GIFT City

As part of Dhaval Vussonji & Associates, our GIFT City office provides a full spectrum of legal services to businesses establishing or operating within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With a strong foundation built over the past decade through our Mumbai headquarters, we are proud to extend our legal expertise to support businesses in this growing financial hub.

We offer legal consultancy, documentation, regulatory compliance, secretarial assistance, and contract drafting and execution, serving as a comprehensive legal partner for businesses in GIFT City. We streamline legal processes and ensure strict adherence to applicable laws and regulations, facilitating smooth operations and coordination across locations.

We work with a broad spectrum of industries, including banking and financial institutions, real estate firms, aircraft leasing companies, investment funds, and international universities. Our deep understanding of GIFT City’s legal and regulatory environment allows us to guide clients through complex legal challenges with confidence and precision.

At Dhaval Vussonji & Associates, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality legal solutions, helping businesses thrive and expand within GIFT City’s evolving ecosystem.

Key services within the GIFT ecosystem

 

Comprehensive Support for Ancillary Services

We specialize in providing exceptional legal and business advisory services to Ancillary Units. Our team offers strategic guidance on establishing Ancillary Units within GIFT City, catering to legal and compliance firms, auditing and accounting professionals, and management consultancy service providers.

Our services include:

• Facilitating the incorporation process for entities in GIFT City
• Assisting with the Letter of Approval application from the relevant authorities
• Providing support in submitting applications to IFSCA under the Framework for Enabling Ancillary Units
• Drafting and reviewing developer agreements related to office space allocation

With our expertise, we ensure a smooth setup process, regulatory compliance, and seamless operations for businesses looking to establish a presence in GIFT City.

 

Aircraft Leasing & Financing Legal Services

Our firm provides specialized legal counsel in aircraft leasing and financing, supporting airlines, lessors, financial institutions, and private investors. With extensive expertise in the aviation sector, we deliver customized solutions to navigate the complexities of aircraft transactions and financing structures. Our advisory covers a broad range of financing models, including loan agreements, sale and leaseback arrangements, and secured lending. By collaborating with both lenders and borrowers, we structure efficient, risk-mitigated financing solutions. Additionally, we guide clients through regulatory frameworks, aviation laws, environmental policies, and multi-jurisdictional registration requirements.

Our Services Include:

• Regulatory Compliance: Advising on adherence to IFSCA regulations and aircraft leasing laws applicable within GIFT IFSC.
• Lease Structuring: Assisting in optimizing lease agreements to maximize tax benefits and regulatory advantages.
• Financing Solutions: Offering guidance on debt and equity financing options, tailored to the specific needs of lessors and lessees.
• Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in arbitration and dispute resolution under the IFSCA legal framework.
• Cross-Border Transactions: Ensuring compliance with domestic and international aviation laws for seamless global leasing transactions.
• Tax Advisory: Providing insights into the tax benefits and obligations associated with aircraft leasing within GIFT IFSC.
• Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence on aircraft ownership, registration, and regulatory compliance.
• Legal Structuring: Assisting in the formation of leasing entities, including Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) within IFSC.
• Documentation Support: Drafting and reviewing lease agreements, financing contracts, and compliance documents in line with IFSCA regulations.
• Regulatory Approvals: Facilitating the acquisition of IFSCA approvals and operational licenses for aircraft leasing businesses.

By leveraging our deep industry knowledge and regulatory expertise, we help clients streamline their operations, minimize risks, and enhance profitability in the GIFT IFSC aircraft leasing ecosystem.

Finance Companies

At India Juris, we are committed to providing top-tier legal and business advisory services to companies operating within GIFT City. With extensive industry knowledge, our team offers tailored solutions designed to meet the unique requirements of start-ups, established enterprises, and multinational corporations in this rapidly evolving financial hub.

Our Services Include:

• Business Formation Support: Assisting in selecting the most suitable business structure and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Advisory: Guiding businesses through the incorporation process, helping them navigate legal and regulatory frameworks efficiently.
• Cross-Border Expertise: Offering specialized insights on international transactions, transfer pricing, and global tax strategies.
• Corporate Legal Counsel: Providing comprehensive legal advisory on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and operational matters to ensure seamless business operations.

With our in-depth expertise, we help businesses establish a strong legal foundation, ensuring compliance and long-term success within GIFT City.

 

FinTech & Tech-Driven Financial Services

Our firm delivers specialized legal solutions for businesses operating in the fast-growing FinTech sector. Combining deep expertise in technology and finance, we offer strategic legal counsel to startups, financial institutions, and tech firms adapting to the evolving landscape of financial technology.

We assist FinTech enterprises in understanding and complying with complex regulatory frameworks governing financial services. This includes ensuring adherence to payment services regulations, electronic money (e-money) laws, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance requirements.

Our goal is to help FinTech innovators navigate legal challenges while fostering growth and regulatory compliance in a dynamic industry.

Fund Set-up & Advisory

India Juris is a leading law firm specializing in Fund Set-up and Advisory services in India. The firm has extensive experience assisting investors and clients in structuring and establishing funds in GIFT City, regulated by IFSCA. Offering comprehensive, end-to-end support, India Juris ensures a seamless fund formation process, covering the following services:

• Fund Structuring & Set-up – Assisting clients in determining the most suitable fund category.
• Establishment of Fund Management Entities – Setting up fund management and related entities in GIFT City.
• Complete Support Until Operationalization – Providing continuous guidance from inception to operational commencement.
• Legal Documentation – Drafting essential agreements, including Private Placement Memorandums (PPM), Contribution Agreements, and Investment Manager Agreements.
• Investment Transaction Assistance – Supporting funds in executing investment transactions.
• Regulatory Advisory – Advising Indian and global clients on IFSCA regulations and compliance processes.
• Fund Compliance Management – Ensuring end-to-end regulatory compliance for funds and SME funds.

With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, India Juris offers tailored legal and strategic solutions to facilitate fund establishment in GIFT City.

 

Global In-House Centres (GIC) Advisory

India Juris is committed to providing comprehensive support for Global In-House Centres (GICs) in GIFT City. Our team offers expert legal and regulatory guidance to financial groups and institutions looking to establish GICs, ensuring a seamless setup and compliance process.

Our services include:

• Strategic Structuring & Advisory – Assisting financial institutions in structuring GICs while navigating regulatory, tax, and operational frameworks in GIFT City.
• Regulatory Approvals – Supporting the preparation and submission of applications for SEZ and IFSCA approvals.
• Compliance Management – Providing legal guidance on meeting all regulatory requirements applicable to GICs.
• Post-Setup Advisory – Offering continued assistance to ensure compliance with IFSCA Regulations and Framework post-establishment.
• Policy Drafting – Preparing essential policies required for GIC operations within GIFT City IFSC.

With deep expertise in financial regulations and GIFT City’s evolving landscape, India Juris delivers tailored solutions to help GICs thrive in this global financial hub.

 

Mediation & Arbitration Services

Our firm specializes in handling high-stakes international commercial arbitration matters. With extensive experience in both domestic and international arbitration and mediation, our legal team provides strategic counsel across diverse business sectors.

Our arbitration and mediation services include:

• Advising on Arbitration Clauses – Providing expert guidance on drafting and interpreting complex arbitration provisions.
• Proceedings Stay Applications – Assisting in applications to stay legal proceedings in favor of arbitration.
• Enforcement of Awards – Representing clients in enforcing or contesting arbitral awards.
• Challenging Arbitral Awards – Advising on legal strategies to challenge unfavorable arbitration decisions.
• Arbitrator Substitution – Facilitating the removal or replacement of arbitrators when necessary.
• Mediation Representation – Acting as mediators or counsel to parties in mediation proceedings.

Our firm is committed to delivering efficient dispute resolution solutions, ensuring that our clients navigate arbitration and mediation processes with confidence.

 

Ship Leasing & Financing

On June 23, 2023, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) introduced a regulatory framework for ship leasing, enabling entities to register under Finance Company Regulations to conduct ship lease transactions in GIFT City, IFSC.

Our firm provides comprehensive legal services in ship leasing and financing, supporting shipowners, lessors, lessees, financial institutions, and maritime investors. With deep expertise in maritime law and the shipping industry, we offer strategic legal counsel to navigate the complexities of ship leasing and financing transactions.

We assist in structuring ship financing arrangements, including loan agreements, sale and leaseback transactions, and secured financing through ship mortgages. Our team collaborates with both financiers and shipowners to develop financing structures that optimize efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and minimize financial risks. Given the global nature of the shipping industry, we also provide counsel on cross-border leasing and financing, addressing jurisdictional concerns, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance in multiple regions.

Whether you are a shipowner, financier, or lessor, we deliver tailored legal support to help you achieve business success in the maritime sector.

Our Services Include:

• Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring adherence to Ship Leasing and Finance Frameworks and other legal requirements to mitigate risks.
• Structuring & Documentation – Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing lease agreements, financing contracts, and vessel acquisition documents in compliance with the IFSCA framework.
• Vessel Registration & Flagging – Assisting with the registration or re-registration of vessels to align with international and local maritime laws.
• Credit Risk Assessment – Conducting due diligence to evaluate the financial strength of lessees and borrowers.
• Litigation & Arbitration – Representing clients in cross-border and domestic disputes related to ship leasing and financing.
• Insurance Compliance – Ensuring leased or financed vessels meet marine insurance requirements, including hull, cargo, and liability coverage.
• Office Setup Support – Assisting lessors and lessees in establishing their operations in GIFT City.
• Due Diligence – Conducting thorough investigations into the vessel’s title, liens, and operational status before lease or purchase transactions.
• Foreign Ownership Structures – Advising on the establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in jurisdictions beneficial for ship leasing and financing.
• Regulatory Approvals – Assisting in obtaining necessary licenses and approvals from the regulatory authorities.

Our firm is committed to providing expert legal solutions to navigate the evolving ship leasing and financing landscape, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and strategic growth for our clients.