Setting up a company in Singapore is straightforward, even for foreign founders. The country has a stable legal framework, simple incorporation requirements, and a business environment designed to support growth.
If you’re expanding into Asia, running cross-border e-commerce, or establishing a base for global operations, Singapore offers fast registration timelines, reliable governance, and access to a strong financial ecosystem.
Singapore gives global founders a clean, credible, and fully digital way to build and scale across Asia. Incorporation is fast, foreign ownership is allowed, and compliance is predictable. With no capital gains tax, a capped 17% corporate tax rate, and strong legal and banking infrastructure, it’s one of the most efficient places to run cross-border operations and handle multi-currency revenue.
For e-commerce and SaaS companies expanding into Southeast Asia or selling globally, Singapore offers direct access to regional markets, trusted payment and fintech rails, and a business environment investors recognise and support. It’s a stable base for business leaders who want transparency, scalability, and international trust from day one.
Your structure affects liability, fundraising options, tax treatment, and how counterparties perceive you. Most foreign founders choose a company type that protects their personal assets and is easy to expand.
The default choice for most foreign entrepreneurs. It’s a separate legal entity with limited liability, up to 50 shareholders, and it can be fully foreign-owned. It tends to inspire confidence with banks and investors, and it’s the gateway to local tax incentives.
Light on setup but heavy on risk: owners carry unlimited personal liability. Foreigners must appoint a locally resident manager or use a registered filing agent. Best suited to small, low-risk, owner-managed ventures.
An extension of a foreign parent, not a separate legal entity—so liabilities sit with the parent company. You’ll need at least one local authorised representative (usually a Singapore citizen, PR, or valid work pass holder).
A Pte Ltd owned by a foreign parent. You get limited liability, the standing of a Singapore company, and access to local incentives. This is a strong fit for long-term operations or a regional headquarters.
The minimum paid-up capital for company incorporation in Singapore is just SGD 1.
There is no maximum limit, and capital can be increased later as the business grows. This low threshold allows foreign entrepreneurs to incorporate quickly and begin operations without heavy upfront costs.
Every local company must have at least one locally resident director. This individual must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or a valid work pass holder such as an EntrePass or Employment Pass (EP) holder.
Many foreign companies use professional nominee director services to meet this requirement while retaining full control of the business. It’s important to select a credible nominee since directors carry legal responsibilities for company compliance.
A private limited company must have at least one director and one shareholder. There are no restrictions on nationality for directors or shareholders apart from the residency rule for at least one director.
The maximum number of shareholders for a private limited company is fifty, and they can be individuals or corporate entities. This flexibility supports both solo founders and larger international groups.
Every company must appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary must be a Singapore resident and cannot be the sole director. The role is crucial for maintaining statutory records and filing annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Many foreign entrepreneurs rely on professional secretarial firms to manage these filings accurately.
Your company must have a registered Singapore address that can receive official correspondence. The address must be a physical location, not a P.O. box.
For foreign companies without a physical office, virtual office providers can be used, provided they are authorised to act as registered address agents.
If you plan to relocate to Singapore to run your business, you’ll need an appropriate visa. Common options include:
Each visa type has its own conditions and application process through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), but they all support Singapore’s goal of attracting credible foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
The company registration process in Singapore is fully digital and managed by ACRA through the BizFile+ portal. While foreign entrepreneurs cannot self-register without a SingPass, they can easily complete incorporation by appointing a registered filing agent such as a law, accounting, or corporate service firm. The entire process typically takes one to two days.
The first step in setting up a company in Singapore is reserving a name through BizFile+.
Most applications are approved within an hour, though names requiring referral to other authorities (for regulated sectors such as finance or media) may take a few days.
Once the name is approved, your filing agent will prepare the required incorporation documents. These include:
All documents must be in English, or translated into English by a certified translator if originating from overseas.
After the documents are ready, the filing agent submits the incorporation application through BizFile+.
In most cases, a private limited company in Singapore can be incorporated within the same business day once the application is endorsed.
Immediately after incorporation, appoint your company secretary (within six months) and, if needed, confirm your local resident director. Ensure all statutory information — including registered address, business activity, and share allocation — is correctly recorded in ACRA’s system.
Once the company is set up, complete the following steps to start operating legally:
|
Step |
Estimated time |
Fee |
|
Name reservation |
1 hour – 1 day |
SGD 15 |
|
Document preparation |
1–2 days |
Varies by agent |
|
Incorporation approval |
Within 1 day |
SGD 300 |
|
Bank account setup |
3–5 days |
Varies by bank |
Every applicant must prepare the following key documents before submitting the incorporation application:
Your registered filing agent will verify all documents and submit them electronically through BizFile+. ACRA may request further information if details are unclear or if the company’s name or business activity falls under a regulated industry. In most cases, once documents are accepted, company registration in Singapore is approved within the same day.
|
Name |
Fee (SGD) |
|
Name reservation |
15 |
|
Company incorporation |
300 |
|
Total (mandatory) |
315 |
These are the only compulsory government fees payable directly to ACRA.
|
Service |
Estimated annual cost (SGD) |
|
Filing agent / incorporation services |
500 – 1,500 |
|
Nominee director |
2,000 – 4,000 |
|
Registered business address |
300 – 600 |
|
Company secretary |
800 – 1,500 |
|
Total setup estimate (first year) |
3,000 – 7,000 |
These exclude optional costs such as work visa applications, tax filing, and bank account setup. Prices vary by provider and company complexity, but most foreign entrepreneurs can expect their company in Singapore to be fully established for under SGD 7,000.
|
Compliance item |
Frequency |
Fee (SGD) |
|
Annual return filing |
Yearly |
60 |
|
GST registration (if applicable) |
One-time |
0 |
|
Business licence (if applicable) |
Variable |
100 – 500 |
These low ongoing fees contribute to Singapore’s appeal as a hub for foreign companies. The ability to file everything online through BizFile+ and IRAS portals further keeps administrative expenses manageable.
Once your company in Singapore is incorporated, a few key steps will help you begin operations smoothly and stay compliant.
With your Certificate of Incorporation and Unique Entity Number (UEN), you can open a corporate bank account with a local or digital bank, such as ANEXT Bank, Bank of China, or Maybank. Most require director IDs, company documents, and proof of business activity.
For foreign entrepreneurs, including Chinese companies, Singapore’s strong banking network and support for cross-border settlements make it ideal for managing regional payments.
Companies must register with the IRAS for corporate tax filings. The rate is 17%, with exemptions for new businesses in the first three years.
If annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, GST registration is required. All tax submissions are made online, and accounting records must be kept for five years.
To remain in good standing, your company must:
Hiring is regulated by the MOM.
Local staff are covered by the Employment Act, while foreign professionals need a valid Employment Pass or S Pass. Many founders use licensed HR or corporate service providers to manage applications and compliance.
Singapore offers incentives to encourage business growth:
Once the legal and operational steps are complete, your focus can move to building partnerships, hiring talent, and expanding across Asia with confidence. For many foreign entrepreneurs, Singapore is where global expansion starts.
At this stage, attention often turns to how the business will move money, manage settlements, and accept payments globally. That’s where choosing the right payment infrastructure becomes as important as choosing the right company structure. Reliable settlement systems, transparent reporting, and local currency support help merchants operate smoothly and gain the trust of partners and customers worldwide.