Singapore Company Registration
Complete Guide for 2025
Last Updated: 6 Sep 2025
Company registration in Singapore is a straightforward process, designed to minimize unnecessary bureaucracy. Foreigners are required to engage the services of a licensed Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to register a company in Singapore. Local residents are also encouraged to work with a CSP to incorporate their company and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.
Set up your Singapore company with ease. This guide covers the full registration process, including company type selection, requirements, documents, timeline, and compliance.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways on Setting Up a Company in Singapore
Who Can Open a Company in Singapore?
Choosing the Right Type of Business Entity in Singapore
Minimum Requirements to Incorporate a Company in Singapore
How Long Does Singapore Company Registration Take?
Step-by-Step Guide to the Registration Process
Singapore Company Registration Packages
What to Do After Your Company Is Registered
Ongoing Compliance for Singapore Companies
Benefits of Incorporating in Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Key Takeaways on Setting Up a Company in Singapore
Who can register: Both locals and foreign entrepreneurs can incorporate a company in Singapore, with 100% foreign ownership permitted.
Best entity type: The Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the preferred structure in Singapore, offering limited liability, scalability, and attractive tax benefits.
Minimum requirements: 1 shareholder, S$1 paid-up capital, 1 Singapore-resident director, a Singapore company secretary, and a local registered address.
Registration Process & Timeline: Company details & KYC (2–3 days), Name approval (<1 day), document signing (1–2 days), and filing with ACRA (1 day).
Post-Registration Tasks (as needed): Open a bank account, apply for work visas, obtain required licenses, and register for GST if applicable.
Ongoing Compliance: File annual returns with ACRA, submit tax returns to IRAS, maintain records, and report changes to company details.
Who Can Open a Company in Singapore?
- Both locals and foreigners can open a company in Singapore, with no restrictions on ownership.
- Singapore allows foreigners to own 100% of their Singapore business entity, offering complete control over their operations.
- Shareholders of a Singapore company can be individuals or corporate entities.
- All company stakeholders must pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence during the incorporation process to meet regulatory requirements.
Choosing the Right Type of Business Entity in Singapore
Singapore offers several types of business entities for entrepreneurs. The most popular choice for starting a business in Singapore is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd), offering limited liability protection, tax benefits, and scalability. Sometimes, other structures may be more suitable depending on your needs. Below is an overview of the common business entity options, grouped for individual entrepreneurs and for foreign companies:
For Individuals
Private Limited Company
(PTE LTD)
- A separate legal entity with limited liability for shareholders.
- Can have up to 50 shareholders.
- Perpetual succession, ensuring continuity and stability.
- Eligible for tax incentives.
- Can raise capital by issuing shares.
Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)
- Partners have limited liability.
- Considered a separate legal entity.
- Flexibility in management.
- Common for professional services (law & accounting firms, medical practices, etc.).
Sole
Proprietorship
- Not a separate legal entity
- Owned and controlled by a single individual.
- Unlimited personal liability.
- Personal assets exposed to all business debts and obligations.
For Foreign Companies
- A private limited company incorporated in Singapore that is wholly or partially owned by a foreign parent company.
- Separate legal entity from the parent; limited liability protects parent assets.
- Eligible for local tax benefits.
- Common choice for expansion; can raise capital and hire locally.
- Extension of the foreign parent company; not a separate legal entity.
- Liabilities extend to the parent company.
- Can conduct business and earn revenue in Singapore.
- Generally not eligible for Singapore tax incentives.
- Temporary, non-trading setup for market research and liaison only
- Cannot engage in commercial activities that generate revenue.
- Typically valid for up to three years, after which it must transition to a more permanent business structure or cease operations.
For a deeper dive, see our full guide to types of business entities in Singapore. The rest of this article focuses on setting up a Private Limited Company.
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Minimum Requirements to Incorporate a Company in Singapore
The minimum legal requirements for company registration in Singapore are straightforward. To set up a Singapore company, local and foreign entrepreneurs alike must meet the following criteria:
Shareholders
1 shareholder
- At least 1 and up to 50 shareholders.
- 100% foreign shareholding is allowed.
- Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
Capital
S$1 Paid-Up
Capital
- Minimum paid-up capital is 1 Singapore dollar.
- Paid-up capital can be increased at any time by injecting the necessary capital.
- There is no concept of authorized capital in Singapore.
Directors
1 director
- At least 1 director (corporate directors are not permitted).
- At least one director must be a Singapore resident. Additional directors may be local or foreign individuals.
- If you do not have a local director, you can fulfill this requirement with a nominee director service.
Company Secretary
1 company secretary
- A qualified, Singapore-resident company secretary must be appointed.
- The secretary ensures the company meets its regulatory obligations and filings.
- When we register your company, our incorporation team will appoint a qualified company secretary for your company.
Legal Address
Singapore-based registered address
- The company must have a registered office address in Singapore that is a physical location (no P.O. Boxes).
- The registered address must be accessible during normal business hours.
- As part of our registered address service, we will provide a prime business address for your Singapore company and handle all official correspondence.
How Long Does Singapore Company Registration Take?
Entrepreneurs often ask how quickly a new company can be registered in Singapore. With today’s strict AML due diligence requirements, instant registration isn’t possible. However, once incorporation documents are signed, a company can be incorporated within 1 business day. With proper preparation, the overall process is efficient. Below is the typical timeline for each stage of Singapore company registration:
Initial Preparation & KYC
1-2 days
Submit all required documents for company setup. Our incorporation team will verify stakeholder identities through KYC checks, an essential step for complying with Singapore’s AML/ATF regulations. With complete documents, this stage is typically completed in 1–2 days.
Company Name
Reservation
<1 day
Once applied, company name approval typically takes less than a day, provided there are no conflicts or objections.
Company Registration
with ACRA
1-2 days
After KYC clearance and name approval, the incorporation team prepares the required documents for the client to sign. The team then files the company registration application with ACRA. Standard applications are typically processed within 1–2 business days.
Bank Account
Opening
5-10 days for digital banks
6-12 weeks for traditional banksOpening a corporate bank account with a traditional bank can add several weeks. We recommend opening an account with a neobank (also known as a digital bank) first, as this process is considerably faster.
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Step-by-Step Guide to the Registration Process
Below is an overview of the key steps of how to register a company in Singapore:
Step 1
Engage an Incorporation Team
- When you’re ready to proceed with Singapore company registration, review our incorporation packages and submit your inquiry.
- If you need clarifications, schedule a free call with our incorporation team.
- Get onboarded to our Corporate Services Platform, make payment for the required services, and start working with your assigned team.
Step 2
Submit Company Details and Required Documents
- Complete your company profile on our platform: business activity, shareholders, directors, and paid-up capital.
- Upload required documents for individuals: passport/NRIC, proof of address, brief CV or LinkedIn profile.
- For corporate shareholders: upload incorporation certificate, business profile, ownership chart (with UBOs), and board resolution authorising the Singapore entity
Step 3
KYC Due Diligence
- Our Incorporation team conducts Know Your Customer (KYC) checks as required by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under AML rules.
- Verification covers identity, address, and screening of all directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
- If cleared, we proceed with company registration; if not, additional documents or clarifications may be requested.
Step 4
Company Name Reservation
- The company name must be approved before incorporation.
- Our incorporation team submits your proposed name to ACRA, with most approvals completed within the same day if the name is unique and compliant.
- Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days. If rejected, we review alternatives with you and submit a new application.
Step 5
Preparation of Incorporation Documents
- The incorporation team prepares all required documents, including the Company Constitution, consents to act (director/secretary), and the compliance declaration.
- Documents are sent to you for review and e-signature through our Corporate Services Platform.
- All documents are drafted to comply with the Companies Act and ensure a smooth registration process.
Step 6
Company Incorporation
with ACRA
(Service Provider)
- The incorporation team files your company registration application with ACRA online.
- Standard applications are typically approved within a few hours, and ACRA issues an e-Certificate of Incorporation along with the company’s Business Profile.
- All company documents - constitution, incorporation certificate, and business profile - are stored securely on our Corporate Services Platform for your access.
Incorporate Your Singapore Company With Us
We don’t sell gimmicks. We build lasting relationships.
Starting a company in Singapore is easier when you have an experienced team by your side. Our Singapore incorporation experts guide you through every step, from choosing the right business structure to handling paperwork and compliance. We provide complete, end-to-end support so you can focus on building your business.
When you sign up with us, you’ll be assigned to one of the experienced CSP teams who will guide you through each step of the incorporation journey. Our online platform makes it easy to collaborate, track progress, and manage all documentation in one secure place. We are built for serving real businesses, not for investor slides.
Singapore Company Registration Packages
To make company registration simple, we offer two tailored packages - one for foreign entrepreneurs and one for local entrepreneurs.
Each package includes all essential services to set up a Singapore company, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Contact Our Team
Local
Package
Package
(Best for local
entrepreneurs)
entrepreneurs)
S$1,182
(incl. GST)
Services Included
Complete Company Incorporation – Govt. Fees Included
Company Secretary (1 Year)
Assistance with Business Bank Account
Statutory Records Setup (Post-Incorporation)
24/7 Secure Access to Company Records & Support
Foreigner
Package
Package
(Best for global
entrepreneurs)
entrepreneurs)
S$3,100
S$3,345 (if GST applies)
Services Included
Everything in the Local Package, plus:
Nominee Resident Director (1 Year) or Employment Pass Application Filing
Company Registered Address (1 Year)
What to Do After Your Company Is Registered
Bank Account Opening
Opening a corporate bank account is a key step after incorporation. Traditional banks in Singapore conduct strict AML and ATF checks, so approvals can take weeks. To start operations quickly, entrepreneurs are advised to open a digital bank account with a neobank such as Aspire, Wise, or Airwallex, while also applying with a traditional bank for a long-term solution. This dual approach provides both speed and stability for your business.
Singapore Work Visa
After incorporation, you may need to relocate some staff to Singapore. The Employment Pass (EP) is the main work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Approval depends on both company and applicant eligibility. Our team will assess your case and assist you with the application process.
GST Registration
In Singapore, Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration is optional for companies with an annual taxable turnover below SGD 1 million. Once GST registered, businesses must comply with ongoing GST reporting and filing requirements.
Business Licenses
Depending on your business requirements, you may need specific business licenses to operate legally in Singapore. Licensing applies mainly to regulated industries such as food and beverage, retail, healthcare, finance, and education.
Ongoing Compliance for Singapore Companies
While ongoing maintenance requirements are simple and straightforward, compliance with them is essential to ensure the company remains in good standing with the Singapore regulatory authorities. Here are the key compliance requirements:
Annual Return Filing
An Annual Return must be filed with ACRA that includes key information such as the company’s financial statements, details of directors and shareholders, and any changes in share capital.
Record Keeping
Singapore companies must maintain all company records, including financial statements, meeting minutes, and statutory registers, for a minimum period of five years.
Annual Tax Filing
Businesses must prepare and submit financial statements that comply with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and file their annual Corporate Income Tax Return with Singapore tax authority IRAS.
Timely Updates
Singapore companies are required to report any changes in company details (e.g., directors, shareholders, registered address) to ACRA within the stipulated time frame.
Trusted by Global Entrepreneurs Like You
Thoroughly impressed!
I have been thoroughly impressed with the team at Corporate Services and their advice, organization, and punctuality for my company incorporation and EP application. Their systemized workflow ensured I was fully aware of the status of my application at all times. Besides, the team was quick to respond to all of my queries. I would and have already recommended their services wholeheartedly.
Andy Scanlon
Founder, HOLMWOOD INVESTMENTSAuram thanks you!
We thank you for the incorporation of our Singapore company. Your personalized approach with sophisticated technology has given us a smooth and hassle-free experience in our company incorporation. We appreciate your timely inputs and guidance in helping us with our requirements. We are happy to put on record our satisfaction with your service and look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial relationship.
First-class service!
Guys, thanks for getting things done so efficiently. Your advice and guidance for establishing our banking relationship with UOB was the real deal. I have been very impressed with your firm since my very first interaction and now that everything has been completed, I am very glad that I selected you. I would wholeheartedly recommend you to fellow entrepreneurs who are considering incorporating a company in Singapore.
Benefits of Incorporating in Singapore
While this guide explains how to register a Singapore company, it’s worth highlighting why the country has become a top global choice for entrepreneurs. Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most business-friendly countries. Incorporating here gives founders a clear edge, with advantages ranging from a pro-business tax regime to a stable legal and economic environment. Key benefits include:
Attractive Tax Regime
- Flat 17% corporate tax rate with additional tax incentives for new businesses.
- Extensive network of double taxation treaties reduces cross-border tax burdens.
World-Class Business Reputation
- Globally recognized for financial, political, and regulatory stability.
- Enhances business credibility with investors, partners, and customers by signaling high standards of governance and compliance
Open to Foreign Entrepreneurs
- No barriers for foreign ownership
- Singapore provides a fully inclusive environment for global entrepreneurs.
Simple Regulations
- Clear and efficient incorporation procedures.
- Straightforward compliance requirements, such as annual filings, minimize bureaucracy and let owners focus on growth.
Strong Intellectual Property Protection
- Robust IP laws provide a secure environment for innovation and safeguard valuable business assets.
Efficient Legal System
- Impartial and reliable judicial framework supports a transparent, corruption-free business environment.
For more insights, read our guide on why choose Singapore for your business.
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