Unefund — fund formation platform
HomeJurisdictionsGIFT City

GIFT City fund structures for global and India-focused investment platforms.

Last Updated: April 2026

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), offering a unique onshore-offshore hybrid model combining India's legal certainty with international financial market flexibility.

Start your GIFT City fund

GIFT City fund formation is the process of establishing an investment fund in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). GIFT City is India's only international financial centre, offering AIF Category I/II/III structures with significant tax benefits. Setup typically takes 4-8 weeks.

GIFT City at a Glance

RegulatorInternational Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
Common Fund TypesAIF Category I, II, III; Retail Schemes
Typical Setup Time4-8 weeks
Min. SubscriptionUSD 150,000 (Cat III)
Tax TreatmentSignificant tax exemptions for IFSC funds
Legal SystemCommon law (India's SEBI/IFSCA framework)
EU PassportNo
Best ForIndia-focused strategies, offshore rupee funds

About the Jurisdiction

GIFT City

GIFT City operates as a global financial hub with an independent regulatory and tax framework, offering foreign currency operations, tax incentives, and streamlined approvals.

India's first International Financial Services Centre
Unique onshore-offshore hybrid model
Foreign currency operations permitted
Tax incentives and exemptions
Access to both Indian and global investors

Regulator

International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

IFSCA provides a unified regulator for banking, capital markets, funds, and insurance within the IFSC, supporting multiple fund categories from venture capital to retail schemes.

Type of Fund

Common GIFT City fund types supported by Unefund

Venture Capital Schemes

Closed-Ended
  • Targeted at accredited and sophisticated investors
  • Classified as Category I AIF for tax benefits
  • Flexible co-investment and deal structures
  • Filing/intimation-based launch framework
  • Suitable for innovation-driven strategies
Most Popular

Restricted Schemes

Open/Closed-Ended
  • Designed for professional and accredited investors
  • Minimum investment typically USD 150,000
  • Can be open-ended or closed-ended
  • Supports PE, Private Credit, Hedge Funds, Derivatives
  • No full scheme authorisation required

Retail Schemes

Open-Ended
  • Designed for retail investors and NRIs
  • Includes Mutual Funds, ETFs, Fund-of-Funds
  • Higher regulatory oversight and authorisation
  • Stricter disclosure and valuation rules
  • USD-denominated retail access from India

Family Investment Funds

Private Placement
  • Restricted to family members and related entities
  • Highly flexible and confidential
  • Private placement framework
  • Light-touch regulatory approach
  • Ideal for wealth preservation

Our Approach

Structure is not a form. It is a system.

Unefund does not treat GIFT City funds as standalone legal entities. Each structure is designed to ensure the fund operates as part of a coherent institutional platform.

01Investment strategy alignment
02Investor profile assessment
03Regulatory positioning
04Banking and custody feasibility
05Reporting and governance requirements

Important Note

GIFT City structures offer access to both Indian and global capital markets. Creating internationally credible and operationally scalable funds requires disciplined governance and compliance design.

Unefund's role is to ensure flexibility remains institutional.

Your Journey

From vision to launch

Why Unefund

A single orchestration layer for your GIFT City fund.

Single Coordination

One point of contact for your entire fund setup and operations.

Integrated Support

Fund setup and operational support working seamlessly together.

Regulatory Alignment

Strong compliance frameworks built into every structure.

Multi-Jurisdictional

Expertise across GIFT, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cayman, BVI, Luxembourg, and more.

Asset Class Experience

PE, VC, Hedge, Credit, Digital Assets, and Real Estate fund structures.

Technology-Enabled

Modern reporting and portal access for full transparency.

Transparent pricing — Cost-effective and predictable, with no hidden fees.

Why GIFT City

Benefits of the GIFT City jurisdiction

Unique onshore-offshore hybrid model
Tax incentives and exemptions
Foreign currency operations
Streamlined regulatory approvals
Access to Indian and global investors
Unified regulator (IFSCA)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Approximately 6–10 weeks, depending on documentation readiness and IFSCA processing timelines.

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

No. Unefund acts as the central coordination point with all key service providers.

We follow a transparent and all-inclusive pricing structure with no hidden or unexpected charges.

Yes. Fund Management Entity (FME) registration and local presence are required for most structures.

Typical documentation includes: Incorporation documents; Constitutional documents (LPA / Trust Deed); Offering documents (PPM, Subscription Agreement, Risk Disclosures); Management and governance documents; AML and compliance policies; Service provider agreements.

Design your GIFT City fund structure with institutional clarity.

Structured. Integrated. Accountable.

Talk to Unefund