GIFT IFSC·GIFT IFSC·Recently expanded

GIFT City IFSC — 20-Year Tax Holiday

Q: How do I apply for GIFT IFSC?

Apply through the official portal: https://www.ifsca.gov.in. The scheme is administered by IFSCA.

20-year tax holiday (extended from 10 in Budget 2026-27). 100% NRI/OCI fund ownership. Zero capital gains for non-residents in Cat III AIFs.

Quick facts

Ministry / Agency: IFSCA
Funding: 20-yr tax holiday
Stage: Any stage
Sector: Any sector
Equity dilution: Not applicable
DPIIT recognition required: No
NRI / OCI eligibility: Yes — NRI and OCI founders are eligible to apply.

Who is eligible

GIFT IFSC-domiciled entity

How to apply

GIFT IFSC is administered by IFSCA. Applications are submitted through the official portal — there are no application fees and you do not need to go through third-party intermediaries.

Apply on the official portal

Opens ifsca.gov.in in a new tab. StartupIndi is not affiliated with this scheme or its administering body.

Other schemes that often pair with GIFT IFSC or apply to a similar profile.

IFSCA FinTech Sandbox

Most globally oriented sandbox. Combined with 20-yr GIFT IFSC tax holiday, regime-level alpha for cross-border fintech.

Funding: Tax-holiday regimeStage: mvp, early-revenue

DPIIT Startup India Recognition

The gateway credential. Itself free, but unlocks 80-IAC tax holiday, IP fee rebates, labour self-cert, GeM access, SISFS eligibility. First filing post-incorporation.

Funding: FreeStage: Any

SAMRIDH — MeitY Startup Accelerator

Up to ₹40 L matching investment via accelerator. ~300 startups targeted; 373 supported as of Feb 2026.

Funding: ₹20 L – ₹40 LStage: mvp, early-revenue

Udyam Registration

Free, online MSME credential. De facto mandatory for accessing CGTMSE, PMEGP, public procurement, delayed-payment protection. File alongside DPIIT.

Funding: FreeStage: Any

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for GIFT IFSC?+

GIFT IFSC-domiciled entity

What is the funding amount under GIFT IFSC?+

20-yr tax holiday. 20-yr tax holiday

Can NRI or OCI founders apply for GIFT IFSC?+

Yes — NRI and OCI founders are eligible to apply.

Does GIFT IFSC require DPIIT recognition?+

No — DPIIT recognition is not required for GIFT IFSC.

How do I apply for GIFT IFSC?+

Apply through the official portal at ifsca.gov.in. The scheme is administered by IFSCA.

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