Establishing Presence in India’s GIFT City: Key Insights and Tips for Businesses

India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse, poised to become the third-largest economy by 2030, presents numerous opportunities for global businesses. Gujarat International Finance Technology City (GIFT City), serving as India’s inaugural International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and a multi-services Special Economic Zone (SEZ), offers an alluring opportunity for businesses across various sectors, including banking, insurance, capital markets, fintech, and more.  

GIFT City's regulatory framework, coupled with its array of tax incentives such as reduced minimum alternative tax and a decade-long 100% tax exemption within a 15-year timeframe, alongside specialized FinTech sandboxes and other startup incentives, have positioned it as a compelling destination for businesses. Recent policy measures targeting insurance and reinsurance, streamlined gold imports, and the expansion of niche sectors have further bolstered its attractiveness.  

However, due to its rapidly evolving business landscape, success in establishing a presence in GIFT City requires meticulous market research, selecting the right business structure, obtaining approvals, securing office space, and acquiring necessary licenses and registrations.  

On May 22nd, where CS Rachana Maurya, Senior Associate - Business Advisory Services shared key insights on the vibrant landscape of GIFT City in 2024 for foreign businesses. She highlights its investment appeal, emerging opportunities, along with the various tax and regulatory incentives, potential challenges, and anticipated reforms expected for businesses ahead of Budget 2024. 

Rachna delved into following topics during the session: 

• Why choose GIFT City in 2024: Location Appeal and Macroeconomic Updates 
• Latest Tax Incentives and Legal Framework in 2024 
• Emerging Opportunities and Benefits: Provisions of Union Budget 2023 and Spotlight on Fintech Startups 
• Guide to Setting up in GIFT City 2024 
• Potential Challenges 
• Anticipated Reforms ahead of Budget 2024 

If you would like to contact the speaker, or have any questions regarding this event, please contact Ashna Kohli, Jr. Associate - International Business Advisory, India at Ashna.kohli@dezshira.com  

This webinar is free of charge.  

This Event occurred on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. If you were unable to attend it, you can still benefit from these resources that will help you review or discover more: