Singapore’s reputation as a global business hub continues to attract Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand internationally. Its transparent laws, efficient digital systems, and open foreign ownership make it one of the easiest places in the world to start a company.
But how long does the process actually take — from preparing your documents in India to officially incorporating in Singapore?
Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your company registration timeline efficiently.
Before filing anything with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), ensure all basic requirements are in place. Proper preparation helps avoid delays and resubmissions.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | All directors and shareholders must be at least 18 years old and free from disqualification (e.g. bankruptcy). |
| Resident Director | At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, permanent resident, or valid pass holder). Indian founders usually appoint a Nominee Director. |
| Company Secretary | A Singapore-resident company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation. |
| Registered Address | A physical Singapore address (no P.O. Boxes) is mandatory for all companies. |
| Shareholders and Capital | Minimum paid-up capital: S$1. Foreigners can hold 100% ownership. |
Properly preparing these details before submission can shorten the registration process to just a few working days.
Your company name must be approved by ACRA before incorporation can proceed.
| Step | Average Processing Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Application | 1 working day | Most applications are approved within one day if no restricted terms are used. |
| Referred Application | 14–60 days | If your name includes words like “Bank,” “School,” or “Finance,” it may be referred to another government agency. |
| Reservation Validity | 120 days | Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days. You must incorporate within this period. |
Tip: Avoid restricted terms to prevent your name from being referred, which can extend your timeline significantly.
Once your name is approved, incorporation can be completed entirely online through BizFile+, ACRA’s digital filing portal.
| Stage | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document Submission | 1–2 working days | Assuming all required documents are complete and verified. |
| Incorporation Approval | 1–3 working days | For straightforward cases, approval is often granted within a day. |
| Referral or Additional Review | 14–60 days | Applies only if your company’s business activities require special licences or referral to other authorities. |
| Certificate of Incorporation & UEN Issuance | Immediate upon approval | You’ll receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN) once the company is registered. |
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Even after incorporation, a few administrative steps remain before your company can start operating fully.
| Task | Estimated Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Bank Account Opening | 2–6 weeks | Varies by bank; KYC checks may require in-person verification. |
| Business Licence (if applicable) | 2–8 weeks | Only needed for regulated sectors such as finance, education, or healthcare. |
| Company Seal and Statutory Registers | 1–3 days | Usually arranged by your corporate secretary. |
| Scenario | Estimated Total Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Case (non-regulated, complete documents) | 2–5 working days | Fastest possible route with professional assistance. |
| Complex Case (referred name or regulated business) | 3–8 weeks | Additional time for name approval, licence, or banking KYC. |
With the help of a reliable corporate service provider, most Indian entrepreneurs can complete registration within a week.
Working with a corporate secretarial firm in Singapore can make the process seamless — especially for Indian entrepreneurs managing things remotely.
| Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | Ensures all incorporation documents meet ACRA’s legal standards. |
| Resident Director Support | Provides compliant Nominee Director services for non-resident founders. |
| Company Secretary Appointment | Handles all statutory filings, meeting minutes, and annual returns. |
| Ongoing Compliance Monitoring | Keeps your company updated on ACRA and IRAS filing deadlines. |
| Bank Liaison Assistance | Guides you through the corporate account opening process. |
By outsourcing these responsibilities, founders can focus on operations and market expansion — not paperwork.
Registering a Singapore company from India is fast and straightforward when properly planned.
Here’s the key takeaway:
Name approval: usually within 1 day, unless referred.
Incorporation: within 1–3 days for most standard cases.
Post-incorporation steps: bank account setup may extend total time to 2–6 weeks.
With guidance from professional corporate secretarial services, Indian entrepreneurs can complete incorporation quickly, remain compliant with ACRA, and gain full ownership of their Singapore business — all from abroad.
At Counto, we empower entrepreneurs with seamless business registration and expert company secretary services. Our all-in-one platform ensures your business stays ahead of Singapore’s regulations. Let’s simplify your business journey. Speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected] or use our  contact form to get started.
Here are some articles you might find helpful:
SAFE Notes Guide for Singapore SME Owners
Foreign Investors and Singapore Company Laws
Policy Changes and Nominee Director Services Singapore
Payroll Compliance for Singapore SMEs
Singapore Transfer Pricing Regulations for SMEs
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