Start a company in Singapore from India without burning endless hours on research. Instead of getting lost in conflicting advice and outdated numbers, you can focus on a straightforward path that covers the essentials: incorporation steps, costs, timelines, compliance requirements, and how to stay clear of common mistakes.
In this guide, you will find:
- Step-by-step process to start a Singapore company from India
- Key requirements: director, secretary, address, share capital
- Banking, tax, and visa essentials for Indian founders
- Common mistakes to avoid (and fixes)
- A quick compliance checklist to stay on track
Why register a Singapore Company from India in 2026
If you’re running a business in India and thinking about expanding abroad, Singapore often comes up as the first choice. Here’s why it works so well:
- Full ownership, no red tape – You can own 100% of your Singapore company, with no need for a local partner.
- Fast, online setup – Incorporation is fully digital through ACRA, and approvals often take just a few days.
- Attractive tax regime – Predictable corporate tax system with exemptions for startups, and GST only kicks in once you cross S$1 million turnover.
- Protection from double taxation – The India–Singapore tax treaty makes it easier to avoid paying tax twice on the same income.
- Globally respected hub – Having a Singapore company builds credibility with international clients, investors, and partners.
Avoid RBI and ACRA roadblocks.
Subsidiary vs Branch vs RO: What works best when expanding from India to Singapore
When starting a company in Singapore from India, the structure you choose affects control, taxes, and liability. Here’s a quick breakdown:
|
Structure |
What it is |
Why it works |
What to note |
|
Subsidiary (Private Limited Company) |
A new Singapore company that can be fully owned by Indian individuals or an Indian parent company |
Separate legal entity, tax benefits like the Startup Tax Exemption, easier branding and contracts |
Must appoint at least one Singapore-resident director and follow standard compliance rules |
|
Branch of an Indian Company |
An extension of your existing Indian company |
Keeps continuity with the parent company, simpler for businesses that just want a Singapore presence |
Not a separate legal entity; the Indian parent is fully liable; must appoint a Singapore-resident authorised representative |
|
A temporary setup for market research or liaison |
Low-risk way to test the market without heavy commitments |
Cannot earn revenue or sign contracts, valid up to 3 years, regulated differently from subsidiaries and branches |
Tip: Most Indian founders prefer the Subsidiary (Pte Ltd) model. It limits liability, enjoys Singapore’s tax perks, and makes it easier to build credibility with clients and investors.
LLP Vs Pte Ltd In Singapore
Exact requirements to register a company in Singapore
When starting a company in Singapore from India, there are a few non-negotiables set by ACRA. Here’s what you’ll need to have in place:
- Resident director – At least one director must be a Singapore citizen, PR, or a valid work-pass holder. If you don’t know anyone locally, you’ll need to appoint a nominee director. Remember, directors have real legal responsibilities under the Companies Act.
- Company secretary – Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation to handle compliance filings and records.
- Registered local address – A physical Singapore address is required (P.O. Boxes don’t count).
- Paid-up capital – You can start with as little as S$1, and increase it later when needed.
- Company name reservation – Once approved, the name is held for 120 days. If your chosen name uses regulated words, approvals may take longer (14–60 days).
- Registered filing agent – As a foreign founder, you won’t have Singpass access. You’ll need a licensed filing agent or corporate service provider, such as Sleek, to submit your incorporation on Bizfile.
- New transparency rule (June 2025) – If you use nominee directors or shareholders, their status must be recorded in ACRA’s Central Registers. The nominee label will show up on your company profile (though nominator details stay confidential for law enforcement).
Step-by-Step: How to start a company in Singapore from India
Step 0 – Check India-side rules first
If you’re investing from India, you’ll need to follow RBI’s Overseas Investment framework.
- Individuals can invest abroad under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) (USD 250,000 per financial year).
- Indian companies must comply with FEMA’s Overseas Investment Rules and report to their Authorised Dealer (AD) bank.
⚠️ Keep in mind the POEM rule: if your Singapore company is controlled from India, it could still be taxed as an Indian resident.
Step 1 – Reserve your company name
Apply on Bizfile and your name is held for 120 days. If it contains regulated terms (like “bank” or “finance”), approval can take longer (14–60 days).
Step 2 – Prepare your documents
Have these ready:
- Passports and proof of address for all shareholders and directors
- Shareholding structure and company constitution (you can use the Model Constitution)
- Registered Singapore address and financial year end (FYE)
Step 3 – File incorporation
Foreign founders must go through a registered filing agent since they won’t have a Singpass.
- Government fees: S$15 for name + S$300 for incorporation
- Once approved, you’ll get your UEN (Unique Entity Number) and digital Bizfile documents.
Step 4 – Open a business bank account
Setting up a bank account is often the slowest part of incorporation for foreign founders. Traditional banks usually involve detailed KYC checks and longer approval times, especially for foreign-owned companies.
Newer digital options, like the Sleek Business Account, make the process faster and simpler. You can apply fully online, transact in multiple currencies, and start operating quickly with a virtual card.
Step 5 – Licences, GST & tax setup
- Check licences: Some industries in Singapore (like food, fintech, or education) need extra approvals. You can check licensing information on GoBusiness.
- GST (Goods & Services Tax): The rate is 9%. You only need to register once your business earns (or expects to earn) more than S$1 million in a year. Until then, you don’t charge GST.
- Corporate tax: The top rate is 17%, but most startups pay much less thanks to tax exemptions for new companies.
Step 6 – Relocation (if you plan to move to Singapore)
- Employment Pass (EP): The minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 (or S$6,200 if you’re in finance), effective from January 2025. Applications are assessed under the COMPASS framework, which also considers qualifications, diversity, and local hiring.
- EntrePass: This is designed for founders with venture funding or innovative businesses. It’s reviewed by the Ministry of Manpower and Enterprise Singapore, and has different requirements from the EP.
Common mistakes when starting a Singapore company from India (and how to avoid them)
Even with Singapore’s straightforward process, many Indian founders hit avoidable roadblocks. Here are the most common ones:
- Missing India’s ODI/LRS steps
Banks in India may block remittances if RBI filings aren’t done first.
✅ Fix: Handle ODI/LRS requirements with your AD bank at the same time as your ACRA prep. - Using outdated numbers
Some guides still show 8% GST or old EP salary levels. This leads to wrong forecasts.
✅ Fix: Use current rules i.e., GST is 9% and EP minimum salary is S$5,600+ (from Jan 2025). - Treating a nominee director as a “rubber stamp”
Directors have legal duties, and new transparency rules mean nominee status shows on ACRA records.
✅ Fix: Have a clear service agreement and run proper board procedures. - Name approval delays
Names with regulated words often take weeks for clearance.
✅ Fix: Pre-screen your name and SSIC code to avoid 14–60 day referrals. - Bank account surprises
Incomplete or inconsistent documents can stall onboarding.
✅ Fix: Prepare a pack with UEN, Bizfile, shareholder details, and ODI/LRS papers.
Quick Checklist for Indian Founders
Before you hit “incorporate,” make sure these boxes are ticked:
- RBI/ODI or LRS plan ready with AD bank
- Company name reserved (120 days)
- Resident director + KYC docs prepared
- Company secretary + registered address in place
- ACRA filing submitted (S$315 paid)
- Bank account pack ready
- Licences checked; GST/tax plan set
- Relocation plan (EP/EntrePass)
How Sleek helps with starting a company in Singapore from India
Setting up a Singapore company as a foreigner residing in India involves more than just filing forms. You need to balance India-side RBI/ODI or LRS compliance, meet ACRA’s requirements in Singapore, and prepare for banking, GST, and tax filings. This is where having a single, trusted partner makes the difference.
With Sleek, you can:
- Incorporate through a licensed filing agent – Sleek submits your Bizfile application, secures your UEN, and handles government filings.
- Meet statutory requirements – Company secretary, local registered address, and nominee director support when needed.
- Simplify banking – Access to the Sleek Business Account with online onboarding and multi-currency features, plus introductions to traditional banks if required.
- Stay compliant from day one – GST and corporate tax setup, ongoing annual return filings with ACRA, and reminders for statutory deadlines.
- Manage everything in one place – From incorporation documents to compliance checklists, Sleek’s digital platform helps you keep track without juggling multiple providers.
Forget the complexity of coordinating different services. Sleek turns incorporation and compliance into a single, seamless process that just works.
Ready to start your Singapore company from India?
FAQs on how to start a company in Singapore from India
Can I incorporate from India without visiting Singapore?
Yes. Foreign founders must use a registered filing agent to submit their Bizfile applications; physical presence isn’t required for ACRA. Bank KYC may be remote, depending on the profile and bank.
What’s the minimum capital to start a company in Singapore from India?
The minimum paid-up capital is just S$1. This is enough to incorporate, and you can increase it later when applying for contracts, visas, or investors.
Relatable tip: Many Indian founders start lean with S$1–S$100, then raise capital when the business scales. Don’t overcommit funds upfront unless your industry or investor requires it.
What taxes apply if I start a Singapore company from India?
- Corporate tax: Flat 17%
- GST: 9% from 2025, only mandatory once your annual turnover crosses S$1 million.
- India–Singapore Tax Treaty: Helps you avoid double taxation on the same income.
Remember POEM: if decisions are made in India, your Singapore company may still be taxed there.
How long does it take to incorporate a company in Singapore from India?
- Name approval + incorporation: 1–3 days if straightforward.
- Bank account: Digital banks = 3–7 days; traditional banks = 2–6 weeks (depending on KYC).
- Visas (if relocating): Employment Pass applications usually take 3–8 weeks.
Founders often budget around 4–6 weeks total from paperwork to banking.
How to start a company in Singapore from India online?
You can start a Singapore company from India in just 4 steps, fully online:
- RBI/ODI or LRS compliance with your authorised dealer bank.
- Choose your structure (most Indian founders prefer a Subsidiary Pte Ltd).
- File with ACRA through a licensed agent. Government fees are S$315, and you will receive your UEN. Sleek is a licensed filing agent and can submit your incorporation on Bizfile.
- Set up banking and compliance by opening a business account, appointing a company secretary, and preparing your GST and tax filings.
Everything is digital. With a corporate service provider like Sleek, you do not need to travel to Singapore to incorporate your company.
450,000
businesses worldwide.
from 4,100+ reviews.
satisfaction rate from
16,000 surveyed clients.
