Goa Information Technology Policy 2018

The Goa Information Technology Policy 2018 is a comprehensive four-pillar framework spanning infrastructure, fiscal incentives, governance, and human capital. It is designed to establish Goa as a preferred base for high-end IT/ITeS operations. The policy offers stamp duty caps of ₹100, capital investment subsidies up to 40% (incorporating focus-domain and mega-unit bonuses), lease rental subsidies, Fresher salary grants, internet and power subventions, and a triennial Special Incentive Allowance up to ₹2 Crore, with all benefits scaled according to the unit's local headcount proportion.

The policy is positioned to address the evolution of the global IT market, where simple labor arbitrage has been superseded by automation, software-as-a-service, and AI. It capitalizes on Goa's high per-capita GDP, location on the NH-48 Mumbai-Bengaluru axis, Mormugao Port, Dabolim and Mopa Airports, and national connectivity.

Vision & Mission

To create and nurture a globally competitive Information Technology ecosystem that powers the State's economic growth, and firmly establishes Goa as a preferred destination for investment in high-end software products and service capabilities. The mission is to attract at least five Mega Business Units by internationally reputed companies, and establish Goa as a hub for ten focus domains: IoT, Automation & Engineering, Data Science, AI, ML, Robotics, 3D Printing, Software Products, VR/AR/MR, and Blockchain.

Policy Objectives

• •Develop state-of-the-art Technology Parks and IT Villages with 8,000–10,000 working spaces.
• •Provide fiscal incentives for early-stage investments.
• •Integrate technology-enabled real-world problem-solving skills into Goan technical education.
• •Train 10,000 advanced IT-skilled, employment-ready Goans and 500 specialized professionals.
• •Incentivise IT companies to employ female professionals (reimbursements scale up for women).
• •Deliver a hassle-free, single-window approval process within 90 working days.

The Four Pillars of State Support

Key Definitions

Unit Classification — Determines Benefit Ceilings

The Goan Employment Gate — Clause 6.B.1

All fiscal incentives are scaled directly by the proportion of Goan origin employees or Goan Graduates on the unit's payroll at the end of the financial year. Employees must be on the rolls for at least 12 months:

A. Property and Premises

B. Capital, Duty, and Utilities Subsidies

C. Employment and IP Support

D. Smaller Unit & Diaspora Incentives

• •Smaller Units Marketing: 50% exhibition rental cost reimbursement (limited to 9 sq m space) for national/international expos.
• •Performance Linked Grant: 5% of net income (EBIT) for smaller units showing ≥15% YoY turnover growth for 3 consecutive years, capped at ₹25 Lakh.
• •Interest Subsidy: 3-year subsidy on working capital loans for smaller units, capped at ₹5 Lakh per annum.
• •Diaspora Lease Subsidy: 100% rental rebate for the first 6 months, followed by ₹35/sq ft or 80% of rentals for 2 years.
• •Diaspora Capital Subsidy: Additional 10% capital investment subsidy. Requires Goan origin CEO/majority stake, Goa registration, and a minimum of 15 employees (60% Goan).

E. Special Triennial Incentive Allowance — Clause 6.B.13

Paid once at the end of every three-year period: ₹50 Lakh (Smaller Units), ₹1 Crore (Other Units), or ₹2 Crore (Mega Units). Payout requires cumulative compliance across five strict criteria:

• •Sustain ≥20% annual turnover growth for 3 consecutive years.
• •Maintain Goans or Goan Graduates at ≥75% of total headcount.
• •Maintain female employees at ≥60% of total headcount.
• •Ensure 100% of the Goan employees hold professional certifications under Clause 6.D.1.
• •Obtain at least one company-level quality certification during the policy period.

F. MNC Special Package — Clause 6.B.14

Multinational technology companies with a global turnover of USD 2.5 Billion or more, or companies developing innovative solutions, are eligible for customized, case-to-case incentive packages negotiated directly with the Empowered Committee.

Technology Park & IT Village — Clause 6.A.1

The state is developing a Technology Park (minimum 15 lakh sq ft built-up area for 8,000–10,000 spaces) incorporating a dedicated IT Village (4 lakh sq ft, with 1 lakh sq ft plug-and-play). The facilities feature captive solar grids, 100% power backup, and high-speed fiber.

Governance & Labor Regulations — Clause 6.C.1

• •All IT/ITeS units in Goa are permitted to operate 24x7x365 in three shifts.
• •Exemption from routine inspections under all state labor laws, except those arising from specific complaints.
• •Self-certification allowed to verify regulatory labor compliance.

Human Capital Development — Clause 6.D

• •Individual Certification: Goan IT professionals receive 50% reimbursement on certified course fees that improve employability.
• •Group Training: IT units training Goan professionals via authorized training partners receive a 50% cost rebate.
• •Academic Collaboration: Faculty training, student MOOC rewards, and sending 10 technical teachers per year to premier national/international centers.

Core Eligibility Conditions

Document Checklist — Core File

Document Checklist — Property and Annexures

1. 1Classify the unit: Establish status as New, Existing, or Expansion, and determine size (Smaller, Other, Mega) based on local payroll size.
2. 2Reconcile Goan headcount: Check Goan and Goan Graduate share to determine the Clause 6.B.1 scaling percentage (50%, 75%, or 100%).
3. 3Check double-dipping: Verify that the unit is not drawing benefits under the Goa Startup Policy 2025 or GIDC incentives for the same heads.
4. 4Verify tenure limits: Ensure the unit has occupied the office space for >2 years for the capital subsidy, and has been operating for ≥1 year for lease rentals.
5. 5Check focus domains: Map the unit's tech stack to Clause 4.c focus areas (AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, etc.) to access the 10% bonus capital subsidy.
6. 6Compile documents: Gatherregistered sale deeds, premium receipts, certified salary ledgers, bandwidth invoices, and successful patent grants.
7. 7Submit via single window: Log onto the state web portal to register and upload the core file and head-specific checklists.
8. 8Monitor timelines: Approvals are processed within 90 working days of complete filing. Track property rebate tranches and annual operating claims.