Singapore’s Biotech Industry: Setting Up a Biotech Company as a Foreigner

In short: Singapore’s biotech industry is built around Biopolis at one-north, A*STAR research institutes, hospital partners, and national genomics programmes such as SG10K and its successor, PRECISE. Foreign founders usually set up a private limited company, and they need product licences from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) before selling medical devices or therapeutic products. Scientists and founders usually relocate on an EntrePass or Employment Pass. Paul Hype Page incorporates for S$800 plus the S$315 ACRA fee.

Why Singapore for biotech?

• Cluster: Biopolis at one-north brings A*STAR institutes, company labs and startups together.
• Research funding: the national RIE plans fund biomedical research. RIE2025 covered 2021–2025, so check the current RIE plan’s priorities.
• Precision medicine: SG10K sequenced Singaporean genomes, and Precision Health Research Singapore (PRECISE) runs the national precision medicine programme.
• Regulation: HSA regulates therapeutic products and medical devices, with clear registration routes.

Setting up a biotech company

1. Incorporate a Pte Ltd, choosing the R&D or manufacturing SSIC codes. You’ll need a locally resident director.
2. Licences: register products and get dealer licences (manufacturer, importer, wholesaler) from HSA before selling. Labs handling biological agents may need MOH approvals.
3. Space: lab space at one-north or JTC sites.
4. People: founders on an EntrePass, scientists on an Employment Pass. COMPASS has a skills bonus for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List.

Challenges

Lab and talent costs are high, and regulatory timelines can be long. Plan your runway around HSA approvals, not just R&D milestones.

How Paul Hype Page helps

Incorporation is S$800 plus the S$315 ACRA fee, and our setup package bundles the main setup services (ask us what it includes). We act as corporate secretary (S$600 a year) and apply for your EntrePass (S$3,800) or Employment Pass. Paul Hype Page has a 96% EP success rate (PHP internal records, 1,000+ applications), offers a free EP eligibility check, and if MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free. For licences in other sectors, see our business licences guide.

FAQ

Can a foreigner set up a biotech company in Singapore?

Yes. A foreigner can own 100% of a Singapore private limited company, with at least one locally resident director.

Who regulates biotech and medical products in Singapore?

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulates therapeutic products, medical devices and the dealer licences for them.

Where are biotech companies based in Singapore?

Many are at Biopolis in one-north, alongside A*STAR research institutes.

Which pass do biotech founders use?

Usually an EntrePass for founders of innovative startups, or an Employment Pass for founders and scientists the company employs.

Questions about your company? WhatsApp us or contact us. Free EP eligibility check, and you can sign documents remotely.