Singapore’s labour market continues to expand, but wage growth is projected to slow sharply in 2026, creating a rare window for founders to build teams at more sustainable cost levels. For new and foreign-owned companies, this shift offers a strategic opportunity to establish operations before manpower pressures rise again.
Foreign entrepreneurs in Singapore often rely on trusted accounting firms to provide nominee directors who safeguard their business reputation and ensure full compliance with ACRA and banking regulations. By partnering with a licensed Corporate Service Provider like Paul Hype Page & Co., foreigners can avoid legal risks, maintain transparency, and build a credible foundation for long-term business success.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has introduced comprehensive updates to its AML/CFT framework, tightening compliance standards across financial institutions and Corporate Service Providers (CSPs). These reforms aim to strengthen transparency, accountability, and risk management — reinforcing Singapore’s position as a trusted global financial hub.
Considering setting up a representative office in Singapore? Find out more in this article for permitting activities, requirements, documents and timeline for a successful establishment.
Setting up a business in Singapore, there are a few entities you can choose from. The most popular would be a private company.
Expanding your business into Singapore? Our brief guide here streamlines the process of registering a branch office in Singapore and explains details on the taxation of Singapore branch office
If you are planning to set up business in Singapore, opening a corporate bank account is one of an important steps. In this article, we will cover the requirements, as well as, the tips and tricks of opening a successful corporate bank account.
Discover how Singapore’s Unique Entity Number (UEN) streamlines your company incorporation by serving as a single, permanent identifier for all interactions with ACRA, IRAS, and other government agencies.
An SSIC code—a five-digit, hierarchical identifier based on ISIC—categorizes your business’s principal activities for ACRA registration, licensing, and grant or loan applications in Singapore. Learn how to find, select, and update your SSIC code on BizFile+ to stay compliant, unlock tax incentives, and avoid costly classification errors.
Establishing a sole proprietorship in Singapore comes with its own set of pros and cons, and this article provides comprehensive details of the incorporation process.
The requirements for registering a company in Singapore are simple and straightforward. They are:
If you are a foreigner, you cannot be the director of the company unless you have an Employment Pass.
First, You will have to incorporate your company under the name of a local Singapore director (Nominee Director). Then, you will have to apply EPass under your company so that we can transfer the ownership to you under your Employment Pass (EP).
What is Singapore Employment Pass?
Singapore Employment Pass, often referred to as the ‘EP,’ a work visa is issued to foreign professionals, managers, executives, and experts relocating to work in Singapore.
The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.
If you are a foreigner, you will need a nominee director (local director) to incorporate your company in Singapore.
What is a Nominee Director?
Nominee director is an individual who is appointed to act as a director of the company on behalf of another individual or entity. For all foreigners establishing businesses in Singapore, having a nominee director is essential due to regulations from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
There are 2 types of Nominee Director services in Singapore.
They are:
If you are planning to establish a business in Singapore, opening a corporate bank account is a mandatory step upon incorporation. A dedicated corporate account ensures that business transactions remain separate from personal finances, allowing for clearer cash flow management, accurate income tracking, and efficient expense monitoring.
Our focus is to demonstrate your company’s tax substance and assist in selecting a banking solution tailored to your business needs. Most importantly, you do not need to be physically present—we collaborate with our trusted banking partners to enhance your chances of a successful corporate account opening.
Expanding overseas? Explore the EDGE Grant
Are you a business owner in Singapore looking to expand your operations and reach new markets? MRA, EDG and PSG ceased on 29 September 2026; from 30 September 2026 businesses apply for grant support under Enterprise Singapore’s EDGE Grant.
Enterprise Singapore describes the EDGE Grant as covering 8 business areas, including expanding overseas. Talk to us about whether the EDGE Grant fits your plans.
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives relocating to Singapore.
You can apply for an EP if you:
✔️ Have a job offer in a managerial, executive, or specialized role from a Singapore company
✔️ Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age
✔️ Hold a recognized diploma or degree from a reputable university
✔️ Possess specialist skills, professional qualifications, or relevant work experience
✔️ Score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework
✅ Legally live and work in Singapore
✅ Hassle-free travel without requiring an entry visa
✅ Potential pathway to Permanent Residency
✅ Flexibility to start and manage your own business
✅ Benefit from Singapore’s low tax rates
If you are a foreigner, you cannot be the director of the company unless you have an Employment Pass also known as an EP. This renewable work visa permits you to live and work in Singapore, whether you’re an employee, business owner, or anything in between.
It’s the most popular choice for foreigners looking to start a business or relocate to Singapore.
First, You will have to incorporate your company under the name of a local Singapore director (Nominee Director). Then, you will have to apply EPass under your company so that we can transfer the ownership to you under your Employment Pass (EP).
The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.
Foreigners looking to incorporate a company in Singapore must appoint a nominee director (local director) as required by ACRA regulations. A nominee director acts on behalf of the business owner but does not hold ownership or management control.
For Employment Pass (EP) holders, nominee director services allow for a smooth transition of ownership once the EP is approved. Options include Short-Term Nominee Director (STND) services for 2 or 6 months, ensuring compliance while awaiting EP approval.
Paul Hype Page provides you with strategic business expansion and business compliance services for over 2 decades, servicing the best of the South East Asia region. We make your entrepreneurial experience seamless for both locals and foreign expats.
We can issue an IRAS-approved audit report that meets both the Singapore government’s requirements and your company’s needs. The audit function of your company is in good hands with our professional Singapore-certified auditors.
ACRA
ACRA is Singapore’s business regulator. It ensures a trusted business environment by overseeing companies, accountants, and corporate service providers. Its functions include registration, financial reporting, auditing, governance, and disclosure. ACRA’s online platform, BizFile+, simplifies business processes.
IRAS
IRAS is Singapore’s tax authority. It assesses, collects, and refunds taxes. IRAS also educates taxpayers and investigates non-compliance. The MyIRAS portal offers online tax services.
Auditing in Singapore
In essence, ACRA sets the rules, and IRAS enforces them. Both agencies work together to maintain the integrity of financial reporting and ensure that companies are operating within the law. This is essential for investors, lenders, and other stakeholders who rely on accurate financial information.
Auditing Practices in Singapore
A company is deemed exempt from audits in Singapore, which means these companies will not need to appoint an auditor to have their accounts audited. However, they need to qualify to be a ‘small’ company based on at least 2 of these 3 criteria:
Despite such small companies are exempt from auditing, they still need to prepare accurate financial statements that comply with the standards in Singapore.
