Market regulator SEBI has introduced a new single-window system called “Swagat-FI” to make compliance easier for foreign investors and attract more investments to India.
This framework will simplify the registration and investment process for low-risk foreign investors and reduce repetitive compliance and documentation work.
The new system, officially called “Single Window Mechanism for Automated
and Normalized Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (Swagat-FI),” will allow smoother participation for various global institutions such as:
Sovereign funds
Central banks
Sovereign wealth funds
Multilateral institutions
Insurance companies
Pension funds
Additionally, the validity of registration has been extended from 3–5 years to 10 years, and investors will be able to hold all their investments in a single demat account.
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kant Pandey said after the board meeting that this framework will provide investment opportunities for both low-risk foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and foreign venture capital investors (FVCIs).
Key Benefits and Impact
As of June 2025, there were 11,913 FPIs registered in India, managing assets worth about ₹80.83 lakh crore.
It is estimated that over 70% of these assets will come under the Swagat-FI framework.
The system will be fully implemented within six months, after completing necessary procedural reforms.
Registered investors will be allowed to invest:
As FPIs in listed equity and debt instruments
As FVCIs in startups and selected sectors
SEBI has also eased rules for companies, making it easier for big firms to launch smaller IPOs, further boosting market participation.
