GIFT City AIFs for NRIs
The ultimate offshore investment solution for NRIs seeking global diversification, regulatory benefits, and seamless capital repatriation through India's premier international financial hub.
$150K+
Minimum Investment
22.5%
Avg. Top Returns 2023
100%
Capital Repatriation
Live Data
GIFT City AIF Performance
Alternative Equity Fund
Global Equity
22.50%
India Growth Opportunities
Multi-Asset
18.60%
Offshore Infrastructure Fund
Infrastructure & Real Estate
16.80%
Global Markets AIF
Global Diversification
14.20%
Currency Options
Top Locations
Why GIFT City Matters
for NRIs
GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), designed as a global hub for offshore investments and financial innovation. For NRIs and OCIs, it offers a unique platform to access global investment products with simplified compliance.
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) established in GIFT City are gaining significant attention from NRI investors due to their professional management, diversification, global currency access, and seamless repatriation of capital. Bharat Alternates specializes in helping NRIs invest in the best GIFT City AIFs aligned with long-term wealth-building goals.
Offshore Regulatory Environment
Governed by the IFSCA with a globally aligned framework for transparency and investor protection.
Foreign Currency Transactions
All investments in foreign currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, AED, removing the need for INR conversion.
No Indian Bank Account Required
Use offshore accounts in GIFT City through IBUs to subscribe and redeem investments.
Professional Fund Management
Top Indian and global asset managers operate within GIFT City, offering diverse AIF strategies.
Tax Efficiency
Potential tax advantages for NRIs compared to direct investments in Indian domestic markets.
Global Exposure & Diversification
Access to both Indian and international markets with diversified asset allocation.
Overview
GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), designed as a global hub for offshore investments and financial innovation. For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India), GIFT City offers a unique platform to access global investment products with simplified compliance and foreign currency flexibility.
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) established in GIFT City are gaining significant attention from NRI investors due to their professional management, diversification, global currency access, and seamless repatriation of capital. Bharat Alternates specializes in helping NRIs invest in the best GIFT City AIFs that align with long-term wealth-building goals.
GIFT City vs Domestic AIFs
Comparison
Understanding the key differences between domestic AIFs and GIFT City AIFs can help NRIs make informed investment decisions aligned with their global financial goals.
| Feature | GIFT City AIFs | Domestic AIFs |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | USD, EUR, GBP, AED, SGD | Indian Rupees (INR) only |
| Eligibility | NRIs, OCIs, Foreign Investors | Primarily Resident Indians, limited NRI access |
| Repatriation | Fully repatriable | Subject to FEMA and RBI norms |
| Bank Account | Offshore IBU Account | NRE/NRO Account Required |
| Regulation | IFSCA (International) | SEBI (Domestic) |
Key Takeaway for NRIs
GIFT City AIFs offer NRIs the unique advantage of investing in India-focused strategies through a global regulatory framework, using foreign currency with simplified repatriation. This combines the growth potential of Indian markets with the flexibility of international investments.
Popular NRI Source Countries
United States
FATCA Compliant, No Currency Conversion
UAE
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Tax-Free Repatriation
Singapore
Direct USD Investment, Easy Remittance
United Kingdom
Multi-Currency Options (GBP, USD)
Australia
Streamlined Investment Process
Canada
Favorable Tax Treatment
Qatar
Tax-Free Income in Home Country
Hong Kong
International Financial Hub Advantage
Japan
Diversification Option for NRIs
Types of Alternative Investment
Funds in GIFT City
GIFT City offers diverse Alternative Investment Fund categories tailored for NRI investors looking to diversify their investment portfolio in India from abroad.
Category I AIFs
These funds invest in startups, early-stage ventures, SMEs, and infrastructure with government incentives for socially and economically beneficial sectors.
- Venture Capital Funds for tech startups
- SME-focused investment vehicles
- Infrastructure development funds
Ideal for NRIs interested in impact investing with potential tax benefits under GIFT City regulations.
Category II AIFs
The most common type for NRIs, including private equity, debt funds, and real estate funds without any specific incentives or restrictions.
- Private equity funds with global diversification
- Real estate investment vehicles
- Structured debt funds in multiple currencies
Popular among NRIs seeking balanced risk-reward profiles with flexible investment strategies across asset classes.
Category III AIFs
Trading-focused funds that employ diverse and complex trading strategies with potential for leverage across global markets.
- Hedge funds with multi-currency exposure
- PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) funds
- Quantitative and algorithmic trading strategies
Suited for sophisticated NRI investors seeking potentially higher returns with commensurate higher risk profiles.
IFSCA Regulatory Framework
for NRI Investors
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) provides a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically designed for international financial services in GIFT City, making it an ideal investment destination for Non-Resident Indians.
Unlike domestic AIFs regulated by SEBI, GIFT City AIFs operate under the IFSCA's regulations which follow global best practices while offering specific advantages for offshore investors like NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs.
Key Regulatory Benefits for NRIs:
100% Foreign Currency Operations
All investments, returns, and repatriations occur in your preferred foreign currency, eliminating FX conversion costs and risks.
Global Market Access
IFSCA permits GIFT City AIFs to invest in both Indian securities and international markets, offering true global diversification.
Streamlined Compliance
Simplified regulatory framework designed specifically for international investors with reduced documentation and KYC requirements.
GIFT City vs. Traditional NRI Investment Routes
Versus NRE/NRO Direct Investments
No Indian bank account requirement, no need for PIS approval, and full currency flexibility compared to traditional NRE/NRO routes which require conversion to INR.
Versus Domestic AIFs
Domestic AIFs require NRIs to operate through NRE/NRO accounts, convert to INR, and face repatriation limits, while GIFT City AIFs eliminate these constraints.
Versus Offshore Funds
GIFT City AIFs provide India exposure with offshore benefits, offering the best of both worlds compared to traditional offshore funds which may lack direct India access.
Ideal For NRIs From:
Frequently Asked Questions
About GIFT City AIFs
Answers to common questions NRIs have about investing in GIFT City AIFs
Can I invest in GIFT City AIFs from the USA or UAE?
Yes. NRIs from any country can invest using foreign currency through approved routes.
Is GIFT City regulated and safe?
Yes. The IFSCA ensures GIFT City complies with global standards for fund management, investor protection, and disclosure.
Are returns from GIFT City AIFs tax-free?
No. While taxation may differ from domestic AIFs, GIFT City investments are not inherently tax-free. Consult a tax advisor.
What's the minimum investment?
Most GIFT City AIFs require a minimum of USD 150,000 (or equivalent).
How do I repatriate my investment proceeds?
Via your GIFT City IBU account, you can freely repatriate your funds to your overseas bank account.
Can I invest in Indian startups or private equity via GIFT City AIFs?
Yes, several Category II AIFs in GIFT City are structured to invest in Indian startups, VC deals, and unlisted growth-stage businesses.
How does Bharat Alternates help with onboarding and compliance?
We offer a dedicated advisory team, personalized fund selection, full digital onboarding support, and ongoing portfolio monitoring.
Ready to Invest in GIFT City AIFs?
Bharat Alternates provides end-to-end support for NRIs worldwide, from fund selection to compliance management. Our experts will guide you through every step of the investment process.