Singapore Company Registration: Incorporate Online

Registering a company in Singapore is a straightforward process, designed to minimize unnecessary bureaucracy. The entire company registration process can be managed online using our online platform. One of the important steps is the Know Your Customer (KYC) process for company stakeholders, as mandated by Singapore regulations. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA) is the government body responsible for overseeing the incorporation and regulation of businesses and companies, acting as the official company registrar and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Foreigners are required to engage the services of an approved Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to register a company in Singapore. Singaporeans are also strongly advised to utilize the services of a CSP to facilitate the registration process.

This guide will detail all the essential company registration requirements and walk you through each step of registering a Singapore company online.

Which Type of Business Entity to Register in Singapore?

While Singapore provides a range of legal entities suitable for both private entrepreneurs and foreign companies, setting up a Private Limited Company is by far the most preferred choice. This option provides scalability, enhanced credibility, access to funding, limited liability protection, attractive tax benefits, perpetual succession, and robust governance standards.

We have offered at a glance the various business structure options available to entrepreneurs and foreign companies below. To delve deeper into these options, feel free to read our guide Types of Business Entities in Singapore.

The rest of this article below focuses on registering a Private Limited Company in Singapore.

Why Choose Singapore for Company Incorporation?

Singapore isn't just a hub for delicious cuisine and vibrant culture; it's also a playground for entrepreneurs! With its robust legal system, extremely attractive tax benefits, and a red carpet for businesses of all sizes, incorporating in Singapore is like hitting the business jackpot.
If you wish to learn more on why choose Singapore, see our guide Benefits of Choosing Singapore for Your Business.

Who Can Register a Company in Singapore?

  • Both locals and foreigners are welcome to register 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 KYC due diligence.
get help registering company in singapore

Minimum Requirements for Registering a Singapore Company

The requirements for registering a company in Singapore are simple and straightforward. They are:

Shareholders

1 shareholder

  • Minimum of 1 and maximum of 50 shareholders.
  • 100% foreign shareholding allowed.
  • Shareholders can be individuals or legal entities.

Capital

1 SGD

  • Minimum of 1 Singapore dollar.
  • The company can increase its paid-up capital at any time post-incorporation.
  • There is no concept of authorized capital in Singapore.

Directors

1 director

  • Minimum of 1 director.
  • Corporate directors are not allowed.
  • At least one director must be a local resident director. Additional directors can be either local or foreign individuals.
  • To meet the local resident requirement, we offer a nominee director service for clients who do not have a local resident director.

Company Secretary

1 company secretary

  • A qualified and locally resident company secretary must be appointed.
  • A company secretary is responsible for ensuring the company complies with its regulatory obligations and filings.
  • When you incorporate through us, we 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 and must be a physical place (no P.O. Boxes).
  • The registered address must be operational and accessible to the public during normal business hours.
  • When you register your company through us, we will provide our address as your company’s registered address.
happy client who opened a company in Singapore

Expertly Done!

"Company incorporated, bank account opened, employment pass approved - thank you guys! I am very impressed with the smooth manner and quick pace at which everything was done. I explored several service providers in Singapore but am very glad to have finally engaged your team. Your online platform is awesome - it makes it very easy for me to work with your team and access my documents."

Oliver Weiss
CEO
D2G Pte. Ltd.
Image

Steps to Register a Singapore Company

Step 1

Engage Singapore
Corporate Services Firm
(Client)

When you are ready to proceed with registration of your company, the first step is to engage the services of a corporate service provider in Singapore. If you are interested in our services:

  • Review our incorporation packages and submit your incorporation inquiry.
  • We will promptly review your inquiry, discuss your needs with you, answer your questions, and advise you on the appropriate business structure.
  • Once you agree with the way forward, we will create an account for you on our online platform. You will be able to login and make payment for the agreed upon incorporation package.
Our online Corporate Services Platform (CSP) is a comprehensive and sophisticated software system designed to manage both the initial incorporation and ongoing maintenance of your company. Through this platform, clients and our staff collaborate to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Step 2

Submit Proposed Company Details and Required Documents
(Client)

Upon engaging our service, you will be able to

  • Complete the details of your company structure (business activity, shareholders, directors, paid-up capital, etc.) using our online platform.
  • Upload required documents for company stakeholders.

    Required Documents to Register a Singapore Company by Individuals

    • Copies of passports or Singapore Identity Cards (NRIC) for all directors, shareholders, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO).
    • Residential address proof (recent utility bills, bank statements, or official correspondence showing the residential address).
    • Professional background (a CV or LinkedIn profile).

      Required Documents to Register a Singapore Company by a Foreign Company

      • Certificate of incorporation of the parent company.
      • Business profile of the parent company containing information about its business activities, share capital, shareholders, and officers.
      • An ownership structure chart that identifies the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) of the parent company.
      • Board resolution from parent company authorizing the registration of a subsidiary company in Singapore.

      Our platform allows you to easily communicate with us online for any clarifications you may need at any step of the process.

      Step 3

      The KYC Process
      (Service Provider)

      Once you have submitted the necessary information about company structure and stakeholders, our compliance team will check and assess the identities and backgrounds of all company stakeholders. This Know Your Customer (KYC) process is an important component of the company incorporation process in Singapore. It is mandated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and other regulatory bodies to ensure that businesses comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF) regulations.

      The KYC process consists of:

      • Verification of Identity and Address. It involves checking the validity of identification documents and confirming the residential address.
      • Background checks. In compliance with AML and CFT regulations, background checks must be conducted to ensure that stakeholders have no history of involvement in illegal activities.
      • Based on the gathered information and verification results, if everything appears satisfactory, the company incorporation process can proceed. However, in some cases, more detailed checks may be necessary, requiring additional information or documents from the stakeholders.

      Step 4

      Company Name Reservation
      (Service Provider)

      • Upon completing the KYC step, we will proceed to apply for the approval of your company name with Singapore company registrar ACRA.
      • The name must be unique, not identical or too similar to existing names, and must not contain any prohibited or undesirable words.
      • Once approved, the company name will be reserved for 120 days from the date of application.
      • You can use our Company Name Search tool to check for company name availability.

      In case your first choice name is not available, our team will apply for your alternate choices.

      Step 5

      Preparation of Company
      Incorporation Documents
      (Service Provider)

      After the company name is approved, we will prepare all necessary incorporation documents for your review and signature. These documents are required for registering your company with ACRA. Below are the key incorporation documents that must be prepared and filed:

      • Company Constitution (previously known as Memorandum and Articles of Association). The Company Constitution outlines the rules and regulations governing the company’s operations, the rights and responsibilities of its shareholders and directors, and the internal management of the company. You can adopt the standard Singapore Company Constitution (recommended) or draft a custom one to suit your specific business needs.
      • Consent to Act as Director. This document confirms that the appointed directors agree to act in their capacity as directors of the company. Each director must sign a consent form.
      • Consent to Act as Company Secretary. This document confirms that the appointed company secretary agrees to perform their duties in compliance with regulatory requirements.
      • Declaration of Compliance. This is a statutory declaration confirming that all the requirements of the Companies Act in respect of the registration of the company have been complied with.
      After we have prepared these documents, you will sign them electronically through our online platform. There is no need to sign physical documents.

      Step 6

      Company Incorporation
      with ACRA
      (Service Provider)

      Filing the incorporation application is the final step in the process of setting up your company in Singapore.

      • We will submit all necessary information and signed documents to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through their online portal BizFile+.
      • Most registration applications are processed in a matter of hours.
      • Upon approval, ACRA will issue an email notification confirming the company incorporation. This electronic certificate of incorporation serves as official proof of your company’s legal status in Singapore. A hard copy certificate is not issued.
      • We will also retrieve an official company business profile of your newly registered company from ACRA. This document shows the corporate structure of your Singapore company and includes the company’s primary business activity, registered address, details of shareholders and directors, and shareholding structure.
      All corporate documents for your company will be available to you through our online platform and you can access them 24/7.

      Singapore Company Registration Packages

      We have ready-made incorporation packages based on the most common needs of our foreign and local clients.

      Our packages include all essential services for opening your Singapore company, without bundling unnecessary services that may not be required. We provide transparent and competitive pricing.

      Contact Our Team
      Foreigner Package
      Company Setup

      Designed for foreign entrepreneurs and foreign companies, this package covers all services that are necessary to incorporate and start a new Singapore company.

      S$3,100
      S$4,315

      Singapore Company Registration

      Company Secretary for 1 Year

      Registered Address for 1 Year

      Nominee Director for 1 Year or Employment Pass

      Bank Account Opening Consultation
      Annual Return Filing with ACRA

      Inclusive of Government Fees

      Package Details

      Local Package

      Company Setup

      Designed for Singapore citizens and permanent residents of Singapore who do not need our local director and Employment Pass application filing service.

      S$1,115
      S$2,015

      Singapore Company Registration

      Company Secretary for 1 Year

      Bank Account Opening Consultation
      Annual Return Filing with ACRA

      Inclusive of Government Fees

      Package Details

      Common Tasks After Company Registration in Singapore

      Bank Account Opening

      Opening a corporate bank account is an important task after incorporating your company in Singapore. In response to stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorism Financing (ATF) regulations, all traditional banks in Singapore have tightened the process of opening a corporate bank account thus requiring careful planning and preparation.

      Our recommended approach:

      • To expedite the commencement of your business operations, we recommend opening a digital bank account first with a neobank such as Aspire, Wise, or Airwallex. The account opening process with these neobanks is significantly faster, allowing you to start your business activities without delay.
      • Simultaneously, you should explore traditional banks (OCBC, DBS, HSBC, etc) to understand their specific requirements, prepare all necessary information and documents, and then submit your application for a bank account.
      This dual approach ensures that you can quickly begin operations while also securing a more comprehensive banking solution for your long-term needs. We will advise and assist you further on this after we commence our incorporation service.

      Singapore Work Visa

      • After registering your company in Singapore, you may need to relocate key staff members to establish and expand your operations. The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who possess the necessary qualifications and experience.
      • The Employment Pass application is subject to approval, and both the company and the applicant must meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
      • For further details, see our guide Singapore Employment Pass. We will be happy to discuss your particular plans and advise you on options best suitable for your particular situation!

      GST Registration
      (Optional)

      Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration in Singapore is optional for companies with an annual taxable turnover below SGD 1 million. Once registered, you must comply with ongoing reporting and filing requirements.

      To learn more, read our Singapore GST Registration Guide.

      get help with singapore company registration

      Business License
      (Optional)

      Depending on the nature of your business activities, you may need to apply for specific business licenses to legally operate in Singapore. Only certain industries such as food and beverage, retail, healthcare, finance, and education have licensing requirements.

      To learn more, read our Singapore Business Licenses Guide.

      Incorporation Timeline Expectations

      How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Singapore?

      In the current environment of stringent AML/ATF regulations and due diligence requirements, expecting to have a company incorporated within a single day is unrealistic. Despite this, many service providers continue to promise quick registration merely to attract and sign up customers. Here are the realistic timelines along with strategies to manage them effectively:

      Initial Preparation and
      KYC Due Diligence

      3-5 days

      The initial preparation phase involves gathering all necessary documents and information required for Singapore company registration. Once this information is ready, the Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence process is conducted to verify the identities and backgrounds of the company's stakeholders. This step is crucial for compliance with Singapore’s strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorism Financing (ATF) regulations.
      This step can take several days and depends on the complexity of your business structure and the responsiveness of involved parties. To make the process efficient, we advise our clients to use a checklist to prepare and submit all required documents.

      Company Name
      Reservation

      <1 day

      Once applied, the approval for a company name typically takes less than a day, provided there are no conflicts or objections.

      Company Registration
      with ACRA

      1-2 days

      After the KYC process is complete and the company name is approved, filing the incorporation documents with ACRA usually takes one to two business days for standard applications. In some cases, the process may take longer.

      Bank Account
      Opening

      5-10 days for digital banks

      6-12 weeks for traditional banks

      Opening 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.

      Ongoing Compliance and Maintenance 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:
      how to register a company in singapore

      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 period of at lest five years.

      Annual Tax Filing

      Companies 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.

      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.
      For a detailed overview, see our guide Compliance Requirements for Singapore Companies. As the appointed company secretary, we will ensure that your company adheres to statutory requirements and keeps accurate records to maintain good standing with regulatory authorities..

      Incorporate Your Singapore Company With Us

      get help incorporating a company in singapore

      Ready or Have Questions?

      Tell us your needs and we will get in touch with you promptly.

      Contact Us

      More Help

      FAQs on Singapore Company Registrations by Foreigners

      General FAQs on Singapore Company Registration

      Ask Us

      More Reading

      guides about singapore

      Our Guides

      Explore our comprehensive guides covering a wide range of topics on operating a Singapore company.
      our singapore incorporation packages

      Our Services

      Review our services and packages to determine the best fit for your needs.
      our reviews

      Client Reviews

      Check out Google reviews from clients like you to learn more about our services.