GIFT City, or Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, is India’s first global-scale international financial hub, established in 2015 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Spread over 1,000 acres, it is a visionary initiative by the Government of India to place the country firmly on the world’s financial map while serving as a dynamic hub for business and investment. Whether you are an NRI, a foreign resident, or a retail investor in India, you can invest through GIFT City and enjoy its unique advantages.
In recent years, GIFT City has gained considerable traction among investors. As of March 2025, the total assets held by IFSC Banking Units crossed USD 60 billion, with transaction volumes reaching a staggering USD 795 billion.
GIFT City – Gateway for Non-Resident Investments in Indian Stock Markets
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has emerged as a strategic entry point for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign investors looking to participate in India’s growing capital markets. With its IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) framework, it offers a globally competitive platform aligned with international best practices.
Advantages
GIFT City provides seamless market access with simplified regulations for foreign portfolio investments. Investors can open IFSC accounts through authorised intermediaries without the need for onshore demat or bank accounts, ensuring faster onboarding and compliance-light operations.
Ease of Operations
Trading and settlement follow international norms, with transactions conducted in foreign currency (commonly USD), reducing forex conversion costs. The single-window clearance system and digital-first approach ensure smooth account setup, KYC, and ongoing operations.
Tax Benefits
Inbound investors enjoy significant tax advantages—no capital gains tax on certain securities, no stamp duty, and exemptions on specific derivatives transactions. Dividends and interest income are often tax-friendly under the IFSC regime, enhancing net returns.
By combining operational ease, attractive taxation, and direct access to Indian growth stories, GIFT City stands out as a powerful bridge for non-residents to invest in India’s dynamic stock markets.
GIFT City – The Smart Gateway for Global Investments by Resident Indians
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has unlocked a seamless route for Resident Indians to diversify their portfolios by investing directly into global stock markets. Through the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) framework, individuals can access international equities, ETFs, bonds, and other global instruments with the same ease as domestic investments.
Advantages
GIFT City enables investors to participate in global growth stories—be it US tech giants, European blue chips, or emerging market leaders—without navigating multiple overseas account openings. Transactions are carried out in foreign currency via IFSC-registered brokers, making it efficient and transparent.
Ease of Operations
Resident investors can channel their funds under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) directly into their GIFT City account. The onboarding process is fully digital, with simplified KYC, consolidated reporting, and robust regulatory oversight ensuring smooth operations.
Tax Benefits
The IFSC regime offers attractive tax incentives, including exemptions on certain capital gains and reduced transaction levies. Since trades are executed within India’s jurisdiction, compliance is simpler compared to traditional offshore routes.
With its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and investor-friendly framework, GIFT City has emerged as the preferred platform for Resident Indians aiming to tap global investment opportunities.
Disclaimer: Investment in securities market and mutual funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Please refer the Risk Disclosure Document issued by SEBI and go through the Rights and Obligations and Do’s and Dont’s issued by Stock Exchangesand Depositories before trading on the Stock Exchanges.
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