Corporate structuring and incorporation trends in Singapore and India

New business incorporation and corporate structuring trends are highlighted across different regulatory environments. In Singapore, 2026 remains a cost-effective year for incorporation due to stable statutory fees from ACRA, including a SGD 315 total for name application and registration. Additionally, Budget 2026 introduced tax relief measures for eligible SMEs, such as a 40% corporate income tax rebate capped at SGD 30,000.

In the context of global startups, the importance of selecting an appropriate holding structure is emphasized to avoid the complexities of a ‘reverse flip.’ Using the example of Meesho’s transition from a US-parent structure to an Indian-domiciled structure, the analysis notes that restructuring involves significant challenges regarding valuation, tax, and regulatory compliance under India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Founders are advised to determine where ownership, intellectual property, and capital should reside before incorporation to avoid expensive future migrations.