Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, popularly known as GIFT City, is fast becoming India's most ambitious financial and technology hub. Positioned between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, this smart city is a government-backed project designed to provide a globally competitive ecosystem for businesses in finance, fintech, IT, and related sectors.

As of 2025, GIFT City is no longer a concept or a promise but a fully functional zone attracting global companies, Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and investors with an appetite for dollar-denominated products and seamless cross-border access. With key regulatory incentives, top-tier infrastructure, and increasing global participation, GIFT City is transforming how and where Indians invest.

This article explores the latest developments, tax benefits, technological advancements, and investment opportunities that make GIFT City one of India's most important economic developments today.

The key attraction for businesses and investors at GIFT City is the IFSC, regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). Established in 2020, IFSCA offers a liberal regulatory environment that simplifies operations for financial institutions, fintech startups, fund managers, and insurance providers.

Notable benefits include:

• Ten-year tax holiday for businesses operating in the IFSC
• Exemption from GST and capital gains on certain financial instruments
• Ease in dollar-denominated transactions for investors under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)
• Single-window clearance system for regulatory approvals

In 2025, the government extended tax incentives for IFSC units till 2030 and introduced reforms for fund management. These include lower thresholds for corpus requirements, co-investment flexibility, and simplified compliance structures, making it easier for asset managers and wealth managers to operate from GIFT City.

• One of the most significant transformations driven by GIFT City is how Indians can now invest in global markets. Through SEBI-registered brokers operating in the IFSC, Indian residents can use their LRS limit of up to USD 250,000 per financial year to invest in global stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds, directly in US dollars.
• The number of brokers operating from GIFT IFSC has grown steadily, offering investor-friendly platforms that bypass traditional hurdles such as currency conversion, high transaction fees, and compliance complexities.
• In FY 2023-24 alone, outward remittances through GIFT City under LRS crossed USD 1.5 billion. This reflects the growing appetite among Indian investors for global diversification and the growing trust in the regulatory framework of GIFT City.

• Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are finding a new home in the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar-GIFT corridor. Several multinational corporations are either setting up or expanding their Indian base in GIFT City to leverage cost efficiencies, skilled talent, and business-friendly regulations.
• Companies such as Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays have already marked their presence. IT giants like IBM, Google, Accenture, and Wipro have either operational offices or are in advanced stages of planning.
• By 2025, GIFT City aims to attract over 250 global companies and is expected to generate over 1,00,000 jobs, cementing its status as a GCC hub for Tier-II India.

• Despite impressive progress, GIFT City still faces some urban challenges. Being a relatively new city, social infrastructure such as entertainment zones, cafes, nightlife options, and flexible liquor policies is still evolving.
• Efforts are underway to resolve these limitations. Policy relaxations are in the pipeline for F&B and cultural events. The metro line connecting GIFT City to Ahmedabad is expected to become fully operational soon, which will significantly boost accessibility.
• With these upgrades, GIFT City is projected to become a highly liveable and attractive destination for working professionals and global talent.

Price Trends and Real Estate Value

The average commercial property price in GIFT City ranges between ₹4,500 to ₹6,500 per square foot, depending on location and specifications. Residential prices are currently between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 per square foot but are expected to appreciate sharply due to infrastructure momentum and increasing demand from GCCs and HNIs.

1. Understand the regulatory benefits of operating through IFSC for tax and compliance planning.
2. Consider commercial leasing early, as prime real estate space is limited and highly competitive.
3. Track LRS and RBI guidelines if investing through GIFT brokers in global assets.
4. Watch the infrastructure pipeline, especially metro connectivity and lifestyle amenities, which impact real estate value.
5. Stay updated on IFSCA reforms, especially if planning to operate as a fund, fintech, or IT service provider.

GIFT City is redefining the contours of investment, finance, and technology in India. From a policy experiment, it has matured into a thriving hub for global businesses, financial institutions, and tech-driven companies. For Indian investors, it offers a direct bridge to international markets with reduced complexity and better transparency.

With continued regulatory support, real estate appreciation, and growing corporate interest, GIFT City is not only a city of the future but also the present. Whether you are an investor, startup founder, or global enterprise, GIFT City is where innovation meets opportunity.