Short answer: Yes. An Indian founder can register a Singapore private limited company, but ACRA requires foreigners to engage a registered corporate service provider, and the company needs at least one director who meets Singapore's local residency rules. Putting money in from India is also covered by Indian overseas investment rules, so take advice in India first.
Last checked against ACRA, IRAS and RBI pages on 31 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you act.
What does a Singapore company need?
| Requirement | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A registered corporate service provider | Foreigners must engage a CSP to reserve the company name and register the company. | ACRA |
| A locally resident director | At least one director who meets Singapore's local residency rules. See our guide to the resident director rule. | ACRA · Companies Act s145 |
| A company secretary | Appointed within six months of incorporation. A real person whose principal or only place of residence is in Singapore (s171(1)), and not the sole director. | ACRA |
| A Singapore registered office | A Singapore address to which communications and notices can be sent. See registered address in Singapore. | Companies Act s142 |
| At least one shareholder | ACRA says every company must have at least one shareholder, and the minimum number of issued shares is one. | ACRA |
What does it cost?
ACRA charges S$15 for the name application and S$300 for registration, S$315 in total. AAA's incorporation-only package is S$468 all-in, including the S$315 ACRA fees. No GST is charged. It does not include a company secretary or a locally resident director; with 6 months of company secretary service it is S$568, with 12 months S$638. See the pricing page for what each package includes.
How does registration work from India?
Your corporate service provider files the registration through Bizfile using Corppass. With AAA, we work with you on the documents and identity verification before we file. ACRA says most registrations are approved soon after payment, and complex applications may take longer. Source: ACRA.
Indian rules that sit outside ACRA
If you are a resident of India, overseas investments are governed by India's Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Rules, 2022 and Regulations, 2022, and the Reserve Bank of India publishes a Master Direction on Overseas Investment. AAA does not give Indian legal, tax or foreign exchange advice. Speak to an adviser in India or your bank before you send funds. Source: RBI.
Tax: Singapore and India
Singapore taxes companies at a flat 17% of chargeable income, and qualifying new companies can claim the start-up tax exemption (see our corporate tax guide). Singapore and India also have a double tax agreement, which IRAS publishes (concluded 24 January 1994, in force from 27 May 1994, as later amended). How it applies depends on your facts, so take tax advice. Source: IRAS rates · IRAS: Singapore-India DTA.
If you plan to move to Singapore
If you want to move to Singapore to run the company, ACRA says you need a work pass. Read our guide to starting a company on an EP, EntrePass or Dependant's Pass. AAA does not apply for work passes or give immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Indian citizen register a Singapore company?
Yes. ACRA says foreigners must engage a corporate service provider to reserve the name and register, and the company needs at least one director who meets local residency rules.
Do I need a Singapore resident director?
Yes. The company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)). See our resident director guide for who ACRA says qualifies.
How much does it cost to incorporate?
ACRA charges S$315 in total (S$15 name application and S$300 registration). AAA's incorporation-only package is S$468 all-in, including the S$315 ACRA fees. No GST is charged. It does not include a company secretary or a locally resident director; with 6 months of company secretary service it is S$568, with 12 months S$638.
Do Indian foreign exchange rules apply to me?
If you are a resident of India, overseas investment by residents of India is governed by India's Overseas Investment Rules, 2022 and Regulations, 2022, and the RBI publishes a Master Direction on it. AAA does not give Indian legal, tax or foreign exchange advice, so take advice in India before you send funds.
Is there a tax treaty between Singapore and India?
Yes. IRAS publishes a double tax agreement between Singapore and India (concluded 24 January 1994, in force from 27 May 1994, as later amended). How it applies depends on your circumstances, so take tax advice.
Does AAA apply for work passes?
No. AAA does not apply for work passes or give immigration advice. MOM decides pass applications.
Sources
- ACRA: Step 1, requirements and eligibility (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: ways to set up foreign businesses in Singapore (engage a CSP)
- ACRA: Step 4.6, registering a local company via Bizfile
- ACRA: Step 4.3, choosing company directors and other key officers (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: Step 2, choosing a business structure
- Companies Act 1967, s145 (directors)
- Companies Act 1967, s171 (company secretary)
- Companies Act 1967, ss142 and 143 (registered office)
- Reserve Bank of India: Master Direction, Overseas Investment
- IRAS: corporate income tax rate, rebates and tax exemption schemes
- IRAS: Singapore-India avoidance of double taxation agreement
- AAA Corporate Services: published packages and pricing
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with ACRA, MOM and IRAS and your own advisers.
Related guides
- How to Register a Singapore Company as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
- Resident Director in Singapore: Who Qualifies? (2026)
- How to Incorporate a Company in Singapore: Complete Guide
Talk to AAA Corporate Services
AAA Corporate Services Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore corporate services firm for incorporation, company secretarial, accounting and tax. Tell us your plans and we will explain the registration steps and documents. Fees are published, include ACRA fees where stated, and carry no GST.
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