The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced the Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI) framework to simplify registration, compliance, and operational requirements for select Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs).
The framework has been notified through amendments to the FPI Master Circular following changes to the SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2019, and is aimed at facilitating long-term, low-risk foreign investment into Indian capital markets.
What Is SWAGAT-FI?
SWAGAT-FI is a regulatory facilitation framework for trusted and well-regulated foreign investors. It introduces a single-window, automatic, and generalized access mechanism, reducing procedural friction while maintaining regulatory safeguards. Key objectives include:
- Simplifying onboarding and ongoing compliance
- Reducing KYC and renewal frequency
- Providing operational convenience through unified holdings
Eligible Categories Under SWAGAT-FI
SEBI has clearly defined the categories eligible for registration as SWAGAT-FI FPIs:
Government and Government-Related Investors
As specified under Regulation 5(a)(i) of the FPI Regulations, 2019.
Regulated Retail Mutual Funds or Unit Trusts
These entities must:
- Be open for subscription to retail investors
- Operate as a blind pool with diversified investors
- Ensure contributors do not exercise control over day-to-day operations
- Have an investment manager independent of contributors
Regulated Insurance Companies
- Investing only their own funds
- Without segregated portfolios
Regulated Pension Funds
Additionally, public retail funds must be:
- Established in identified jurisdictions, and
- Regulated by identified statutory or regulatory authorities, as specified in SOPs framed by custodians and DDPs in consultation with SEBI.
Key Regulatory Relaxations and Benefits
Extended Registration Validity
- 10-year registration period for SWAGAT-FI FPIs
- Compared to a 3-year block for other FPIs
Reduced KYC Review Frequency
- KYC review once every 10 years for SWAGAT-FI investors
Simplified Renewal Process
- Only payment of renewal fees to the DDP is required
- No requirement to report changes in information, unless applicable
Unified Investment Holding Structure
Depositories will enable a single unified securities holding framework, allowing SWAGAT-FI investors to maintain investments made as:
- FPI
- FVCI
- Foreign investor in units of investment vehicles
This improves ease of operations, reporting, and reconciliation.
Clarification on Indian Resident Contributions
SEBI has clarified that certain indirect ownership restrictions do not apply to SWAGAT-FI FPIs, subject to safeguards:
- Contributions by resident Indian individuals must be routed through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)
- Such investments must be in global funds with less than 50% exposure to Indian securities.
Conversion to SWAGAT-FI Status
Existing FPIs that meet the eligibility criteria may convert to SWAGAT-FI status by submitting an application to their Designated Depository Participant (DDP).
Implementation Date
- The SWAGAT-FI framework will be effective from June 1, 2026
- Depositories, custodians, and DDPs are required to update systems and processes to operationalize the framework.
Why SWAGAT-FI Is Important
The SWAGAT-FI framework reflects SEBI’s regulatory intent to:
- Encourage stable, long-term foreign capital
- Reduce compliance burden for low-risk, regulated investors
- Align India’s market access norms with global best practices
Improve India’s attractiveness as an investment destination
Source: SEBI Circular dated 16/01/2026