Singapore is constantly improving regulations in ways intended to strengthen trust and transparency in its business environment. The latest changes came into effect on 16 June 2025, after their adoption under the Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act of 2024. These changes relate to the Register of Controllers and the Register of Nominee Directors, introducing new requirements for both local and foreign entities. The updates help to align Singapore’s Beneficial Ownership (BO) regime with standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and support Singapore’s ongoing efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other threats to the global financial system. Let’s take a closer look at key changes and what actions are now required from companies and LLPs.
Register of Controllers Required from Incorporation
All newly incorporated Singapore companies, including foreign companies as well as newly registered Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), must now maintain a Register of Controllers starting from the date of incorporation or registration. (Previously, companies had up to 30 days after incorporation to create their Register of Controllers.) This register contains details of individuals or legal entities that have significant interest or control over the company or LLP.
Under Singapore law, a controller is generally defined as an individual or entity that directly or indirectly holds 25% or more of the shares, or 25% or more of the total voting power in the company. This applies to both local and foreign individuals and entities. You can refer to our guide on company controllers for more information.
The register must be kept up to date and must be made available to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) upon request. To ease compliance, the timeline for updating the register has been extended — companies and LLPs now have 7 calendar days (up from the previous 2 business days) to update controller particulars in their private register.
What is a Foreign Company, Under Singapore Law?
A foreign company refers to a legal entity incorporated outside Singapore that chooses to operate in Singapore. Foreign companies can establish their presence in Singapore through several means, including setting up a subsidiary company, a representative office, a branch office, etc. However the compliance requirements discussed in this blog post apply only to branch offices. You can learn more in our guide on Foreign Company Registration in Singapore.
Annual Confirmation of Controller Information
Under the new requirements, all companies, foreign companies, and LLPs must conduct an annual check with every registrable controller listed in their Register of Controllers. This is done by issuing a formal notice to each controller, asking them to confirm whether their recorded particulars remain accurate or if any changes have occurred.
This annual confirmation process applies to every individual or entity listed in the register, regardless of whether any change is suspected. It ensures that the information maintained is regularly reviewed and reflects the current control structure of the entity.
Register of Nominee Directors for Foreign Companies
Foreign companies registered in Singapore are now required to maintain a Register of Nominee Directors. This register must be kept at either the company’s registered office in Singapore or at the office of its registered Corporate Service Provider.
A nominee director in Singapore is typically a locally resident individual appointed to satisfy the legal requirement that every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in the country. This requirement is set out in the Singapore Companies Act and applies to all private limited companies. You can refer to our guide on nominee directors for more information.
What is the Deadline?
Existing companies, including foreign companies, and LLPs have until 31 December 2025 to submit information about their nominee directors. Meanwhile, new entities incorporated from 16 June 2025 must submit nominee director information on the date of incorporation.
Higher Penalties for Non-Compliance
The amendments also introduce increased fines for offences related to the maintenance of Registers of Controllers and Nominee Directors. The maximum fines have been raised from S$5,000 to S$25,000 for:
- Companies (including foreign companies) that fail to properly maintain these registers, and
- Limited Liability Partnerships that fail to maintain their Register of Controllers.
How We Can Help
At CorporateServices.com, we offer a full range of services to support both local and foreign businesses in meeting Singapore’s corporate transparency requirements.
Our Singapore company incorporation service ensures that your business is registered correctly from the start, with all necessary registers — such as the Register of Controllers and Register of Nominee Directors — properly set up and maintained. Beyond incorporation, we provide ongoing compliance support, including maintaining statutory registers, issuing annual controller notices, and helping your company meet key filing deadlines.
Whether you’re starting a new company or managing an existing one, CorporateServices.com provides efficient, reliable solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get started. reliable and ethical corporate services, ensuring your business operates within Singapore’s legal framework. For assistance or more information on how we can support your needs, please contact us today.
About CorporateServices.com
Headquartered in Singapore, CorporateServices.com, empowers global entrepreneurs with information and tools necessary to discover Singapore as a destination for launching or relocating their startup venture and offers a complete range of company incorporation, immigration, accounting, tax filing, and compliance services in Singapore. The company combines a cutting-edge online platform with an experienced team of industry veterans to offer high-quality and affordable services to its customers. Contact Us if you need assistance with setting up a new Singapore company or if you would like to transfer the administration of your existing company to us.
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