Singapore consistently ranks among the top destinations for entrepreneurs worldwide. For Indian founders looking to scale globally, incorporating a business in Singapore offers ease, credibility, and strategic access to Asian and international markets. In this detailed guide, we will explore how Indian entrepreneurs can opt for business registration in Singapore and simultaneously run a company, covering everything.

Can you register a company in Singapore from India?

Indian entrepreneurs can establish and own a company in Singapore even while living in India. Singapore’s business-friendly environment allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, and the registration process is streamlined. For instance:

• Indian founders can own 100% of a Singapore private limited company (Pte. Ltd.) as there are no local shareholding requirements. 
• The national business registry, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), reports that as of October 2025, there were 461,776 companies registered.
• Also, foreign‐owned companies must engage a registered filing agent (RFA) when incorporating.

Key Points to Consider:

• Even though you can register from abroad, you must appoint at least one “resident director” who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, i.e., a Singapore citizen, PR, or a foreigner holding an approved work pass.
• You must have a physical address in Singapore, not just a P.O. Box, for the registered office.
• Compliance and ongoing filings remain mandatory, including annual returns and tax filings.
• You must still ensure that the board meetings, decision-making, and control comply with Singapore’s business and tax laws, e.g., to maintain the company’s Singapore tax residency.

In short, you can set up a company in Singapore from India with the right support, and this is often a smart strategic decision for Indian entrepreneurs seeking global credibility.

Different Types of Companies in Singapore

While India and Singapore share several business structures, such as Private Limited Companies and Partnerships, Singapore also offers a few distinct entity types that are not commonly found in India. These unique company types provide foreign entrepreneurs with greater flexibility in ownership, taxation, and liability. Let’s explore these types one by one:

1. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP in Singapore is a hybrid between a traditional partnership and a private limited company, offering the flexibility of management while protecting each partner’s personal assets.

Notable Highlights in This Regard:

• Each partner’s liability is limited to their own acts and debts.
• Separate a legal entity from its partners, unlike in India, where traditional partnerships are not separate legal entities.
• Can sue and be sued in its own name.
• Must have at least two partners, i.e., individuals or corporate bodies.
• Popular among professional service providers such as law firms, architects, and consultants.

What Makes It Unique:
In India, LLPs exist but are regulated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, with greater compliance and less operational flexibility than Singapore’s version, which is simpler to maintain and has lower tax compliance overhead.

2. Variable Capital Company (VCC)

Introduced in 2020, the Variable Capital Company (VCC) is a distinctive corporate structure in Singapore, designed for investment funds and asset managers. It allows multiple sub-funds under one corporate umbrella, i.e., something neither India’s Companies Act nor its LLP structure provides.

Notable Highlights Are as Follows:

• Each sub-fund can have separate assets, liabilities, and investment objectives.
• Ideal for hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and family offices.
• Highly flexible in capital management, as shares can be issued and redeemed without shareholder approval.
• Can be used as both open-ended and closed-ended funds.
• Tax benefits: VCCs qualify for Singapore’s fund management tax incentives.

What Makes It Unique:

India has no direct equivalent, and so mutual funds and AIFs in India are regulated under SEBI, not as flexible corporate entities. The VCC allows fund managers to domicile global investment structures in Singapore with confidentiality and operational efficiency.

3. Public Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)

A Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) in Singapore is a non-profit entity that has no share capital. Instead of shareholders, it has members who act as guarantors. It’s often used for non-profit organisations, trade associations, and charities.

Key Highlights:

• Members’ liability is limited to the amount they guarantee, often a nominal sum, such as SGD 1.
• Profits cannot be distributed as dividends.
• Must use income and assets for non-profit objectives.
• Must comply with the Charities Act if registered as a charity.

What Makes It Unique:
In India, non-profits usually register as Section 8 Companies, Trusts, or Societies, but none combine the limited-liability corporate structure with the flexibility of a CLG, as in Singapore. The CLG’s strong corporate governance framework enhances the global credibility of international NGOs and professional associations.

4. Offshore or Foreign Branch Office

Singapore allows foreign companies to register a Branch Office instead of a subsidiary. This structure enables global companies to operate in Singapore under the same legal identity as their parent company, rather than as a separate entity.

Key Highlights:

• Must have a registered address and a local authorised representative in Singapore.
• All profits and liabilities are legally those of the parent company.
• Ideal for testing the Singapore market before forming a local subsidiary.

What Makes It Unique:
India also allows branch offices for foreign companies, but Singapore’s structure is far more flexible and less bureaucratic, making it easier for global companies, including Indian MNCs, to operate seamlessly and repatriate profits.

Requirements to Start a Singapore Company from India

For business registration in Singapore, while based in India or abroad, here are the key requirements you must fulfil:

1. Director(s)
   • At least one resident director, an ordinary resident in Singapore, must be appointed.
   • Other directors can be non-residents, e.g., Indian nationals.
   • If you are a founder based in India, you may need a nominee director service unless you personally hold an eligible Singapore work pass.
2. Shareholder(s)
   • Minimum one shareholder; maximum 50 in a private limited company.
   • Foreigners, including Indian nationals, can hold 100% shares.
   • Share capital: minimum paid-up capital is SGD 1. Many founders deposit more for credibility.
3. Company Secretary
   • A qualified company secretary who is ordinarily resident in Singapore must be appointed within six months of incorporation.
4. Registered Office Address
   • A physical address in Singapore, not a PO Box, for official correspondence.
5. Unique Entity Number (UEN) & Name
   • Reserve a company name via ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Moreover, name approval usually takes 1 working day unless sensitive words are used. 
   • Once approved, you must incorporate within the reservation period, which is typically 120 days.
6. Filing Agent (for foreign incorporations)
   • Foreign founders must use a registered filing agent (RFA) to submit incorporation documents.
7. Additional documentation
   • Passport copies, proof of address for directors/shareholders, business activities and nature of business, sometimes a business plan, and KYC documents.
8. Work/Residence Pass (Optional, if relocating)
   • If the Indian founder wishes to move to Singapore to manage the company in person, you may apply for a pass such as the Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass.
9. Licences/Regulatory Approvals (if applicable)
   • If your business is in regulated sectors (finance, media, education, health), you may need additional licenses.

Key Timeline Insight:
Once the name is approved, incorporation for a standard case, with all documents being ready, can be fulfilled in just 1–3 working days.

Important tip for Indian entrepreneurs:
Even though you can incorporate remotely, appointing a nominee director and having a local address often means extra annual costs and service provider fees. So plan upfront and budget accordingly.

What Does It Cost to Run a Singapore Company?

Understanding both the initial setup costs and ongoing annual costs is vital when planning your Singapore entity.

Starting Costs Include:

One-Year Registration Fees	Name Application Fees	Registration Fees	Total	Total in INR
Sole Proprietorship	$15 SGD	$100 SGD	$115 SGD	₹ 7,014 INR.
Partnership	$15 SGD	$100 SGD	$115 SGD	₹ 7,014 INR.
Limited Liability Partnership	$15 SGD	$100 SGD	$115 SGD	₹ 7,014 INR.
Company	$15 SGD	$300 SGD	$315 SGD	₹ 19,210 INR.

Note that company types like sole-proprietorships, partnerships, and limited partnerships can also opt for a 3-year registration for $175 SGD.

Fees for Annual Filings are as Follows:

	Type of Fee	Amount in SGD	Amount in INR
Sole Proprietorship	Annual renewal fee	$30	₹ 1,830 INR.
Partnerships	Annual renewal fee	$30	₹ 1,830 INR.
Limited Liability Partnerships	Annual renewal fee	$30	₹ 1,830 INR.
Company	Annual Filing	$60	₹ 3,659 INR.
Foreign Company	Annual Filing	$200	₹ 12,201 INR.

The amounts mentioned in the chart are the standard figures, which may vary depending on based on different factors of the business.

How to Start a Business Account for a Singapore Company?

Having the company incorporated is only half the job; you also need a business bank account to operate. Here’s how to navigate that.

Requirements & process

• Documents required include: Certificate of Incorporation, ACRA business profile, constitution (Memorandum & Articles of Association), passports/proof of address of shareholders/directors/beneficial owners, board resolution for opening the account, business plan, description of business activities.
• Some banks require a minimum deposit of SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000 or more. 
• For foreign‐owned companies, opening an account may take 4-8 weeks due to extra KYC checks. 
• Some banks allow remote submission, but many still require at least one director or signatory to visit in person for verification.

Tips for Indian Entrepreneurs

• Choose a bank that is accustomed to non-resident firms with foreign owners.
• Prepare a solid business plan and, if possible, trading history (even if new).
• Use a professional incorporation service provider who can liaise with the bank.
• Consider digital banking/fintech alternatives for ease of international payments.
• Maintain compliance documents, ensure the bank sees real activity to avoid account dormancy.
• Budget for minimum balance requirements and possible fall-below fees (e.g., accounts may charge SGD 10-15/month if balance drops below a threshold).

Process of Moving to Singapore from India

Many Indian entrepreneurs incorporate in Singapore to expand operations, but some may want to relocate to Singapore and manage the business locally. Here’s how that works.

Exploring Business Relocation / Work-Pass Options

If you’re relocating from India to set up a company in Singapore, you’ll need an appropriate visa/work pass. The common options include:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals with job offers or positions, salary thresholds typically apply around S$5,000/month or more. 
• EntrePass: Applicable for foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Singapore, for example, a new company, innovation, or venture investment.
• Dependants Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, etc: For family or dependants once you have a work pass status.

Steps Involved in Relocation

1. Incorporate your company in Singapore or ensure you have the entity ready.
   
2. Apply for the relevant work pass based on your business model; you may need to show a business plan, investment, and local operations.
   
3. Once the pass is approved, you can physically relocate, i.e., move household, family, or even open a local bank account personally, etc.
   
4. Set up your local operations in Singapore by hiring local employees, opting to lease office space, and complying with local employment laws, taxes, etc.
   
5. Maintain compliance in Singapore, like annual filings, tax returns, and employment obligations, and also remain aware of Indian tax/residence implications if you retain Indian ties.

How Does Taxmantra Global Guide Indian Entrepreneurs in Successfully Starting a Business in Singapore?

At Taxmantra Global, we specialise in guiding Indian entrepreneurs through every step of the Singapore incorporation journey. Here’s how we support you:

1. End-to-End Incorporation Services

• We help you choose the appropriate company type based on your business model.
  
• We assist with name reservation, document preparation, filings with ACRA, coordination with the nominee director, and registered address services.
  
• We liaise with certified corporate secretarial service providers in Singapore to ensure compliance.

2. Indian & Singapore Compliance Alignment

• We guide you on Indian regulatory aspects: e.g., overseas direct investment (ODI) under FEMA, Indian tax residence, and transfer pricing if applicable.
  
• We align Singapore compliance with the Indian founder’s needs: shareholder agreements, transfer of funds, and structuring of ownership to minimise double taxation.
  
• We keep you updated on Singapore tax obligations: corporate tax, partial exemption schemes, audit exemptions, etc.

3. Banking & Financial Setup

• We advise on selecting a Singapore bank, opening a corporate bank account, the documentation checklist, and managing cross-border cash flows from India.
  
• We help you understand minimum balance requirements, online banking options, and forex/cross-border remittances.

4. Relocation and Visa Advisory

• If you plan to move to Singapore, we advise on the appropriate work pass (EP, EntrePass), eligibility, documentation, and timelines.
  
• We assist with local business set-up in Singapore: hiring, office setup, and local operational compliance.

5. Ongoing support and compliance

• We provide ongoing support for annual filings (ACRA annual return, IRAS tax filing), company secretary services, maintenance of statutory registers, board meetings, etc.
  
• Regular updates on regulatory changes in Singapore (e.g., tax rebates, minimum effective tax for MNEs, etc.).
  
• We act as your trusted partner so you can focus on business growth rather than administrative burdens.

6. Tailored for Indian Entrepreneurs

• We understand the specific needs of Indian Founders: Indian tax residence, remittances, accounting for INR-SGD conversions, Indian clients/suppliers, and Indian regulatory compliance.
  
• We help you leverage Singapore as a springboard for global expansion and help you get access to Southeast Asia markets and land in a favourable tax environment.

By partnering with Taxmantra Global, you gain a guided, compliant, cost-effective route to set up a company in Singapore and scale your business internationally.

Final Thoughts

Thus, to sum up, opting for business registration in Singapore offers Indian entrepreneurs a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic and transparent business ecosystems. With its investor-friendly policies, simple tax structure, and 100% foreign ownership allowance, Singapore stands out as a global hub for innovation and trade. 

Whether you’re looking to expand internationally or build a credible offshore presence, the process to set up a company in Singapore is streamlined and achievable, even from India. Moreover, with expert partners like Taxmantra Global by your side, you can navigate every step seamlessly. Thus, by leveraging Singapore’s strategic advantages, Indian entrepreneurs can scale confidently and position their ventures for global success.