Singapore has become one of the most popular business destinations for Indian entrepreneurs. With its competitive tax rates, stable economy, and straightforward company registration process, it’s no surprise that more founders from India are choosing Singapore as their business hub.
Understanding the rules and requirements—especially around directors, shareholding, and compliance—is key to a smooth incorporation process. This guide breaks down everything Indian entrepreneurs need to know when registering a company in Singapore, based on the latest information from ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) and the Singapore Companies Act.
To register a private limited company in Singapore, Indian founders must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details (Fact-Checked) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | At least 18 years old. Must not be disqualified under the Singapore Companies Act (e.g. undischarged bankrupt, convicted of fraud or dishonesty offences). |
| Resident Director | At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. This includes a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or a foreigner holding an Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Dependant’s Pass with a valid Letter of Consent. |
| Company Secretary | Must appoint a qualified company secretary who is ordinarily resident in Singapore within six months of incorporation. The secretary ensures statutory compliance and maintains company records. (Note: The sole director cannot also act as company secretary.) |
| Registered Office | Must have a local, physical Singapore address for official correspondence. P.O. Boxes are not allowed. |
| Paid-Up Capital | Minimum paid-up capital is S$1, though most founders opt for a higher amount for credibility. |
| Shareholders | Minimum of one shareholder (can be an individual or corporate entity). Foreigners—including Indian nationals—may hold 100% of shares in a Singapore company. |
These requirements are consistent with ACRA’s official incorporation framework.
When incorporating, founders must determine how ownership and governance are structured:
Shareholding: A private limited company can have between 1 and 50 shareholders. Indian founders can retain 100% ownership—there are no local shareholding requirements.
Share Capital: The minimum capital is S$1, and it can be increased anytime after incorporation.
Company Constitution: Founders must submit or adopt a constitution (the company’s internal governing document) during incorporation. Most entrepreneurs adopt ACRA’s Model Constitution, which outlines directors’ duties, shareholder rights, and company procedures.
Submit your proposed company name through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal.
The name must be unique, not identical to an existing company, and free from prohibited or sensitive words.
Approval Time: Usually within a few hours, but if the name contains regulated terms (e.g. “finance,” “bank,” or “education”), approval from other authorities may take up to 14–60 days.
Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.
File electronically through BizFile+, including:
Company name approval
Details of directors, shareholders, and secretary
Registered office address
Company Constitution
The entire process can take 1–3 working days, provided all documents are complete and no additional reviews are needed.
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After incorporation, several compliance obligations must be met to maintain your company’s legal standing:
| Requirement | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Company Secretary | Must ensure the company maintains statutory registers, files annual returns, and complies with deadlines under the Companies Act. |
| Annual Filing | Companies must file an Annual Return with ACRA and annual financial statements (unless exempt as a small company). |
| Tax Registration | Corporate tax filing is done via the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Singapore’s corporate tax rate is a flat 17%, with tax exemptions for new startups. |
| Audit Exemption | Companies qualify for audit exemption if they meet at least two of these: revenue ≤ S$10M, total assets ≤ S$10M, or ≤ 50 employees. |
| Registered Address | Must remain valid and accessible for official communications. |
| Licensing (if applicable) | Some sectors—like finance, media, and education—require additional regulatory approval. |
Indian founders who plan to manage their company from Singapore can apply for either:
Employment Pass (EP): For company directors or professionals with relevant qualifications and experience. Must meet minimum salary requirements (typically S$5,000/month or higher).
EntrePass: For founders starting innovative or venture-backed startups. Applicants must own at least 30% of company shares and meet additional innovation criteria.
Both passes are processed by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Engaging professional company incorporation services in Singapore can save founders time and prevent costly compliance mistakes. These firms assist with:
Preparing and submitting all ACRA filings
Providing a Nominee Director to meet residency requirements
Offering Corporate Secretarial Services to ensure ongoing statutory compliance
Maintaining registers, preparing resolutions, and filing annual returns
Guiding visa or bank account setup if founders plan to relocate or open a corporate account
For Indian entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Singapore’s regulatory system, these services ensure smooth registration and peace of mind.
Registering a company in Singapore from India is efficient, transparent, and largely digital.
Here’s what to remember:
You can own 100% of your company as a foreign founder.
You must appoint one Singapore-resident director and a qualified company secretary.
Incorporation typically takes just 1–3 working days once all documents are ready.
Post-incorporation, annual filings and compliance requirements must be observed to stay in good standing with ACRA.
Professional incorporation and corporate secretarial services can simplify the entire process and ensure compliance from day one.
Singapore’s business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and open economy make it an ideal gateway for Indian entrepreneurs seeking global growth.
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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