GIFT City Entity Incorporation and IFSCA-Regulated Fund Services

Specialised advisory and hands-on implementation for IFSCA-regulated fund management, VCC structures, and private trusts.

GIFT City Regulatory Setup & Fund Advisory

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) serves as India's gateway to international financial services under a unified regulator (IFSCA). Establishing an entity here unlocks 100% tax holidays and frictionless capital movements. At Zenius Advisors, we deliver the comprehensive operational execution needed to draft charters, secure licensing, establish trusts, and manage ongoing FDI/ODI regulatory compliance.

Core Deliverables

Our regulatory and corporate structuring team executes your GIFT City roadmap, delivering:

  • IFSCA Registration & Licensing: Preparation and filing of applications for Fund Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Investment Advisers.
  • GIFT City SEZ Approvals: Secure NOCs and co-developer approvals for setting up your physical or virtual office.
  • VCC (Variable Capital Company) Structuring: Formulation of flexible investment fund schemes, corporate charters, and sub-fund partitions.
  • Cross-Border Compliance Reporting: Direct coordination of FDI and ODI filings (FEMA and RBI compliance) for capital transfers.

Our Regulatory Implementation Timeline

We work alongside your legal and investment teams to manage regulatory milestones systematically:

Step 1: Scheme Structuring & Feasibility
We structure your fund strategy, determine the ideal vehicle (Private Trust, VCC, or LLP), and align documentation with IFSCA guidelines.
Step 2: SEZ Incorporation & Office Setup
We register your corporate entity within the GIFT City SEZ, coordinate lease agreements, and obtain the necessary SEZ developer approvals.
Step 3: IFSCA Application & Representation
We compile the detailed licensing application, draft required business and compliance manuals, and represent you before the IFSCA.
Step 4: Launch & Cross-Border Filings
Upon licensing, we establish your bank channels, set up statutory books, and complete the required FDI/ODI filings to begin fund operations.

Service Quick Facts

  • Target Clients: PE/VC Funds, AIF Managers, Wealth Offices
  • Regulator: IFSCA & SEZ Authorities
  • Key Benefits: 10-Year Tax Holiday, No GST
  • Vehicles: VCCs, Private Trusts, LLPs
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Key Features of Our GIFT City Services

SEZ Entity Setup

Complete execution of entity registration, SEZ developer coordination, municipal approvals, and post-incorporation licensing within GIFT City.

IFSCA Fund Licensing

Drafting and representation for licensing applications for fund management companies, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), and corporate schemes.

VCC Structuring

Expert setup of Variable Capital Company structures, allowing you to establish multiple sub-funds under a single corporate roof.

Private Trusts

Drafting and setting up private trusts under IFSCA regulations to ensure wealth protection, legacy transition, and compliant family investments.

Group Structuring

Integrate investment funds in GIFT City to optimize multinational group shareholding patterns and transfer pricing allocations.

FDI & ODI Compliance

Coordinate regulatory documentation and coordinate reporting filings directly with the RBI for all inbound and outbound investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary tax incentives in GIFT City?

Licensed units in GIFT City enjoy a 100% corporate income tax holiday for any 10 consecutive years out of a block of 15 years. In addition, there is no GST on services imported or transactions within the SEZ, lower withholding taxes, and exemptions from stamp duties.

What is a Variable Capital Company (VCC) structure?

A VCC is a highly flexible corporate vehicle tailored for investment funds. It allows capital to vary dynamically as shares are issued or redeemed, without requiring court approval. It also supports setting up distinct sub-funds under a single parent entity, segregating assets and liabilities between portfolios.

How long does the licensing process take?

Generally, SEZ incorporation takes 2 to 3 weeks. Preparing the IFSCA fund licensing application, drafting compliance policies, and receiving the final registrar license takes approximately 2 to 3 months depending on the regulatory queue.