Singapore Company Registration for Indian Entrepreneurs in 6 Easy Steps

Singapore — ranked #2 globally for Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank — offers Indian entrepreneurs unmatched advantages through the India-Singapore Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Enjoy corporate tax rates as low as 17%, zero tax on dividends, and a fully online, hassle-free company registration process. As an approved Corporate Service Provider (CSP), our team specializes in guiding Indian entrepreneurs through every step of Singapore’s incorporation process, ensuring full compliance and a smooth transition to international markets.

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This guide will detail all the essential requirements and walk you through each step of setting up a Private Limited Company (PTE Ltd.) in Singapore from India online:

Strategic Opportunities for Indian Entrepreneurs in Singapore
Singapore Company Registration in 6 steps: A Guide for Indian Entrepreneur
Incorporation Package For Indians Who Want To Open a Company in Singapore
FAQs

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Strategic Opportunities for Indian Entrepreneurs

India and Singapore share a strong and dynamic economic relationship, marked by deepening trade and investment ties. As one of India’s largest partners in the ASEAN region, Singapore has become a key hub for Indian entrepreneurs seeking international expansion.

Key Advantages of Incorporating in Singapore from India

100% Foreign (Indian) Ownership

Indian entrepreneurs can own 100% of their Singapore company without the need to acquire local shareholders or partners. This allows complete control over the business structure, operations, and profit distribution.

Strong Indian Presence

With over 8,000 Indian companies and a vibrant 650,000-strong Indian community, Singapore provides instant access to established business networks and valuable mentorship opportunities. This robust ecosystem supports new Indian businesses in their growth journey.

Ease of Incorporation and Operations

Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the easiest places to do business globally. The incorporation process is straightforward and can often be completed within a day. Ongoing compliance requirements are simple and free from unnecessary bureaucracy, making it easy to manage a business.

Support for Indian Startups

The Singapore government actively supports businesses through grants, tax incentives, and funding programs. Indian startups can benefit from these schemes, especially in sectors such as technology, finance, and green energy. Access to Singapore's well-developed venture capital ecosystem is another significant advantage.

Corruption-Free Environment and Rule of Law

Singapore is recognized for its low level of corruption and strict adherence to the rule of law, offering a stark contrast to the higher corruption levels often encountered in India. Businesses in Singapore operate in a transparent, well-regulated environment where contracts are reliably enforced, and intellectual property is strongly protected.

Singapore’s Strategic Geographic Location

Located just over 5 hours from major Indian cities, Singapore serves as an ideal bridge between India and the ASEAN region. The minimal time difference with India (GMT+8) allows for real-time communication and efficient business operations across both countries.

For more details, check out our article Why Do Indian Companies Incorporate in Singapore?

Tax Benefits for Indians Who Incorporate in Singapore

Tax Category	Singapore	India	Advantage
Corporate Tax Rate	17% (as low as approx. 8.5% for first S$200,000)	30% for domestic companies	Up to 21% savings
Capital Gains Tax	0% (No capital gains tax)	15-20%	Up to 20% savings
Dividend Tax	0% (Tax-free dividends)	Taxed at applicable rates	100% tax-free returns
GST/VAT	Fixed 9% with exemptions	5-28% varying rates	Up to 19% lower

*Rates are subject to change. Please consult with a tax professional for the most current information.

Note: Indian residents must report their overseas income as part of their national tax filings in India.

Singapore also has an extensive network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with numerous countries, including India-Singapore DTAA. This allows businesses to avoid being taxed twice on the same income in different jurisdictions, simplifying international operations and reducing tax liabilities.

Singapore Company Registration in 6 steps: A Guide for Indian Entrepreneur

Step 1: Understand Company
Registration Requirements

Step 2: Choose a Corporate Structure and Collect Documents

Step 3: The KYC Due Diligence Process

Step 4: Company Name
Reservation

Step 5: Sign Company Incorporation Documents

Step 6: Incorporate Company and Open Its Bank Account

Step 1

Understand Singapore's Company Registration Requirements

The requirements for registering a company in Singapore from India are simple and straightforward. They are:

Shareholders

At least 1 shareholder

100% Indian ownership is permitted
Shareholders can be either individual Indian citizens or Indian companies
Up to 50 shareholders allowed
No requirement for shareholders to be Singapore residents
Indian companies can set up wholly-owned subsidiaries
Both resident and non-resident Indians can be shareholders

India-Specific Considerations

Indian residents planning to invest in Singapore companies must comply with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), which imposes limits on the amount individuals can remit abroad for investments. The current LRS limit allows remittances up to USD 250,000 per financial year per individual for permitted purposes, including investments. Additionally, such investments must align with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to ensure they are legal and within permissible guidelines.

Capital

Capital of at least SGD 1
(approx. INR 65)

Can start with minimal capital and increase later
No maximum limit on capital investment
Capital can be in any major currency including INR
Additional capital can be injected anytime

India-Specific Considerations

Funds for paid-up capital from India must be transferred through proper banking channels with appropriate RBI documentation.

Directors

At least one director who resides in Singapore

Minimum one Singapore resident director
Additional directors can be Indian residents
No limit on the number of Indian directors
Corporate directors not allowed
Indian directors don't need to relocate to Singapore
No requirement to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN), unlike in India, where it is mandatory for directors

India-Specific Solutions

Option to hire our Nominee Director (ND) for companies without local directors
Option to relocate key Indian personnel through Employment Pass

Company Secretary

Company Secretary who resides in Singapore

Every company must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation
The company secretary must be a Singapore resident and is responsible for ensuring the company complies with Singapore’s legal and regulatory obligations

India-Specific Solution

When you incorporate your company with us, we can provide a qualified Singapore company secretary for seamless compliance.

Address

A registered address in Singapore

Must be a physical address, not a P.O. Box
Used for all official communications
Required for company registration and bank account opening
Must be accessible during business hours

India-Specific Solution

Our Incorporation Package for Foreigners include appointing our address as the registered address of your company and collecting incoming postal mail, which will be made available to you electronically. Our business center facilities are also available for meetings.

Step 2

Determine Corporate Structure and Collect Supporting Documents

When Indian businesses expand to Singapore, choosing the right company structure is essential. Singapore offers flexible incorporation options to suit a variety of business objectives. Here are the top three structures commonly adopted by Indian entrepreneurs:

1. Singapore Private Limited Company (PTE. LTD.): This structure provides limited liability protection for its shareholders and is well-suited for startups, small businesses, and firms planning to conduct their primary operations through the Singapore entity. More about starting a PTE. LTD. company in Singapore.

2. Subsidiary of an Indian Company: This structure is particularly beneficial for Indian companies planning to grow organically or through acquisitions in the Asia-Pacific region. More about incorporating a subsidiary in Singapore.

3. Singapore Holding Company: It is ideal for Indian businesses with subsidiaries or significant assets in India or other regions. More about setting up a holding company in Singapore.

Documents Required From Indians to Register a Company in Singapore

Singapore company registration regulations require that identification and background information about the proposed shareholders and directors of the company must be collected and verified by the corporate service provider that is incorporating the company. Below are general guidelines for the types of documents that should be provided to satisfy this requirement.

Certificate of incorporation of the company that will be the shareholder (i.e. the Indian parent company)
Business profile of the parent company containing information about its business activities, share capital, shareholders, and officers
An ownership structure chart that identifies the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) of the parent company
Board resolution from Indian parent company authorizing the registration of a subsidiary company in Singapore

We make it easy!

We simplify the collection of your supporting documents. After learning about your Singapore company needs, our team will tell you which documents would be required, including those necessary for the KYC due-diligence required by Singapore regulations.

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upload singapore company registration documents

And no need to notarize and send the physical documents. You can just upload them to our secure portal.

sign singapore business registration documents electronically

All documents are signed electronically! No faxes, scanned documents, courier, or mail necessary.

Step 3

Service Provider Conducts KYC (Know Your Customer) Due Diligence Process

Our compliance team will verify the identities and backgrounds of stakeholders, following Singapore’s Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, which include:

Identity and Address Verification: Validating submitted documents;
Background Checks: Ensuring no stakeholder is linked to illicit activities, in compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF) standards.

Once you submit the required documents, our dedicated compliance team evaluates the information within this 3-5 day. If everything is satisfactory, we move forward with the incorporation process swiftly. In cases where further clarification is needed, we will promptly request additional details or documents, ensuring minimal disruption to your company registration timeline.

Timeline expectations: Typically, the KYC process lasts 3-5 days.

Step 4

Company Name Reservation

Singapore company law requires that a company must have its name approved separately before it can be incorporated. The name approval is a quick procedure as long as you follow these guidelines:

Unique

The name cannot be identical or substantially similar to the name of an existing business in Singapore.

Unreserved

The name must not have been reserved by another person or entity; a name can only be reserved by one person at a time.

No Trademark Infringement

The name must not infringe on a trademark or copyright of any kind that is not owned by you.

Not obscene

The name cannot be obscene or vulgar and must not contain any obscene or vulgar words.

Name Search

Curious if your Singapore business name is available?

Check Now!

An Indian businessman checks the availability of his desired company name using a company name search tool.

We make it easy!

As soon as you appoint us to register your Singapore company, we will apply for the approval of your desired company name. In case your first choice name is not available, our team will apply for your other choices.

Unlike in India, where reserving a company name can take longer and is valid for 20 days, Singapore offers a faster process with name reservations valid for 120 days, providing greater flexibility.

Timeline expectations: If a company name follows the above rules, it is typically approved in less than an hour.

Step 5

Sign Incorporation Documents

Once the name is reserved, we, as a service provider, will draft the required incorporation documents for your review and electronic signature. Key documents include:

company constitution singapore company registration

Company Constitution: You can adopt the standard Singapore company constitution that is recommended by ACRA, but customizations are allowed.

consent director register company singapore

Consent by each company director to act as a director. We will prepare this document for your company.

Consent by company secretary to act as the company secretary. We will prepare this document for your company.

Declaration of Compliance: This is a statutory declaration confirming that all the requirements of the Singapore Companies Act in respect of the registration of the company have been complied with.

All non-English documents must be translated into English to ensure clarity and compliance with Singapore's regulatory requirements.

All documents can be signed electronically via our CSP Platform, eliminating the need for physical signatures.

Timeline expectations: One business day for a standard application.

Step 6

Incorporate Company with ACRA and Open Bank Account

Finally, our team will file the incorporation application with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through their online portal BizFile+. Upon approval, ACRA will issue the following official documents:

Certificate of Incorporation: An electronic confirmation of the company’s legal status in Singapore. The certificate shows (see sample) the name of the company, the date of the incorporation, and the company registration number called Unique Identification Number (UEN).
You will also receive a Business Profile from ACRA, detailing the company’s structure, registered address, shareholders, and directors.

Upon registration, all official documents will be immediately available on our online portal. As soon as your Singapore company is registered, you can start conducting business under its name.

Timeline expectations: The company registration process is conducted online and in most cases it takes an hour.

How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Singapore for Indians

Opening a corporate bank account is a crucial step for Indian entrepreneurs looking to conduct business in Singapore. However, the process can be meticulous due to Singapore’s strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorism Financing (ATF) regulations. To navigate this efficiently, here’s a practical approach:

Start with a Digital Bank for Immediate Needs: Consider opening an account with neobanks like Aspire, Wise, or Airwallex. This option is ideal for Indian entrepreneurs who want to start business operations quickly without waiting for traditional bank approvals.

Prepare for a Traditional Bank Account: While using a digital account, simultaneously apply for a corporate account with a traditional bank such as DBS, UOB, or OCBC. DBS and UOB have also established a presence in India. For more details, check out our article "Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Singapore".

Adopt a Dual-Bank Approach: This strategy ensures you can quickly begin operations with a digital bank while also securing a more comprehensive traditional banking solution for your long-term needs. We will advise and assist you further on this once our incorporation service commences.

Timeline expectations: 5-10 days for digital banks; 6-12 weeks for traditional banks.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore for Indians?

Setting up a company in Singapore is an efficient and cost-effective process, particularly for foreign entrepreneurs, including those from India, thanks to tailored packages that focus on essential compliance and operational requirements. The registration cost comprises a fixed government fee of SGD 315 (around 20,500 INR), covering the company name application and incorporation, alongside service fees charged by corporate service providers for additional support, such as document preparation, legal compliance, and administrative assistance.

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Foreigner Package

Company Setup for Indians

Designed for Indian entrepreneurs and Indian companies, this package covers all services that are necessary to incorporate and start a new Singapore company.

S$3,100
(excl. GST)

(around 201,000 INR)

S$3,345
(incl. GST)*

(around 217,000 INR)

*GST: Learn what it is and
how it applies here.

Singapore Company Registration

Company Secretary for 1 Year

Registered Address for 1 Year

Nominee Director for 1 Year or Employment Pass

Bank Account Opening Consultation

Annual Return Filing with ACRA

Inclusive of Government Fees

Package Details

Reviews from our Indian clients

Abhishek Bhattacharjee

Very supportive team and seamless experience in setting up a business in SG. Very prompt turn around time in terms of query resolution and providing relevant...

Varun Chadha

Thank you for the efficient incorporation of our new company. In my experience with your team, all communications have been clear, thorough, and accurate...

Razib Khan

Great experience with your team. I have been working with you for over two years now and I have two companies incorporated, the third one is in the process of registration...

Next Step: Incorporate Your Singapore Company With Us

Business consultant advising an Indian entrepreneur on the process of registering a company in Singapore

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FAQs for Registering a Company in Singapore from India

Registering a Singapore company from India typically takes 3-7 days, including KYC due diligence. This process is fairly straightforward, though the timelines may vary based on the complexity of the business structure and the availability of required documents. Below are the estimated timelines:

Initial Preparation and KYC Due Diligence: 2–5 business days
Company Name Reservation: Less than 1 hour
Company Registration with ACRA: 1–2 business days
Opening a Corporate Bank Account: 5–10 business days for digital banks; 6–12 weeks for traditional banks.

Here are the essential Singapore government agencies that play a pivotal role in regulating your Singapore business venture:

Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA): It is the primary regulatory body overseeing company registration, governance, and compliance in Singapore.
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS): It is Singapore's tax authority responsible for administering taxes. Businesses need to register with IRAS for tax purposes and comply with tax filing and payment obligations.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM): MOM oversees Singapore's immigration policies, including regulations related to Employment Passes and other work permits for foreign employees.

More information can be found in our guide Singapore Government Agencies Every Businessman Needs to Know.

The annual filing requirements for Singapore private limited companies are simple and straightforward as described in our filing requirements guide. Our online portal will automatically remind you of the upcoming filing obligations and our team will proactively handle the filing tasks for your company to make compliance smooth and worry-free for you.

Please note that Indian residents must also report their overseas income as part of their national tax filings in India.

Aspect	Singapore	India
Incorporation Process	Foreign entrepreneurs must engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to register their company, as local regulations require such representation. The entire process may be conducted online via our Corporate Services Platform with fast document submission and electronic signatures. Approval can be completed within hours to a few days.	Indian citizens can register a company themselves directly through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal without requiring intermediary assistance. Approval for incorporation, including the issuance of PAN and TAN, can take several days to weeks.
Tax Benefits	Lower Corporate Tax: Maximum 17% (with new companies benefiting from rates as low as approx. 8.5% on the first S$200,000). No Capital Gains or Dividend Tax: Maximizes retained earnings. Fixed GST: 9% rate.	Higher Corporate Tax: Around 30% for domestic companies. Capital Gains & Dividend Taxes: Capital gains (15-20%) and dividends are subject to taxation. Variable GST: Ranges between 5% and 28% depending on the goods or services.
Regulatory Environment	Transparent & Efficient: Minimal bureaucracy, strong rule of law, and robust intellectual property protection. Mandatory use of a Corporate Service Provider ensures compliance.	More Bureaucratic: Processes can be lengthier and more complex with multiple compliance requirements (e.g., DIN, DSC, etc.).
Business Reputation & Ecosystem	Global Credibility: Recognized as a professional and corruption-free hub with strong international business networks. Strategic location as a gateway to ASEAN and access to a large Asian market.	Large Domestic Market: Offers significant local opportunities but may face challenges with regulatory efficiency and ease of doing business perceptions.
Bank Account Opening	Flexible Options: Digital neobanks can open accounts within 5–10 days, while traditional banks may take 6–12 weeks.	Standard Process: Domestic bank accounts typically follow established procedures, often with slower processing times and more documentation requirements.
Overall Cost & Support	Cost-Effective Packages: Comprehensive incorporation packages (around S$3,100) include nominee director, company secretary, registered address, and support services, making it a competitive option for global expansion.	Direct Costs & Additional Fees: While direct incorporation is possible, additional requirements (like DSCs, DINs, and extended compliance) can increase complexity and overall costs.

Author

Jacqueline Low

Jacqueline has been in the corporate services industry for over 25 years, She has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and business clients understand and navigate the various statutory and regulatory requirements, avoiding expensive mistakes.