Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most business-friendly destinations — and for good reason. Its transparent legal system, stable political environment, and simple tax regime make it especially appealing for Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand globally.
One of the first questions many founders ask is: Can I fully own my company as a foreigner? The answer is yes — Indian founders can own 100% of a Singapore company, provided they meet a few basic compliance rules. Here’s what that means in practice.
Singapore has an open investment regime that actively encourages international entrepreneurship. According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), foreigners — including Indian nationals — may own all the shares in a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.).
This structure is the most common business entity for both locals and foreigners because it offers:
Limited liability protection for shareholders
Full control over ownership and profits
Ease of international trade and investment
You do not need a local partner or shareholder.
You can own all the shares and make all major decisions.
Singapore law protects your ownership rights under a transparent, well-enforced legal system.
For Indian entrepreneurs, this means you can build, operate, and scale your company with complete control — while enjoying Singapore’s business stability and global credibility.
Although Singapore generally allows full foreign ownership, certain industries are regulated due to national interest, licensing, or public policy concerns.
Media and broadcasting: Newspaper and broadcasting companies are subject to foreign ownership limits under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act and the Broadcasting Act.
Telecommunications and finance: Businesses in these sectors may require specific licences from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) or the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Real estate: Restrictions mainly apply to foreign ownership of landed residential property under the Residential Property Act, not to shareholding in property-related companies.
Education and healthcare: Certain institutions require prior approval from respective government ministries before incorporating.
For most typical small businesses — such as consultancy, e-commerce, tech startups, and trading firms — these limitations do not apply. Indian founders can proceed with 100% ownership without any local equity requirements.
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Even though ownership can be entirely foreign, every Singapore company must meet several statutory requirements under the Companies Act (Cap. 50) to remain compliant.
| Requirement | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Director | At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, permanent resident, or valid Employment/EntrePass holder). | Ensures local accountability and legal correspondence. |
| Company Secretary | Must be appointed within six months of incorporation. Must be a Singapore resident and qualified under ACRA’s guidelines. | Handles statutory filings, meeting minutes, and compliance reporting. |
| Registered Office | A physical local address (not a P.O. box) must be provided. | Used for official government correspondence. |
| Annual Filings | Companies must file annual returns with ACRA and meet tax obligations with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). | Keeps the business in good standing and avoids penalties. |
These rules don’t restrict ownership — they simply ensure that your Singapore company remains properly governed and legally compliant.
Navigating compliance as a foreign founder can be challenging, especially when you’re managing operations from India. That’s where professional corporate secretarial and company incorporation services in Singapore come in.
A trusted corporate services provider can help you:
Set up your company correctly through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal.
Appoint a Nominee Resident Director to fulfil statutory requirements while you retain 100% ownership.
Provide a registered address for your company’s official communications.
Prepare incorporation documents such as the company constitution and director consent forms.
Ensure ongoing compliance by managing annual filings, maintaining registers, and tracking deadlines.
By outsourcing these responsibilities, Indian founders can operate confidently in Singapore’s corporate environment — focusing on business growth while experts handle the legal and administrative essentials.
Yes — Indian founders can fully own a company in Singapore. The country’s open foreign investment policy allows 100% foreign shareholding in most sectors, giving entrepreneurs full control of their business and profits.
While ownership is unrestricted, Indian founders must still meet compliance requirements such as appointing a Resident Director, maintaining a registered address, and engaging a qualified company secretary.
Working with a reputable corporate secretarial or incorporation service ensures all legal obligations are met, leaving you free to grow your business in one of the world’s most trusted and competitive markets.
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.
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