GIFT City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) Free Zone

GIFT City IFSC operates under a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework established by the IFSCA Act 2019 and subsequent regulations, providing a unified authority for financial services in the IFSC. The regulatory environment is designed to promote ease of doing business and global connectivity.

Overview

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

Tax Information

VAT on CryptoNo

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorIFSCA
FrameworkIFSCA Act 2019 and related regulations
Easemedium
Cost (USD)$10,000 - $75,000

Licensing is governed by the IFSCA with multiple regulations covering payment services, fund management, and fintech entities. The process is structured but requires compliance with detailed regulatory standards.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

Enforcement focused on unlicensed operators and consumer protection

AML / KYC

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

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Legal

DeFi activities are permitted within the regulatory framework of IFSCA, with ongoing consultations to integrate electronic trading platforms and fintech innovations.

Stablecoins

Status: regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the IFSCA framework, with specific guidelines expected under forthcoming regulations for electronic trading platforms and fintech services.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No specific NFT regulation

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.08/kWh
Renewable Energy20%
Infrastructuregood

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and 20% renewable energy usage. Infrastructure supports financial and tech services with ongoing development.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index40/100
Banking Accessopen
Sanctions Program ActiveYes

Risk Factors

GIFT City benefits from India's stable political environment and growing financial infrastructure. While India is not under international sanctions, regional geopolitical tensions and evolving regulations pose moderate risks.

Recent Political Events

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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

GIFT City IFSC operates under a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework established by the IFSCA Act 2019 and subsequent regulations, providing a unified authority for financial services in the IFSC. The regulatory environment is designed to promote ease of doing business and global connectivity.

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: compliant.

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: 2026-09-13 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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