Resource
Refer to the official IFSCA platform for detailed regulations. We simplify it for your ease.
Lease Vessels Globally from GIFT City IFSC
Launch maritime finance and ship leasing operations in India’s IFSC—fully in line with IFSCA’s ship leasing framework and global incentives.
What Is IFSCA’s Ship Leasing Framework?
IFSCA defines ship leasing as a regulated finance activity within GIFT City IFSC, enabling entities to lease ocean vessels under a single unified regime. It distinguishes between domestic and international leasing, providing clarity on permissible operations.
Why Lease Ships in GIFT IFSC?
- Global Operations Only: Domestic leasing from IFSC is not permitted; only international or mixed operations are allowed.
- Unified Regulation: Operate under a single, IFSCA-led licensing regime.
- Foreign-Currency Transactions: Lease vessels in USD, EUR, GBP, etc.
- Tax & Trade Efficiency: Benefit from IFSC incentives, duty-free imports/exports, and streamlined operational permits.
Ship Leasing Services You Can Provide at IFSCA
Offer globally compliant ship leasing, financing, and structuring services from India’s premier IFSC at GIFT City.
Operating & Financial Leasing
Offer both short-term operating leases and long-term financial leases for ships and marine assets to international clients through GIFT IFSC.
Structured & Hybrid Models
Provide custom leasing structures including hybrid models that blend finance and lease solutions based on client needs and regulatory flexibility.
Advisory & Compliance Services
Deliver end-to-end support for master lease design, tax planning, maintenance obligations, and IFSCA-compliant structuring.
How to Set Up Ship Leasing in GIFT City IFSC?
Setting up a ship leasing unit in GIFT City’s IFSC involves a streamlined, regulation-backed process under the IFSCA framework. Designed to attract global maritime lessors and financiers, this setup allows both Indian and foreign entities to operate with international best practices, currency flexibility, and attractive tax incentives. Whether you’re offering operational, financial, or hybrid leases, the GIFT IFSC provides a globally aligned platform with simplified compliance and full repatriation freedom.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Entity must be registered in GIFT IFSC as a finance company or finance unit under IFSCA’s ship leasing framework.
- Corporate registration in IFSC
- Business model, lease terms, client jurisdiction details
- Structuring model (operating/financial/hybrid)
Want to know how long your setup will take? Try the Licensing Timeline Tool.
Use our real-time Licensing Timeline calculator. We analyze your needs and provide a personalized estimate.
-> Try the Licensing Timeline Tool.
Want to Lease Ships from GIFT City?
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Want to See What You Gain? Try hese Free Tools
Use our Free Investment Calculator’s to see how much you can save and earn by operating from Gift City and Gift City Advisory.
Tax Savings Estimator
Discover how much tax you can save by setting up in GIFT City.
Licensing Timeline
Get a clear, step-by-step timeline to complete your GIFT City business registration smoothly.
Regulatory Fit Checker
Quickly check if your business model aligns with GIFT City’s regulatory framework and benefits.
Regulatory Highlights
GIFT City’s ship leasing services operate under a globally aligned framework governed by IFSCA, allowing leasing only to non-resident or mixed client bases, while excluding purely domestic operations. A single-window licensing model ensures regulatory clarity, with all approvals and oversight unified under IFSCA circulars and guidelines published in 2024. Lessees and lessors benefit from currency freedom, enabling international transactions in USD, EUR, and other major currencies without restriction.
Capital Requirement
No minimum capital requirement is prescribed; however, financial soundness and compliance capability are expected for approval under IFSCA norms.
Unified Licensing
A single-window approval by IFSCA simplifies the process—covering all compliance, eligibility, and operational checks under one regulatory framework.
Currency Flexibility
Leases and related payments can be executed in major international currencies like USD or EUR, ensuring ease in global operations.
Services We Offer as Your
GiftCityAdvisor
At GiftCityAdvisor, we streamline your entry into GIFT City’s ship leasing ecosystem with complete, end-to-end support. From entity setup and IFSCA licensing to cross-border compliance and operational guidance, we ensure your business sails smoothly. Whether you’re a global lessor, maritime finance firm, or logistics operator, our services are customised to your growth path.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Assessment | Analyse if your leasing business aligns with IFSCA’s ship leasing rules. |
| Entity Registration | Setup company/finance unit in GIFT IFSC & handle SEZ/LOA applications. |
| Licensing Application | File for IFSCA ship leasing license under the correct framework. |
| Structuring Advice | Guidance on lease agreements, vessel ownership models, and tax planning. |
| Multijurisdiction Support | Ensure client mix (foreign & domestic) aligns with regulations. |
| Ongoing Compliance | Annual filings, cross-border reporting, and lease supervision. |
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