How to Register a Foreign Subsidiary in GIFT City

GIFT City is more than a financial district—it's a launchpad for global businesses aiming to establish a presence in India. From tax breaks to state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) offers a welcoming ecosystem for foreign investors.

In this blog, we will explain why registering a foreign company in GIFT City is a smart move.

• It doesn’t matter whether you're a fintech startup or a growing multinational—GIFT City has something to offer.

• We will guide you through the registration process step by step.

• You’ll learn about the key legal requirements that apply to foreign subsidiaries.

• We'll also highlight the tax incentives you can benefit from by setting up in GIFT City.

Why GIFT City is the Right Choice

• 0% corporate tax for 10 years out of 15

• Full capital account convertibility

• No dividend distribution tax, securities transaction tax, or GST on select services

• Access to India's International Bullion Exchange

• Single-window clearance and modern infrastructure

More than 400 companies have already made GIFT City their home—thanks to the supportive regulations and future-ready environment.

Explore how GIFT City benefits global businesses

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Foreign Subsidiary in GIFT City

Choose the Right Entity Type

You can set up as:

• Private Limited Company – Separate legal entity, ideal for growth

• LLP – Offers flexible management with limited liability

• Branch Office – An extension of your parent company, suitable for limited operations

Each has different compliance and tax implications, so choose based on your long-term goals.

Need help choosing the right structure?

Reserve Your Company Name

• Visit the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website

• Use the SPICe+ Part A form to reserve your company name

• Include "IFSC" if you're in financial services for quicker approval

Secure Office Space in GIFT SEZ

• Choose from GIFT-approved commercial spaces

• Obtain a Provisional Letter of Allotment (PLOA)

• Make sure your setup includes high-speed internet, backup power, and secure access

Apply to the SEZ Development Commissioner

Submit:

• Form F and ₹5,000 fee

• PLOA

• Company documents (MOA, AOA, Certificate of Incorporation)

• KYC of directors

• Detailed 5-year business plan

• Board resolutions

Get Approval from the Unit Approval Committee (UAC)

At this stage, you’ll present:

• Your business overview

• Job creation forecast

• Investment plans

Upon approval, you’ll receive your Letter of Approval (LOA).

Sign Your Lease Agreement

Within 6 months of receiving your LOA:

• Execute the lease deed

• Submit it to the SEZ office

Delays here can lead to cancellation of your approval.

Complete Final Registrations

Make sure to:

• Register on the NSDL SEZ portal

• Submit the Bond-cum-Legal Undertaking (BLUT)

• Get GST registration (if required)

• Apply for IEC for trading

• Obtain RCMC if you’ll be exporting

Register with IFSCA (If Applicable)

If you're in financial services, register with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA):

• Meet KYC/AML norms

• Submit required forms

• Comply with capital and governance standards

Visit IFSCA site - https://www.ifsca.gov.in/

Start Operations

You’re ready to go live! Submit proof of your first invoice or commercial activity to the Development Commissioner.

Common Challenges

• Understanding complex documentation

• Navigating Indian corporate law

• Identifying reliable legal and local partners

CorpE offers tailored support throughout the process to help you avoid delays and errors.

Key Advantages of Setting Up in GIFT City

• 100% tax exemption for 10 years

• No tax on dividends or capital gains

• Single-window regulatory system

• Proximity to Indian financial hubs and international connectivity

• Future-focused infrastructure with access to fintech and capital markets

Final Thoughts

Registering a foreign subsidiary in GIFT City is a strategic move that can open doors across India and the wider South Asian region. With the right support and step-by-step planning, the setup process can be seamless.

At Corpe.io, we simplify this journey for you. From incorporation and licensing to workspace setup and compliance, we handle it all so you can focus on growing your business.