Investing from Singapore
Last updated 18 October 2026 · By Pradeep Kumar, India Solar
In short:
an investor from Singapore can buy the Indian company that owns an operating solar plant under India's automatic foreign-investment route. India withholds
10–15%
tax on dividends paid to investors from Singapore who give a tax residency certificate and Form 10F. Common base for holding companies.
Your home-country rules
- No exchange controls.
- Foreign dividends can be exempt where they were taxed abroad and the source country's headline rate is at least 15%; India meets this.
Tax treaty and legal protection
- India–Singapore tax treaty: 10% Indian withholding on dividends for holdings of 25% or more, 15% otherwise.
- Gains on Indian shares bought after 1 April 2017 are taxable in India.
- Holding companies need real substance to rely on the treaty.
Documents you will need
- ACRA business profile
- Tax residency certificate and Form 10F
- Beneficial owner list, including fund investors where relevant
How we work with investors from Singapore
- Funds with investors from China or Hong Kong are checked under India's Press Note 3 rules.
Related guides
- Tax on dividends from Indian solar companies, by country
- FDI rules for foreign buyers of Indian solar plants
- Buying an operating solar plant in India
Sources
Information as of October 2026. General information only, not tax or legal advice; rules change and depend on your circumstances.