Do Indian Entrepreneurs Need a Resident Director in Singapore?

Singapore remains one of the most attractive destinations for Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand globally. With its low corporate taxes, strong legal system, and ease of doing business, it’s no surprise that thousands of Indian founders register companies there each year.

But before incorporation can be completed, there’s one legal requirement that applies to everyone — appointing a Resident Director. This rule is not just a formality; it’s a cornerstone of Singapore’s corporate governance framework. Let’s explore what it means, why it exists, and how Indian founders can meet this requirement with ease.

1. Why a Resident Director Is Required

Under the Singapore Companies Act (Cap. 50), all companies registered in Singapore must appoint at least one Resident Director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This rule is enforced by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

The purpose behind the rule

The Resident Director requirement ensures that every Singapore company has a local point of contact who can:

• Communicate with government agencies and regulators on behalf of the company.

• Oversee compliance with local laws, such as annual filings and record keeping.

• Be legally accountable for certain statutory obligations.

Without this position, the company cannot be incorporated — ACRA will reject the application outright.

For Indian founders, this means that even if your entire business operates remotely or serves global clients, you still need a Resident Director in place from day one.

2. Who Qualifies as a Resident Director

The law defines a Resident Director as a natural person (not a corporate entity) who:

• Is at least 18 years old,

• Is not disqualified under the Companies Act, and

• Is ordinarily resident in Singapore.

Who counts as “ordinarily resident”?

A person qualifies if they are one of the following:

• A Singapore Citizen

• A Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)

• A foreigner holding a valid pass, such as an:

  • Employment Pass (EP)

  • EntrePass (for entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses)

  • Dependant’s Pass with a valid Letter of Consent

If you are an Indian founder who does not hold any of these passes, you cannot serve as the Resident Director yourself — which brings us to your available options.

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3. Options for Indian Entrepreneurs

Indian founders who operate their businesses from India or elsewhere abroad typically engage a Nominee Resident Director.

What is a Nominee Resident Director?

A Nominee Director is a local Singapore resident appointed to meet ACRA’s requirement while allowing the foreign founder to retain full ownership and control of the company.

They do not participate in management decisions unless explicitly authorised, and their primary role is to ensure the company remains compliant with Singapore law.

Benefits for Indian entrepreneurs

• Compliance assurance: Your company remains legally registered and compliant from the start.

• Flexibility: You don’t need to relocate or apply for a visa immediately.

• Peace of mind: A local representative is available to handle statutory correspondence and filings.

This arrangement is common and fully recognised by ACRA — provided it’s handled through a reputable service provider that follows proper due diligence standards.

4. How Company Incorporation and Corporate Secretarial Services Can Help

While you can technically file the incorporation on your own via BizFile+, most Indian founders prefer to work with professional incorporation or corporate secretarial firms for convenience and accuracy.

These firms provide an end-to-end solution:

• Appointing a Nominee Director: They supply a qualified local director who satisfies ACRA’s requirement.

• Preparing incorporation documents: All necessary forms, declarations, and resolutions are completed on your behalf.

• Providing a registered address: You’ll need a physical Singapore office address for government correspondence.

• Ensuring ongoing compliance: They handle annual returns, maintain statutory registers, and remind you of key deadlines.

• Protecting your interests: Many offer Nominee Director agreements that clearly limit the director’s role to compliance only, protecting your control over business decisions.

By partnering with a trusted secretarial provider, Indian founders can confidently establish a compliant, fully functional Singapore company — even while operating from abroad.

Summary

Yes — Indian entrepreneurs must appoint a Resident Director to incorporate a company in Singapore. This rule, mandated under the Companies Act, applies to all companies regardless of ownership or business type.

If you are based in India, the simplest and most compliant path forward is to appoint a Nominee Resident Director through a licensed incorporation or corporate secretarial firm.

Using a Company Incorporation Service as an extension of your team

Setting up a company in Singapore can be challenging, but with professional support, it can be simple, Counto’s mission is to support your new business, take away the complexities of compliance, and save you time and money throughout the year. Speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected], or use our  contact form to get started.

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