Singapore is one of Asia’s leading business hubs, offering 100% foreign ownership, a low 17% corporate tax with generous start-up exemptions, a territorial tax system, and a globally respected legal framework. The standard structure is a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd), which foreigners can own entirely, though it must have at least one Singapore-resident director and be set up through a licensed corporate service provider. With a minimum paid-up capital of just S$1, Singapore gives Indian entrepreneurs a credible, well-regulated gateway to Asia. Samkhya handles the full incorporation, including the resident-director requirement.
Most foreign founders incorporate a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) with ACRA, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, through its BizFile+ portal under the Companies Act 1967. Foreigners can own 100% of the shares with no local shareholder required, and the minimum paid-up capital is just S$1. The key requirement is at least one director who is ‘ordinarily resident’ in Singapore (a citizen, permanent resident, or Employment Pass / EntrePass holder); founders without one typically appoint a nominee director. Because BizFile+ requires a Singpass, foreign founders must engage a licensed corporate service provider to file on their behalf. A company secretary must be appointed within six months, an auditor within three months unless exempt, and a physical Singapore registered office is required.
A Singapore company offers strong advantages:
A Singapore company also has points to plan for:
To incorporate a Singapore company, you generally need:
Singapore is open to foreign founders:
Singapore companies are registered with ACRA through the BizFile+ portal under the Companies Act 1967. The process is to obtain name approval (the name is then reserved for 120 days), prepare the company constitution and the particulars of directors, shareholders, and the company secretary, and file the incorporation application. Because direct filing needs a Singpass, foreign founders appoint a licensed corporate service provider, which also conducts KYC and can supply a nominee director and registered office. Incorporation is usually approved within one to three business days. After incorporation, the company sets up CorpPass for government services, appoints a company secretary within six months and an auditor within three months unless exempt, and maintains a Register of Registrable Controllers from day one.
For Directors and Shareholders:
For the Company:
Singapore company setup follows a clear sequence:
Setting up your Singapore company with Samkhya Corporate Services is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
From there, our team arranges the resident or nominee director, company secretary, registered office, ACRA filing, and bank account.
A Singapore company must keep up with annual and tax compliance:
Singapore taxes companies at a flat 17% on chargeable income, administered by IRAS, on a territorial basis: only Singapore-sourced income and foreign income remitted to Singapore is taxed, and there is no capital gains tax. Qualifying new companies enjoy a Start-Up Tax Exemption of 75% on the first S$100,000 and 50% on the next S$100,000 of chargeable income for their first three years of assessment; thereafter the Partial Tax Exemption gives 75% on the first S$10,000 and 50% on the next S$190,000. GST (Goods and Services Tax) is charged at 9%, with registration mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in a 12-month period. There is no withholding tax on dividends paid to shareholders. Indian founders should also consider Indian tax and FEMA implications of owning and funding the Singapore company.
| Feature | Private Limited (Pte Ltd) | Branch Office | Representative Office |
| Legal Status | Separate legal entity. | Extension of the parent. | Temporary, no legal status. |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% allowed. | Wholly owned by parent. | Parent presence only. |
| Liability | Limited to shares. | Parent is fully liable. | Parent is liable. |
| Can Earn Revenue | Yes. | Yes. | No; research only. |
| Tax Status | Resident; 17% with exemptions. | Non-resident; 17%, no start-up exemption. | Not taxed; cannot trade. |
| Local Presence | Resident director required. | Authorised local representative. | Chief representative. |
| Best For | Most foreign founders. | Extending an existing company. | Market research before entry. |
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of a Private Limited Company, with no local shareholder required. You must, however, appoint at least one Singapore-resident director.
What is the resident director requirement?
At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore: a citizen, permanent resident, or Employment Pass / EntrePass holder. Founders without one typically appoint a nominee director through their service provider.
How much is Singapore corporate tax?
The rate is a flat 17% on chargeable income, but qualifying new companies get a Start-Up Tax Exemption of 75% on the first S$100,000 and 50% on the next S$100,000 for their first three years.
Do I need to use a corporate service provider?
Yes. Foreigners cannot file directly on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal without a Singpass, so a licensed corporate service provider must handle the incorporation and can also supply a nominee director and registered office.
When must I register for GST?
GST registration is mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in a 12-month period. The current GST rate is 9%.
How long does incorporation take?
Once the name is approved and documents are ready, ACRA usually approves incorporation within one to three business days.
