Zone Structure
GIFT City operates across three distinct zones:
SEZ / IFSC Zone: The core financial district. Houses banks, insurers, fund managers, capital market firms, and fintech companies. Governed by IFSCA with special tax and regulatory treatment. All transactions are in foreign currency.
Domestic Tariff Area (DTA): For IT/ITeS companies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and businesses serving the domestic Indian market. Eligible for Gujarat state incentives under the IT/ITeS policy.
Residential and Institutional Zone: Housing, schools (Jamnabai Narsee School), hospitals (Lilavati Hospital), and retail (D-Mart allotted). Designed around a walk-to-work concept.
Tax Benefits for IFSC Entities
- 100% income tax exemption for any 10 consecutive years out of the first 15 years of operation (Section 80LA)
- 9% MAT on book profits in non-exempt years (vs. 15–22% for domestic companies)
- Zero capital gains tax on derivative transactions
- GST exemption on services rendered to foreign clients
- No Securities Transaction Tax (STT) within the IFSC
- Stamp duty rebates on property and financial transactions
- FEMA relaxations for cross-border capital movement
Budget 2025-26 extended the deadline to commence IFSC operations and claim these benefits to March 31, 2030.
Who Is Operating Here
Notable tenants and registered entities span:
- Global banks: JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, HSBC, Bank of America
- Indian institutions: SBI, LIC, BSE, NSE, IDFC FIRST Bank
- Leasing and aviation finance: Aircraft and ship leasing entities (ship leasing added via Budget 2025)
- Insurance: 47 insurance firms registered as of mid-2025
- Funds: 272 funds operational, including AIFs and offshore fund managers
- IT/Tech: TCS, Oracle, Cybage, and others in the DTA zone
- New entrants: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has announced an office; two Japanese banks are in the process of commencing operations
To Summarize
GIFT City is India's first operational IFSC and greenfield smart city, spread across 886 acres in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. With 1,034 registered entities, 67% of its 62 million sq ft master plan dedicated to commercial use, and tax benefits including 100% income tax exemption for IFSC units, it is fast emerging as India's answer to Dubai and Singapore. GIFT City has turned out to be a good investment for NRIs in India.
Tax-Free Returns at Maturity
Smart Investing for Long-Term Wealth Creation
Seamless US Dollar Investments from India
