GIFT City for NRIs
As global investing becomes a part of many NRIs’ wealth-building plans, GIFT City—India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)—has emerged as a powerful gateway. It offers access to international financial markets, world-class banking, and investment opportunities, all while operating within India’s regulatory framework.
At Moneybeans, we help NRIs and foreign nationals use GIFT City as a seamless platform to diversify globally, reduce costs, and enhance tax efficiency—without the usual complexities of cross-border investing.
What is GIFT City?
GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is a designated IFSC created to bring global financial services to India. It is treated as a foreign jurisdiction under exchange control rules, even though it is located within India.
This means NRIs, OCIs, and foreign investors can transact in foreign currency while enjoying international-level regulatory standards and tax benefits.
Why GIFT City Matters to NRIs?
GIFT City provides a consolidated platform that allows NRIs to:
- Invest globally
- Hold foreign currency deposits
- Access international products
- Reduce tax outflows
- Avoid multiple layers of charges and conversions
It combines the ease of an Indian ecosystem with the flexibility of global markets.
Investment Opportunities Available to NRIs:
GIFT City offers a wide range of products across asset classes. Some of the most relevant ones include:
Offshore Deposits:
Banks operating within GIFT City offer foreign currency deposits at competitive rates. You can invest in USD, GBP, or other currencies without worrying about conversion charges or exchange fluctuations during reinvestment.
Global Equities and Bonds:
NRIs and OCIs can invest in international shares, global fixed income instruments, and overseas financial products through GIFT City exchanges and IFSC platforms.
This opens doors to global diversification without routing money through multiple international accounts.
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs):
GIFT City hosts Category I, II, and III AIFs that invest in:
- Private equity
- Venture capital
- Real estate
- Listed and unlisted securities
These funds offer NRIs access to broader, high-growth segments beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
Real Estate via Listed REITs:
GIFT City exchanges list Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that provide structured exposure to the Indian commercial real estate market without buying property directly. This makes real estate participation simpler, more affordable, and professionally managed.
Mutual Funds via IFSC Units:
SEBI has enabled mutual fund houses to launch offshore funds in GIFT City. These are:
- Denominated in multiple currencies
- Managed under IFSCA regulations
- Able to invest globally across asset classes.
For NRIs, this creates an efficient bridge between Indian and global capital markets.
What do You Need to Get Started?
The onboarding process is simple. NRIs require:
- Valid KYC documents
- Overseas address proof
- Foreign currency funding capability
- FATCA/CRS declarations
At Moneybeans, we simplify this entire process and help you choose the right mix of products based on your risk profile, goals, and currency preferences.
The Moneybeans View
GIFT City is more than a location—it is a progressive ecosystem that connects Indian investors to global opportunities efficiently and affordably. For NRIs, it bridges two worlds: the familiarity of India and the breadth of international markets.
At Moneybeans, we integrate GIFT City into your broader financial strategy by:
- Aligning investments with long-term goals
- Managing asset allocation across geographies
- Ensuring tax efficiency
- Simplifying cross-border compliance
- Offering transparent, unbiased guidance
If you are an NRI seeking a structured, cost-effective, and globally diversified investment approach, GIFT City can be a valuable part of your financial plan.
