What is specific to Singapore companies
Singapore is often a regional headquarters or holding company for India, sometimes for groups whose ultimate owners are elsewhere. Treaty access, substance and the share-gains rules after 2017 shape most decisions.
What is specific to Singapore investors
- Press Note 3 is not triggered, provided no ultimate owner sits in one of India's land-neighbour countries.
- India–Singapore tax treaty: dividends 10% (25% holding), 15% otherwise, interest 10% or 15%, royalties 10%.
- There is no social security agreement, but Singapore citizens are exempt from Indian provident fund under the CECA.
- Singapore appears on India's list of reciprocating territories (s.44A, civil procedure code): a money decree from one of its superior courts can be put into execution in an Indian district court, unless a statutory ground for refusal applies.
- The India–Singapore CECA has been in force since 2005.
- The parent usually closes its year on 31 December; Indian companies close on 31 March.
Our services
How SU and Company helps
For Singapore companies we act as the Indian firm of Chartered Accountants from the first board decision onwards.
- Entity and FDI route advice
- Incorporation of the subsidiary, or branch, liaison or project office approvals
- FEMA and RBI reporting for every inflow and outflow
- Accounting, tax, GST and transfer pricing
- Payroll and expatriate tax
- Company secretarial and annual filings
Questions
May a Singapore company hold all the shares of its Indian company?
Yes. Full foreign ownership is allowed without prior approval in most sectors, subject to any sector cap.
How long does it take a Singapore company to set up in India?
Allow 1–2 weeks for Singapore documents, then about two to three weeks for incorporation, with the bank account usually the slowest step. Most groups are operating within two to three months.
General information as at 5 November 2026, not advice for a particular case. Indian and Singapore rules change often; confirm the current position before acting. Singapore law points should be confirmed with a Singapore adviser.