Company Registration in Singapore 2025 The Complete Guide

This reputation is underpinned by Singapore’s stable, pro-business regulatory framework – a key factor that draws entrepreneurs and international companies to its shores​. Singapore is widely regarded as one of the most business-friendly places in the world to launch a company. You won’t need a visa if you stay abroad and appoint a local director to meet the requirements. This includes S$15 for reserving your company name and S$300 for incorporation. The government fee to start a company is S$315. You’ll need to reserve a company name, prepare the documents, appoint a local director, and file the form.

In other cases, the regulatory authority may only get involved in approving your registration after it has been submitted to ACRA. The application itself may only take about 15 minutes to complete. More information on the Scheme and application procedures can be found here. You can use your flat to run the administrative functions of a business and hire up to two non-resident employees. This would be a separate legal entity which would similarly allow you to limit your liabilities. A partnership does not have to file its accounts or have them audited.

You also need to include a brief description  of your business’s primary activity, like “Selling of graphic designs.” For example, if your business sells designs, you would use the SSIC code “74192,” which stands for Art and Graphic Design Services. You can use the SSIC Search tool on Bizfile to find the appropriate code for your business.

Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to start a business. Share a few details about your business, and we’ll help you navigate your setup and expansion in Singapore. Through meticulous planning and coordination, potential hold-ups and expenses can be markedly diminished, thereby establishing a robust base for your new business endeavor. Conducting an in-depth market analysis can assist in locating corporate service providers offering competitive rates.

A company secretary must be a natural person whose primary residence is in Singapore. A company secretary is responsible for core compliance tasks and can offer valuable guidance on early decisions. Even though the appointment is not immediately required, it’s included here in the registration steps because it’s strongly recommended to find one early. However, you must appoint one within six months from the date of incorporation. The minimum paid-up capital for incorporating a company in Singapore is SGD 1, and it can be issued with or without full payment from shareholders.

Step 5: Get a Registered Address

To become qualified, these filing agents must complete an obligatory training program that concentrates on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Compliance aspects. If certain conditions are met concerning revenue and asset thresholds—specifically falling below SGD 10 million—companies may also qualify for audit exemptions. The duties of the company secretary include keeping statutory records, submitting annual returns on time, and confirming that the company conforms to stipulations in the Companies Act. It is imperative for businesses to observe these deadlines diligently and ensure that all required documentation is thoroughly compiled and submitted on time. The documents that need to be filed include detailed financial statements prepared in a prescribed format, which promotes transparency and accountability.

If you do not intend to rent any office space, you can consider registering your home address as your business address under the Home Office Scheme. You should run an online Google search to find out if your proposed name is already being used by a currently registered business, or if it is extremely automobile english meaning similar to the name of such a business. If you intend to expand your business and would like to raise capital more easily in the future, you may wish to incorporate a Singapore company.

Appointing an Auditor

These fiscal advantages significantly enhance the appeal of setting up a business in Singapore due to the friendly incorporation climate it offers regarding taxes. To minimize the burden of double-taxation on foreign-derived income, Singapore has established Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements along with Unilateral Tax Credits for its businesses. The prevailing corporate tax rate stands at an appealing 17%, and companies benefit from there being no taxation on capital gains. Banks may ask for additional documents based on specific requirements, and approval for a business bank account is not guaranteed. Opening a corporate bank account in Singapore is crucial for separating business and personal finances. According to local laws, individuals or corporate entities who hold the position of company secretary must possess appropriate qualifications.

Representative Office

• Ensuring the legitimacy of a company in Singapore and steering clear of fraudulent entities is critical.
• At least 1 director of the company must be a Singapore resident.
• A partnership does not have to file its accounts or have them audited.
• The director may have to provide proof of address in Singapore.
• Voluntary registration is possible for businesses looking to claim input tax credits.
• Whether you’re a local founder or a foreign entrepreneur, registering a business here is one of the most straightforward and efficient processes in Asia — if you know what to prepare.

Yes, foreigners can register a company in Singapore, but the requirements differ slightly from locals. As an alternative, you can use a virtual office address as your registered business address when setting up your company. Yes, all companies must have a registered business address in Singapore. If you are planning to start a business, our on the ground business incorporation experts will handle the entire registration process on your behalf. Utilizing a registered filing agent can help mitigate the chances of overlooking critical legal due dates.

This means you can instantly secure a credible CBD address for your company without the need to rent a physical office space. If you are calculating how long does it take to register a company in Singapore, name reservation is instant (and kept for 120 days upon approval). Before registration, reserve your desired business name through the ACRA BizFile+ portal. Read more in this helpful guide on foreign registration, supplied by ACRA Bizfile, here. Foreigners can fully own a company in Singapore but must appoint a local resident director. Most foreign founders tend to opt for a Pte Ltd, due to its scalability and legal protections.

• For more information on what businesses are eligible and the application requirements, you can visit MOM’s website or our article on obtaining an entrepass.
• There’s no rule requiring a local shareholder, making it a popular choice for foreign founders.
• This is essential for business transactions, payroll, and regulatory compliance.
• To make company registration simple, we offer two tailored packages – one for foreign entrepreneurs and one for local entrepreneurs.
• Set up your Singapore company with ease.

Must Foreigners Register Businesses in Singapore?

With its pro-business ecosystem and robust infrastructure, Singapore remains the ideal launchpad for global ambitions. Non-compliance can result in penalties or legal action. Hold your first AGM within 18 months of incorporation, then annually. Make sure that you are clued up on compliance information and rules for topics such as annual general meetings, annual return filings and financial statement filings. Ensure ongoing compliance with statutory requirements. This is like an identification number for your business used in all government and many commercial transactions.

Can Dependant Pass (DP) holders open a company in Singapore?

If you’re managing a small business, these services can help you stay on track and save time if they meet your budget. Using a company incorporation service isn’t limited to those without a Singpass. Pay the company registration fee using a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard®, or American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Enter the transaction number of the approved business name application, then proceed to the next step.

Steps to Register a Company in Singapore

Additionally, for a sole proprietorship or partnerships, the registration will expire once it has lapsed and was not renewed. Should your business require any licences, you may apply via GoBusiness prior to running your business. The registration fee for an LLP is $100 (a one-time registration fee).

Likewise, they are legally accountable for the company’s actions. It’s also a legal requirement that at least one local resident director remains on the management board at all times while the company is operating. You’ll need at least one director and one shareholder to incorporate a local company in Singapore. For example, if there is an existing business called “Star Solutions,” an application to register a new business as “The Star Solutions” or “Star Solutions South East Asia” would be rejected.

If you have a Singpass, then you can register a company by yourself by following these steps. Deciding sales volume english meaning on the FYE is essential, as this information is required when filling out the company registration form. The Financial Year-End (FYE) is the final day of your company’s accounting period. Having this support from the start helps keep your company organised and on track from day one. Unlike when registering a company in Hong Kong, you are not required to have a company secretary at the time of registering a company in Singapore.

Local residents are credit risk and allowance for losses also encouraged to work with a CSP to incorporate their company and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements. Foreigners are required to engage the services of a licensed Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to register a company in Singapore. After incorporation, open a corporate bank account in Singapore. A PDF document that serves as the certificate of incorporation and contains details of your company’s registration information. Once approved – congratulations, your business is officially registered! Virtual Office services can provide a prestigious business address, mail handling, and other administrative support.

If you are the only person running your business, you may wish to register as a sole proprietorship, which has less administrative requirements. For more information on what businesses are eligible and the application requirements, you can visit MOM’s website or our article on obtaining an entrepass. If you are a foreign entrepreneur residing in Singapore and wish to start and operate a business here, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). To customers and suppliers, a registered business provides legitimacy because information about your business can be searched and verified via ACRA.