In today’s context of globalization and deepening regional economic integration, choosing a country to set up a company that has a stable business environment, a superior tax regime and friendly business policies has become an important strategy for many companies and entrepreneurs.
Singapore has long been a top choice for international businesses and entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia due to its favorable geographical location, open economic policies, and well-established legal and regulatory system. Especially in2025, as Singapore continues to introduce favorable tax and business support policies, it provides an even more favorable environment for company registration.
Note: Attached at the end of the article: Singapore company registration+bank account opening+business start-up considerations+FAQs.
I. Who can open a company in Singapore?
When considering setting up a Singapore company, the first question is often,“Do I qualify? Can I incorporate?“In Singapore, this is very relaxed.
1. Both local and foreign entrepreneurs
Singapore allowsbothlocal and foreign entrepreneursto register companies in Singapore. In effect, the Singapore company system allows for100%foreign ownership, i.e. a foreign investor can fully own a business entity registered in Singapore.
This open ownership structure means:
No local shareholders or local participants are required, and the company can be fully owned in your name or in the name of your legal entity;
You have full control over the firm’s operations without being restricted to a local partner;
Shareholders can be individuals or legal entities (i.e. another company), with the flexibility to adapt to different structures.
2, to meet the regulatory“Know Your Customer“(KYC) requirements
However, it is important to note that despite the laxity in terms of ownership, you or your company stakeholders (shareholders, directors) are required to go through aKnow Your Customer(KYC) due diligenceduring the incorporation process. This is required in Singapore to prevent risks such as money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and arbitrage. Compliance service providers will usually assist in this step.
In short, if you are18 years of ageor above, or if you represent a company and can provide valid and legal identification and address information, then you are fully qualified to set up a company in Singapore. Over the years, Singaporehas become an important option for entrepreneurs and multinational corporations to set up their regional headquarterswiththe convenience of“foreigners can start a company“.
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II. Choosing the right type of Singapore business entity
Determining the structure of a company registration is a crucial part of the registration process. In Singapore, there are several common types of business entities to choose from. Depending on whether you are a solo entrepreneur, or have an existing parent company that is ready to set up a subsidiary in Singapore, the type of entity that is suitable for selection varies.
The following section focuseson the category of“personal shareholding“before turning tothe structure of“foreign companies in Singapore“.This article focuses onthe “Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)” in more detail.
1. Types of entities in which individuals hold shares
Pte Ltd
The most common and recommended company structure in Singapore.
Shareholder set-up structure: The company is an independent legal entity and the liability of the shareholders is limited to the subscribed shares, and under normal circumstances they are not liable for the debts of the company.
There can be up to50shareholders.
Perpetual succession (the company’s survival is not affected by changes in shareholders)–facilitates stable operations and changes in shareholders.
Qualify for tax incentives (e.g., small company partial tax exemption, start-up company credit).
Funds can be raised by issuing shares and is suitable for start-ups looking to expand or bring in investors.
② Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Flexible management, suitable for professional services quotations (e.g. law firms, accounting firms, medical organizations, etc.).
Partners have limited liability, but usually have fewer facilities for external financing or structural expansion than a private limited company.
(iii) Sole proprietorships
The simplest form of entity, owned and controlled by a natural person.
However, it is not a separate legal entity, and the individual is unlimitedly liable for all debts of the business; it is usually not suitable as a structure for the long term, when one wishes to hedge the risk of one’s assets.
2. Options for foreign companies in Singapore
The following structures are more common if you are representing a company already incorporated overseas and wish to conduct business or set up a regional structure in Singapore:
①Subsidiary
A private limited company incorporated in Singapore and wholly (or partly) owned by a foreign parent company.
Separation of parent company assets from subsidiary liabilities provides protection.
Subsidiaries can enjoy Singapore tax incentives, participate in financing and employ local staff, making them suitable for expansionary operations.
Branch office
An office set up in Singapore by a foreign parent company is not a separate legal entity in Singapore.
Parent company is liable for the Singapore office; usually not eligible for certain local tax benefits.
Representative office
Temporary, non-transactional organization, used only for market research and liaison purposes, and cannot engage in profitable commercial activities.
The period of validity is usually a maximum ofthreeyears, after which it is necessary to convert to a more permanent structure if the business continues.
This article will focus onthe process and requirements forregisteringa “PteLtd“as this is the structure chosen by most entrepreneurs and foreign companies in Singapore.
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Third, the minimum requirements for registering a company in Singapore
The legal and regulatory requirements for incorporating a company in Singapore are relatively concise and transparent. Below are thebasic requirements that need to be fulfilledto set up a private limited company (Pte Ltd).
1. Shareholders
At least1shareholder and up to50.
100% foreign ownershipis allowed.
Shareholders may be individuals or legal entities.
2、Paid-up capital (Paid-up capital)
The minimum paid-up capital isS$1. This is the legal minimum starting point and is usually set higher in practice.
Capital can be increased at any time after registration. There is currently noconcept of “authorized capital” in Singapore.
3. Directors (Directors)
At least1director. A director of a company cannot be solely a director of the company itself.
At least1director must be a resident of Singapore (including a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or holder of a lawful pass and resident status).
If you are overseas and do not have a suitable Singapore resident director, you may consider using the nomineedirectorserviceto fulfill the legal requirements.
4. Company Secretary (Company Secretary)
A qualified Singaporean company secretarymust beappointed within6 monthsof company registration. The company secretary is responsible for assisting the company in fulfilling its regulatory obligations, filing submissions, etc.
5, Singapore registered office address(Registered Office Address)
The company must have1physical office addresslocally in Singapore, not just a P.O. Box.
The registered address must be accessible during normal business hours for the purpose of receiving government, regulatory agency, and customer correspondence.
6. Other
Age requirement: Applicants must be at least18years old and have no criminal record.
The Articles of Incorporation (Constitution) must be filed with the ACRAor use its standard template.
Registration applications should besubmittedthroughACRA‘s online system, BizFile+ .
In short, as long as the operating entity meets themandatory requirementsof “1shareholder,1local director,1secretary, registered address and paid-up capital ofS$1“, it will have the basic qualifications to set up a private limited company.
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How long does it take to register a Singapore company?
Many entrepreneurs are concerned: how long does it take to register a company? Are there delays?
In Singapore, the process is relatively efficient due to well-prepared and experienced service providers.The following typical timelines are availablebased on the2025information.
Typical overview of registration process times:
1、Initial Preparation and KYC Audit
After submitting all the necessary documents, the service provider will handle theKYCprocessfor you such as shareholder and director identity verification, address verification, etc.This stage usually takes1-2days.
2. Approval of company name
Name requests throughACRA‘s BizFile+ online system can be completed in less than a day in most cases.
3. Company registration(submission of documents, signing, ACRA audit):
After name approval andKYCare completed,it usually takes 1-2 business days tosign the documents, submitACRAand obtain the registration certificate .In theory, the whole process can becompleted within 1working day at the earliest.
4. Bank account opening
The timing of this step varies widely.
If you choose digital banking (fintech or online banking services), usually5-10business days.
If you choose a traditional bank, it can take6-12weeks.
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Warm Tip:
While the registration process can ideally be completed within a day or two, provided that all documents are prepared (proof of shareholders’ identity, proof of address, information on Singaporean directors, proof of registered address, etc.) and there are no special issues.
This may be extended if more complex operations are involved, special permits are required, or if the reviewing authority needs to be involved.
If you have hired a professional agent or corporate service provider, the process will be smoother.
In short, with sufficient preparation and complete information, Singapore company registration can be described as“fast, stable and effective“, which is very suitable for enterprises that wish to launch operations quickly.
V. We provide comprehensive
One-Stop Singapore Company Support Services
In order to help you start from scratch, complete your company registration and start your business in Singapore, our services cover all aspects from registration to subsequent operational and compliance support. Below is an overview of our services:
1. Company registration
We assist you in registering your company in Singapore quickly and in a compliant manner, covering the entire process: company name approval, document preparation and submission,ACRA registration, statutory register establishment, and compliance formalities.
2. Company secretarial services
We will appoint a qualified Singapore company secretary for you, who will be responsible for assisting in the completion ofstatutory filings, minutes of directors’ meetings, minutes of shareholders’ meetings, submission of annual reports, etc., as required byACRA, to ensure that your company operates in a compliant and worry-free manner.
3、Registered address service
We provide registered address services in compliance with Singapore law. Your company will be provided with a quality local business address in Singapore (either for physical office or mail reception) and we help you handle all official government, regulatory, and customer related correspondence.
4. NomineeDirectorService(Nominee Director)
If you do not already have a local resident director in Singapore, we offer a trusted nominee director service to fulfill the legal requirement of having at least 1 Singapore resident director. You can still retain control of your company’s operations.
5. Annual declaration and compliance support
Company registration is just the starting point. According toIRASand ACRA requirements, companies are required to file annual reports, tax returns, financial statements, etc. on time. We provide them for you:
ACRAannual filing document preparation;
IRAScorporate tax returns (including ECI,Form C-S or Form C);
Assist you in understanding thelatest tax incentives and related policy changes for 2025(e.g.50%corporate income tax subsidy);
6. Bookkeeping and payroll
Once your business is underway, accurate financial management and compliance reporting is especially important. Our accounting team provides you with: accounting account processing, payroll management, tax filing, andGSTreporting support to help you focus on your core business.
7. Work Permit and Compliance License
If you or your team plan to work or set up a business entity in Singapore, we also assist in applying for the required work permits (e.g.EP,EntrePass) as well as various government licenses, trademark registrations, compliance management, and intellectual property protection.
8、Our service guarantee
We don’t do gimmicks, but really build long-term, trusted client partnerships. Starting a company in Singapore is easier, safer and more efficient when accompanied by a professional and experienced local team.
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Attachment:2025Singapore Company Registration Practical Checklist
1. Registration process(latestACRAguidelines)
①Name prequalification:
Go to the ACRA “BizFile+” system to submit your company name.
Name review takes about1business day.
Retention period of120days (re-application required after expiration).
②Preparing registration documents:
Company name in English;
Registered capital (minimumS$1, no paid-up required);
Shareholders and shareholding ratio (at least1shareholder, can be a natural or legal person);
Director’s Information (at least1local director orEPholderin Singapore)
Registered address (must be a Singapore address, which can be a business address or a compliant virtual address);
③Submit an application for registration:
Submit and pay the registration fee ( S$315for standard companies)throughBizFile+ .
Approvalis usuallygranted within1day.
④ Obtain a UEN(Unique Enterprise Number):
UENis automatically generated after successful registrationand can be used for bank account opening and tax declaration.
⑤ Bank account opening and tax registration:
Open a corporate account(optionalAspire, ANEXT Bank, Airwallex,MariBank,UOB,DBS,OCBC, etc.).
(vi) Filing company tax accounts:IRAS.
2. Precautions for Overseas Entrepreneurs
①Director Qualification
If there is no local director, a professional secretarial firm can be appointed to provide “Nominee Director” services.
②Company Secretary
A qualified company secretary must be appointed within6 monthsof incorporation.
③Reporting ofbeneficial ownership (R.O.C.)
All companies are required to maintain and submit beneficial ownership (UBO) registration information.
④Annual compliance requirements
AnnualReturn
Annual Report Submission (Financial Statement)
Corporate Tax Returns (Form C/C-S)
⑤EP/Self-Employed Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs can apply for EntrePassorEPand become a local director of the company after fulfilling the conditions.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a foreignerhold100% ofthe shares?
Yes, Singapore allows foreign investors to hold 100% of the shares.
Q2: Do I need to remit the registered capital to a Singapore bank?
No out-of-pocket contributions are required, but subsequent bank account opening may require proof of source of funds to be shown.
Q3: What is the corporate tax rate?
Standard corporate income tax of17%, with thefirstS$100,000 tax exemptionfor start-ups in the first3years(subject to qualifying conditions).
Q4: How long does it take to complete the registration of a company?
Registration isusuallycompleted in1-2business days.
Q5: Is a virtual address legal?
Yes,as long as theaddress serviceisprovided by an ACRA-recognized compliant secretarial firm.
Conclusion:
Choosing to incorporate a company in Singapore is a strategic decision.
AsSingapore continues to roll out a number of tax and business-friendly policies in 2025(e.g.,50%corporate income tax rebate, cash grants, rich VC incentives), it becomes even more attractive to set up a company and conduct business here, both regionally and globally.
If you are ready to take the first step, please contact us for a customized registration solution and full service support. The moment you launch your business in Singapore, it will be a new milestone in your development in Southeast Asia and even globally.
Finally, may your Singapore company journey set sail smoothly!
*References from: SingaporeCARA,IRAS, United Morning Post, comprehensive news reports collated, reproduced with attribution, infringement and deletion of contact.
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