulatory framework crafted by the IFSC Authority, ensuring a competitive and friendly business environment while maintaining international standards.
Why should a business set up its operations in the GIFT City IFSC?
Entities in GIFT City’s IFSC benefit from a favorable regulatory environment, tax incentives, robust infrastructure, and easy access to a massive global market, making it a strategic location for financial service providers.
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Bangalore | GIFT City