The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), offering NRIs unique investment opportunities. With zero capital gains tax on derivatives, tax exemptions on offshore funds, and liberalized forex regulations, GIFT City is an attractive option for NRIs looking to invest in India’s financial markets.
1. What is GIFT City?
📍 GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is a special economic zone (SEZ) in India designed as a global financial hub. It hosts India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), offering benefits like:
✅ Dollar-Denominated Investments – Trade in USD instead of INR
✅ 100% Income Tax Exemption – Up to 10 years for certain businesses
✅ No Capital Gains Tax – On IFSC-listed securities & derivatives
✅ Ease of Repatriation – Funds can be moved abroad without restrictions
✅ Global Financial Services – Includes banking, insurance, and asset management
🔹 Regulated by IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority), GIFT City follows global financial standards.
2. Investment Options for NRIs in GIFT City
A) Investing in India’s Stock Market via NSE IFSC
NRIs can buy and sell shares of US and Indian companies through NSE IFSC (NSE’s international exchange at GIFT City).
✔ Trade US Stocks like Apple, Tesla, Amazon via NSE IFSC Receipts
✔ Invest in India-listed stocks through IFSC exchanges
✔ Enjoy no capital gains tax on derivatives
🔹 NRIs need an NRI Trading & Demat account with an NSE IFSC broker.
B) Mutual Funds & Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in GIFT City
NRIs can invest in mutual funds and AIFs launched in GIFT City.
✔ Dollar-based funds – Invest in India without INR currency risk
✔ Global Asset Management Firms – BlackRock, Vanguard, etc., setting up funds in GIFT City
✔ Tax Benefits – No GST on fund management services
🔹 NRIs can invest through their NRE/NRO accounts.
C) Fixed Deposits & Banking in GIFT City (Offshore Banking Units)
NRIs can open USD-based accounts in offshore banking units (OBUs) in GIFT City, enjoying:
✔ Higher interest rates than NRE FDs
✔ No tax on interest income for NRIs
✔ Easy repatriation of funds
🔹 Banks like SBI, ICICI, and HDFC have IFSC banking units in GIFT City.
D) Investing in Bonds & Debt Instruments
✔ NRIs can buy Masala Bonds (INR bonds issued abroad)
✔ Tax-free bonds issued in GIFT IFSC
✔ High-yielding debt instruments with global exposure
🔹 Bonds in IFSC have lower tax rates compared to Indian bond markets.
E) Setting Up Companies & Offshore Businesses
NRIs looking to set up startups, fintech firms, or global trading businesses can benefit from:
✔ 100% foreign ownership allowed
✔ Zero tax for 10 years for financial services firms
✔ Access to global banking & forex services
🔹 GIFT City is ideal for NRIs who want an India-based offshore financial business.
3. How to Invest in GIFT City as an NRI?
Step 1: Open an IFSC Bank Account
- Choose an IFSC banking unit (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.)
- Open a USD/NRE/NRO account in GIFT City
Step 2: Open a Trading & Demat Account in NSE IFSC
- Select an NSE IFSC broker (e.g., Zerodha, ICICI Direct, Kotak Securities)
- Link it with your NRE/NRO account
Step 3: Choose Investment Options
- Stocks: Buy US/Indian shares via NSE IFSC
- Mutual Funds: Invest in GIFT City-based funds
- Bonds & FDs: Park funds in tax-free bonds & deposits
Step 4: Manage & Repatriate Funds Easily
- Track investments through IFSC exchanges
- Transfer funds freely without RBI restrictions
4. Tax Benefits for NRIs Investing in GIFT City
✔ No Capital Gains Tax – On derivatives & IFSC-listed securities
✔ No Tax on Interest Income – From IFSC bank deposits
✔ No Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) – On IFSC-listed funds
✔ Exemption on GST – For financial services in GIFT City
🔹 NRIs can use DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) to further reduce taxes.
5. Risks & Things to Consider Before Investing in GIFT City
🚧 Limited Investment Options – GIFT City is still developing, with fewer investment products
🚧 Foreign Exchange Risk – USD-based investments may fluctuate due to INR-USD exchange rates
🚧 Regulatory Changes – IFSC laws may evolve, affecting taxation & policies
🚧 Brokerage & Banking Accessibility – Not all brokers/banks offer GIFT City services for NRIs
🔹 NRIs should assess their investment goals before entering GIFT City.
6. FAQs on NRI Investments in GIFT City
1. Can NRIs invest in stocks through GIFT City?
✅ Yes, NRIs can buy Indian and US stocks via NSE IFSC Receipts.
2. Do NRIs need RBI approval to invest in GIFT City?
❌ No, investments in GIFT IFSC are outside regular RBI restrictions.
3. Can NRIs open an FD in GIFT City banks?
✅ Yes, NRIs can open USD FDs in offshore banking units.
4. Is there any tax on investments in GIFT City?
✅ No capital gains tax on derivatives & listed securities in IFSC.
5. Can NRIs repatriate money from GIFT City?
✅ Yes, funds can be freely repatriated without RBI limits.
7. Final Thoughts: Should NRIs Invest in GIFT City?
GIFT City is a great investment destination for NRIs seeking global investment opportunities with tax benefits. With no capital gains tax, access to global financial markets, and ease of fund repatriation, it’s an attractive alternative to traditional NRI investments in India.
✔ Want to diversify globally while investing in India? GIFT City is your gateway! 🚀
