Resource
Refer to the official IFSCA platform for detailed regulations. We simplify it for your ease.
GIFT City Ship Leasing Setup
Launch maritime finance and ship leasing operations in India’s IFSC—fully in line with IFSCA’s ship leasing framework and global incentives in Gift City Gandhinagar by GiftCityAdvisor.
How GiftCityAdvisor can help you in Ship Leasing Setup
Our firm provides specialized advisory for GIFT City ship leasing, helping maritime businesses establish a strategic presence in India’s premier IFSC.
We guide clients through the entire process of setting up ship leasing in GIFT City, from entity incorporation to securing the necessary licenses. Our expertise ensures your operations are structured to take full advantage of the favorable tax and regulatory environment.
We offer comprehensive support for your IFSC ship setup, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements for ship leasing in GIFT City. By handling the complexities of the licensing and approval process, we enable you to focus on growing your maritime financing and leasing portfolio.
Partner with us to launch your GIFT City ship leasing venture efficiently and successfully.
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.
GIFT City ship leasing Services at IFSCA
Offer globally compliant ship leasing, financing, and structuring services from India’s premier IFSC at GIFT City Gandhinagar.
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.
Set Sail from GIFT City—IFSC Gift City Ship Leasing Hub
Compliant lease structures with 0% withholding tax.
Free Investment Calculator by GiftCityAdvisor
Explore how GIFT City can reduce costs and improve returns with our simple, accurate Free Investment Calculator.
Tax Savings Estimator
See how much you can save under GIFT City tax benefits.
Licensing Timeline
Track your application progress with timeline clarity.
Regulatory Fit Checker
Get quick answers on whether your business fits in GIFT City.
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 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ship leasing companies operate from GIFT City?
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Yes, GIFT City offers regulatory provisions for ship leasing and related maritime financial activities.
What are the advantages of ship leasing from GIFT City?
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Tax benefits, operational ease, and access to India’s growing maritime sector.
Who can set up ship leasing entities in GIFT City?
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Indian shipping companies, foreign lessors, and finance houses can establish operations.
Do you help with regulatory approvals?
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Yes, we manage end-to-end documentation, approval, and compliance support.
What is the usual setup duration?
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The average timeline is 6–9 weeks.
Talk to Our Advisors
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