Start Your Business in Singapore: A Foreigner’s Guide

Singapore offers a strong business environment for foreigners looking to establish their company. Navigate the registration process, visa requirements, and compliance needs with expert guidance.

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Start Your Business in Singapore: A Foreigner’s Guide

Singapore offers a strong business environment for foreigners looking to establish their company. Navigate the registration process, visa requirements, and compliance needs with expert guidance.

Contact Us

Company Registration Process

Steps Description
Choose Business Structure Most foreigners prefer Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd) for limited liability and growth potential.
Register Company Name Verify name availability through ACRA’s Bizfile platform (takes 1-2 hours).
Appoint Directors At least one local director required (Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder).
Complete Registration Submit documents to ACRA (1-2 days processing if all documents are in order).

Requirements for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Key Requirements

  • At least one local resident director
  • Minimum S$1 paid-up capital (S$1,000 recommended)
  • Registered address in Singapore
  • Company secretary who is a Singapore resident
  • Registered filing agent for application submission

Foreigners must engage a registered filing agent like Paul Hype Page & Co. to submit applications through ACRA’s Bizfile system.

Employment Pass Options

  • Employment Pass (EP)

    For foreign professionals in managerial or specialized roles with minimum S$5,000 monthly salary and recognized qualifications.

  • EntrePass

    For foreign entrepreneurs starting venture-backed or innovative businesses in Singapore.

  • Dependent Pass

    For spouses and children of EP holders, with Letter of Consent (LOC) option for employment.

Timeline Expectations

Nominee Director Services

Foreigners must appoint a nominee director (local director) as required by ACRA regulations. This director acts on behalf of the business owner but doesn’t hold ownership or management control.

Options Available:

  • Long-term Nominee Director (LTND): 12 months
  • Short-term Nominee Director (STND): 2 or 6 months

STND services provide a smooth transition of ownership once your Employment Pass is approved, ensuring compliance while awaiting EP approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can a foreigner fully own a company in Singapore?: Yes, foreigners can own 100% of shares in a Singapore Private Limited Company, but must appoint at least one local director.
  • Do I need to be physically present to register?: No, physical presence isn’t required for incorporation. The process can be handled remotely, though bank account opening may require presence.
  • Can EP holders start businesses?: Yes, EP holders can start businesses in Singapore, but the company structure must be properly set up with at least one local director.
  • What’s the minimum paid-up capital?: Just S$1, though S$1,000 is recommended to establish credibility with banks.

Company Registration Process

Steps Description
Choose Business Structure Most foreigners prefer Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd) for limited liability and growth potential.
Register Company Name Verify name availability through ACRA’s Bizfile platform (takes 1-2 hours).
Appoint Directors At least one local director required (Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder).
Complete Registration Submit documents to ACRA (1-2 days processing if all documents are in order).

Requirements for Foreign Entrepreneurs

  • At least one local resident director
  • Minimum S$1 paid-up capital (S$1,000 recommended)
  • Registered address in Singapore
  • Company secretary who is a Singapore resident
  • Registered filing agent for application submission

Foreigners must engage a registered filing agent like Paul Hype Page & Co. to submit applications through ACRA’s Bizfile system.

Employment Pass Options

  • Employment Pass (EP): For foreign professionals in managerial or specialized roles with minimum S$5,000 monthly salary and recognized qualifications.

  • EntrePass: For foreign entrepreneurs starting venture-backed or innovative businesses in Singapore.

  • Dependent Pass: For spouses and children of EP holders, with Letter of Consent (LOC) option for employment.

Contact Us

Timeline Expectations

Nominee Director Services

Foreigners must appoint a nominee director (local director) as required by ACRA regulations. This director acts on behalf of the business owner but doesn’t hold ownership or management control.

Options Available:

  • Long-term Nominee Director (LTND): 12 months
  • Short-term Nominee Director (STND): 2 or 6 months

STND services provide a smooth transition of ownership once your Employment Pass is approved, ensuring compliance while awaiting EP approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can a foreigner fully own a company in Singapore?: Yes, foreigners can own 100% of shares in a Singapore Private Limited Company, but must appoint at least one local director.
  • Do I need to be physically present to register?: No, physical presence isn’t required for incorporation. The process can be handled remotely, though bank account opening may require presence.
  • Can EP holders start businesses?: Yes, EP holders can start businesses in Singapore, but the company structure must be properly set up with at least one local director.
  • What’s the minimum paid-up capital?: Just S$1, though S$1,000 is recommended to establish credibility with banks.