Singapore is a global business hub renowned for its ease of doing business and pro-entrepreneur environment. You can read more about the benefits of starting a company in Singapore here.

If you’re an Indian entrepreneur looking to expand your business reach, raise funding from investors or establish a presence in Asia, registering a company in Singapore in 2025 might be the perfect first step.

Can you Register A Company in Singapore from India in 2025?

Absolutely! There are no restrictions on nationality for company registration in Singapore in 2025. As an Indian citizen, you can initiate the entire process remotely online or appoint a local representative like us to handle the legalities. The process typically takes about 3 to 5 working days, assuming no further approvals or permits are required.

Types of Legal Business Structure in Singapore

You can use the following 2 legal structures for your business registration Singapore in 2024;

We would recommend a Singapore Private Limited Company as the most preferred structure.

Requirements to Start a Singapore Company in 2025 from India:

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Minimum of One Director:At least one director is mandatory, and they must be at least 18 years old and not an undischarged bankrupt or have any criminal record. This director can be a foreigner.

• Minimum of One Shareholder:Similar to directors, only one shareholder is required, and they can be of any nationality. Your Indian company can also be a corporate shareholder of the Singapore entity.

• Company Secretary:A qualified company secretary needs to be appointed during the process of registration. The agency that you appoint will handle this matter.

• Registered Address:Your Company must have a local Singapore address for official correspondence. The agency you appoint will provide this service.

• Minimum of 1 Local Nominee Director: All Singapore companies are required to have at least 1 resident director who is a Singapore Citizen or PR for reasons of compliance. They are not involved in your day-to-day operations, and do not hold shares in the company. You can read more about nominee director role here.

• Tax & Accounting Services: All Singapore companies are required to prepare an unaudited financial statement and file their tax returns at the end of their financial year. Your agency that you appoint will provide bookkeeping, tax compliance and accounting services.

How Much Does a Singapore Company Cost to Operate?

The cost of running a Singapore company can be broken down into two main categories:

• Starting Costs:

Your one-time fixed cost payable to the Singapore Authorities are as follows. Note that agencies may have a small mark-up as an administrative fee on these cost:

• Annual Fees:

Notes:

• The ACRA annual filing fee is a fixed cost for maintaining your company’s good standing.

• Auditing costs depend on the company’s size, complexity, and chosen auditor. Note that Audit is only required if your Singapore’s company revenue exceeds S$1million (INR 6.2 Crore)

• Company secretary fees depend on the scope of services provided. They typically start from a few hundred SGD annually and can increase based on the complexity of the company’s structure and activities. The INR conversion will fluctuate with exchange rates.

Opening a Corporate Bank Account for a Singapore Company

After registering your company, opening a corporate bank account is crucial for conducting business transactions. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Company Registration Documents:Your Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and Articles of Association (AA) are essential.

• Board Resolution:A resolution passed by the board of directors authorizing the opening of a corporate bank account.

• Identity Documents:Passports and proof of residence for all directors and shareholders will be required.

• Business Plan:Some banks might request a business plan outlining your Singapore’s company’s activities and financial projections.

• Invoices & Contracts: It is preferable to have ready letter of Interest (LOI), Expression of Interest (EOI), Supplier, client or employee contracts with your Singapore Company to significantly improve your chances of opening a bank account.

Types of Bank Account (Traditional Vs Digital)

Digital Banks

• Aspire
• Wise

These are authorised and licensed to operate in Singapore by providing a digital account, usually multi-currency. The application process is done online, and typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. The fees to operate a digital account are usually cheaper. However, note that such banks provided limited service. There are no cheque books, physical cards, or branch outlets available.

Traditional banks

• OCBC
• DBS
• State Bank of India (Singapore)
• Indian Overseas Bank (Singapore)
• ICICI Bank (Singapore)

Accounts are typically multi-currency in nature, and usually includes a debit card, cheque book services, trade/forex/loan services and physical branches.

Note that you may be required to physically visit the branch in Singapore for verification and authentication by the banker. In some cases, such as with DBS or Indian Banks, you may be able to perform the in-person verification at their local bank branch in India.

Options for international banks like Standard Chartered, Citibank, HSBC, etc are also available, but comes with higher fees & deposit requirements. Typically they are more appropriate for multi-national companies.

Moving to Singapore from India:

If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your company, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate work visa. Here are some options to consider:

• Entre Pass:This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate a new business in Singapore. It requires a minimum investment of S$50,000 in your company. You can read more about the process here.

• Employment Pass:If you plan to employ yourself in your Singapore company, you can apply for an Employment Pass. This visa has specific requirements related to salary and qualifications. You can read more about the process here.

Important Note:  if you intend to move to Singapore with your immediate family (spouse, children and parents), only the Employment Pass option is available, with a much higher salary requirement and conditions. Your children, spouse and parents may be issued with a dependent visa, tagged to your work pass.

Reach out to us here for more information.

Conclusion

Registering a Singapore company from India in 2025 offers a plethora of advantages for Indian entrepreneurs seeking to expand their reach in Asia. The process is relatively straightforward, and the government actively encourages foreign investment. 

By carefully considering the different business structures, costs involved, and necessary permits, you can establish a strong foundation for your Singaporean venture. You can also read more about the benefits of opening a Singapore company here.

Remember, consulting with professional service providers specializing in Singapore company registration such as SINGBAC can significantly streamline the process and ensure compliance with all regulations. Reach out to us with your plans to see how best we can help you.

FAQs:

1. Can I register a Singapore company from India?

Yes, absolutely! Singapore welcomes foreign ownership, and the registration process can be completed remotely. It typically takes about 3 to 5 working days, assuming no permits or licenses are required, and first year cost about ₹ 211,000 as a foreigner.

2. What are the additional considerations for registering from India?

While the core registration process remains the same, there are a few additional points to keep in mind:

• You may require assistance with document legalization or apostiling for certain documents submitted to ACRA. Here at SINGBAC, we can help in coordinating with the Indian Embassy or any legal providers for such services on your behalf.

• Consider time zone differences when communicating with Singaporean authorities or service providers. Singapore Time is 2 ½ hours ahead of India Standard Time.

3. Do I need to travel to Singapore to register a company?

No, the entire registration process can be completed online or through a corporate service provider in Singapore. Opening of Digital corporate bank accounts with providers such as Wise or Aspire can also be done remotely. However, for opening of traditional bank accounts, depending on the provider, you may be required to physically travel to Singapore for bank account opening if they are unable to provide authentication service at your local branch in India.

4. Are there any additional costs for registering from India?

The core registration fees remain the same. However, you might incur additional costs related to document legalization and potentially higher service fees from some corporate service providers catering to foreign clients. We have highlighted one of the lowest average cost and hence we encourage you to compare rates to ensure you do not pay a fee that is higher than expected.

In fact, you can even save significantly more cost, if you already have or know someone who is Singapore PR or Citizen who is willing to act as your local nominee director in your Singapore company.