Discover the roadmap to India’s first International Financial Services Centre – opportunities, rules, and more. Learn now!
What is GIFT City?
- 22+ Million Sq. Ft. of commercial space allotted
- 550+ Operational Entities across financial and professional services
- 20,000+ Jobs generated within the ecosystem
- USD 20+ Billion committed fund investments
GIFT City – Location, Benefits, Infrastructure
GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and international finance hub, offering a futuristic business environment. Located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, GIFT City provides top-tier infrastructure and seamless connectivity
- 20 minutes from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
- 15 minutes from Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train Terminal Sabarmati Railway Station
- Direct access to National Highway 48
- Connected via the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro
- World’s Largest Cricket Stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium just 15–20 minutes away
- Lilavati Hospital, D-Mart, Hotel Grand Mercure, Gift City Club, Delhi Public School operational inside GIFT City
- EV Charging Stations available inside the city
- Close to Top Education Institutions: Gift IFI, IIT Gandhinagar, GNLU,GMU, PDEU
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Infrastructure Facilities in GIFT City
Underground Utility Tunnel
Houses power, water, and telecom lines to ensure reliability and easy maintenance
District Cooling System
India’s first large-scale cooling system reduces energy consumption and enhances sustainability
City Command & Control Centre (C4)
Monitors infrastructure, security, utilities, and emergency response in real-time
Automated Waste Collection
Pneumatic system collects waste through underground pipes to promote cleanliness and hygiene
FTTP Broadband Connectivity
High-speed internet infrastructure ensures seamless digital operations
Power and Water Infrastructure
24×7 availability with built-in redundancy for uninterrupted services
Are you looking to set up your office at GIFT City?
Advantages of GIFT City
- Plug-and-play workspaces for immediate operations
- Single-window clearance for quick setup
- 20% lower operating costs compared to other metros
- No stamp duty or registration charges on property
- Reliable power and water supply
- Skilled talent pool from surrounding institutions
What is GIFT IFSC?
India has made a bold entry into global finance through its International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs).These zones are specially created for providing international financial services in foreign currencies under a simplified, business-friendly environment.
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is the unified regulator overseeing all financial activities within IFSCs, covering banking, insurance, capital markets, and fund management.The first and only operational IFSC in India is located at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).Known as GIFT IFSC, this financial hub is India’s global gateway for cross-border transactions and offshore finance.
Benefits of IFSC
100% Foreign Ownership
Entities can be fully owned by foreign shareholders without restrictions, encouraging global participation.
Tax Incentives
- IFSC units enjoy a 10-year tax holiday out of 15 years,
- no GST on services to non-residents,
Global Market Access
Businesses can transact with international clients in foreign currencies, opening up limitless opportunities beyond Indian borders.
Unified Regulation
A single regulator (IFSCA) oversees all financial services, reducing red tape and improving ease of doing business.
Time Zone Advantage
Operate efficiently across time zones including London, Singapore, and Dubai, enabling real-time global trade.
Relaxed Compliance
Simpler reporting and governance frameworks as compared to onshore entities.
Innovation Friendly
IFSCA’s FinTech sandbox promotes experimentation with digital finance, RegTech, InsurTech, and other disruptive models.
Process to Set Up a Unit in GIFT City
Setting up an IFSC unit is a fast and streamlined process with centralized regulatory support
Business Model Planning
Identify your services, target clients, and licensing requirements. Determine the best legal entity structure.
Entity Incorporation
Register your company, LLP, or branch. Align capital structure, management, and business plan with IFSCA guidelines.
Application to IFSCA
Submit application for registration and license. Include business model, regulatory declarations, and compliance checks.
Office Space & SEZ Approvals
Obtain space in GIFT City via the provisional letter of allotment and coordinate SEZ permissions.
Commencement of Operations
On approval, commence business. Set up systems for accounting, governance, compliance, and audit.
We Are Problem Solvers. And Take Accountability.
How Nexpective Advisors Can Help
Nexpective Advisors is your on-ground partner in GIFT IFSC, guiding you through every step of your business journey
Our Role
Strategy & Structuring
Assess your business model, advise on licensing and tax matters
End-to-End Execution
Complete IFSCA/SEZ filings, incorporation, workspace setup, and onboarding
Compliance & Governance
Implement control systems, AML/KYC policies, regulatory reporting
Ongoing Partnership
CFO services, analytics, business scaling, and investor reporting
FAQs
Entities registered in GIFT IFSC enjoy:
- 100% income tax exemption for 10 consecutive years out of 15
- No securities transaction tax (STT), commodity transaction tax (CTT), or stamp duty
- No GST on services received by IFSC units These incentives make it highly attractive for foreign and Indian businesses alike.
- Sectors allowed include:
- Banking & Financial Institutions
- Insurance & Reinsurance
- Capital Markets
- Fund Management
- Fintech & RegTech
- Global In-house Centres (GICs)
- Precious Metals & Commodities
- Aircraft & Ship Leasing
- International Education Institutions
- Foreign entities can set up:
- A branch or subsidiary
- A fund under SEBI guidelines
- An IFSC banking unit (IBU)
They benefit from a relaxed regulatory framework and tax-neutral ecosystem.
While GIFT City operates within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), it is also an IFSC, which offers broader regulatory powers, global business scope, cross-border operations, and multi-currency transactions — surpassing typical SEZs in benefits and autonomy.
- es. GIFT City is a mixed-use development. It offers:
- Commercial space for corporate and financial institutions
- Residential zones
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare, retail, and recreational facilities
It’s designed as a walk-to-work ecosystem.
- GIFT City has:
- 24×7 uninterrupted power and water supply
- Automated waste management system
- Underground utility tunnels
- Smart traffic, surveillance, and command systems
- India’s first District Cooling System (DCS)
It’s built on smart city principles with sustainability at its core.
- GIFT City is:
- 20 mins from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
- 15 mins from Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train terminal
- Near Sabarmati Railway Station
- Connected by metro rail and National Highway 48
GICs (also known as captives) are offshore units of global companies operating in IT, finance, analytics, and support services. GIFT IFSC allows GICs to operate in a globally compliant, tax-friendly environment, reducing operational costs.
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