GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) Free Zone

GIFT City IFSC operates under the unified regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), which provides a clear and comprehensive regulatory environment for financial services including crypto assets. The IFSCA Virtual Digital Asset Sandbox facilitates innovation in digital assets within a regulated framework.

Overview

StatusLegal
Risk Score25/100 (Low Risk)
Regionsouth asia
CurrencyINR

Tax Information

VAT on CryptoNo

The regulator page does not specify detailed crypto tax rates or rules, but indicates no VAT on crypto transactions within the IFSC.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorIFSCA
FrameworkIFSCA Act 2019; IFSCA (Payment Services) Regulations 2024; IFSCA (TechFin and Ancillary Services) Regulations 2025; IFSCA (Fund Management) Regulations 2025; IFSCA FinTech Entity Framework 2022; IFSCA Global Access Framework 2025 (circular IFSCA-PLNP/80/2024, August 12 2025)
Easemedium
Cost (USD)$10,000 - $75,000

Licensing is governed by IFSCA regulations with a sandbox framework for virtual digital assets to encourage innovation while ensuring compliance.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

Enforcement focused on unlicensed operators and consumer protection

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberYes
FATF Statusregular_follow_up
FATF BodyFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the IFSCA framework, with sandbox provisions allowing controlled experimentation and compliance.

Stablecoins

Status: regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the IFSCA framework, ensuring compliance with financial regulations applicable to digital assets.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No specific NFT regulation

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.08/kWh
Renewable Energy20%
Infrastructuregood

Mining is legal within GIFT City IFSC with competitive electricity costs and a moderate renewable energy mix. Infrastructure supports financial and tech services well.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index40/100
Banking Accessmoderate

Risk Factors

GIFT City IFSC benefits from India's overall stable political environment and improving regulatory framework, though regional geopolitical tensions and evolving regulations pose moderate risks.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre)?

GIFT City IFSC operates under the unified regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), which provides a clear and comprehensive regulatory environment for financial services including crypto assets. The IFSCA Virtual Digital Asset Sandbox facilitates innovation in digital assets within a regulated framework.

What is the FATF status of GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre)?

GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) is classified by FATF as: regular_follow_up.

Are VASPs licensed in GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre)?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre)?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-01 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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