Key Note

Foreigners Own Over 40% of Registered Companies

Singapore Company Registration is a popular choice among global entrepreneurs due to the nation’s strong business appeal. As a global business hub, Singapore attracts more than 40% of new companies with foreign ownership.

The country’s business-friendly policies, strong legal system, and strategic location make it ideal for international investors. Moreover, its low corporate tax rates and straightforward incorporation process simplify market entry.

In addition, foreign investors benefit from a highly skilled local workforce, making it easier to establish and expand their operations in Singapore.

Related Read: Current SME Trends and Growth Outlook 2024

What Does This Mean for Foreign Entrepreneurs?

  • Business-Friendly Environment – Singapore hosts a large number of foreign-owned companies due to its pro-business policies, efficient incorporation procedures, and low levels of bureaucracy.

  • Competitive Yet Supportive – While the market is competitive, businesses gain access to government grants, tax benefits, and a highly skilled local workforce that supports sustainable growth.

  • High-Growth Industry Potential – Key sectors such as technology, fintech, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and e-commerce receive strong government support, making them attractive avenues for expansion.

Understanding Singapore Company Registration Requirements

The requirements for registering a company in Singapore are straightforward.

  • Company Name & Business Activity

  • 1 Director with a Local Residential Address

  • At Least 1 Shareholder

  • Minimum Paid Up Capital of S$1

  • Appointed Company Secretary

  • Registered Physical Office Address in Singapore

Check Your Company Name Availability Using Our Free Tool!

Please enter the full name you would like to use for your company — for example, ‘Singapore Airlines’ — and click on ‘Search Name’ below.

What is the Process to Register a Company in Singapore?

Here is our step-by-step guide on Singapore company registration, you can check your company name availability here!

  • Step 1: Select a Company Name and Company Type

    You can reserve a company name ahead up to 120 days before registering for company incorporation. Ensure the name is unique and not already registered and is based on your business structure.

  • Step 2: Check your Singapore Business Activity Code

    The SSIC provides a comprehensive list of codes and descriptions for various industries and economic activities. Accurately select the BAC that aligns with your primary business operations to ensure compliance and proper reporting to regulatory authorities.

    Your SSIC Code, required by ACRA to complete your company registration, can be found by searching your primary business activity.

  • Step 3: Apply for Business License

    Some business types may require specific licenses or permits depending on the industry. It’s important to check these before proceeding.

    We recommend consulting a corporate service provider to stay compliant with the latest regulations, which may change over time.

    For overseas entrepreneurs, setting up a Singapore Company Registration offshore is also possible—no travel to Singapore is required.

  • Step 4: Open a Bank Account

    Once your company is incorporated, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Banks will require documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation, valid identification, and other supporting paperwork.

    Make sure all documents are accurate and current to avoid delays during account setup. If you’re a foreigner, you may appoint a representative to open the account on your behalf.

    You’ll also need to apply for a relevant work visa to operate your Singapore-registered company legally.

  • Step 5: Singapore Annual Compliance

    After incorporation, your company must comply with ongoing regulatory filing, and financial statement preparation.

    Let our Chartered Accountants handle your compliance. This ensures timely submissions and helps you avoid costly penalties.

Who Can Register a Business in Singapore?

Singapore’s business-friendly policies make it easy for both locals and foreigners to incorporate a company. Citizens and Permanent Residents can register with no additional requirements.

Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint at least one local director but can still retain 100% ownership. Those expanding into Singapore may choose to set up a Subsidiary, Branch Office, or Representative Office—each offering varying levels of independence.

If you don’t have a local director, our Nominee Director Services can help meet regulatory needs while allowing you to maintain full control. This ensures compliance and provides a straightforward path to establish a business in Singapore.

 

Tax Benefits for Singapore-Registered Companies

New startups enjoy exemptions—no tax on the first SGD 100,000 of taxable income for the first three years, plus 50% exemption on the next SGD 190,000. This reduces early-stage tax burdens significantly.

Beyond low tax rates, there’s no capital gains tax. Profits from investments, asset sales, or shares are entirely tax-free.

Singapore also has Double Taxation Agreements with over 80 countries, helping businesses avoid being taxed twice on international income.

Companies registered for GST can claim input tax on expenses, improving cash flow. All these factors make Singapore Company Registration a smart move for sustainable growth

Requirements to Register your Company in Singapore as a Foreigner?

  • Foreigners can register a company in Singapore and hold 100% ownership, just like local citizens.

  • To work locally, you’ll need a valid visa—such as an Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, ONE Pass, EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass.

  • The Employment Pass is the most common, allowing foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore.

  • You must complete your Singapore company registration before applying for a work visa. Note that all applications are subject to official approval.

Our Singapore Company Incorporation Services

With extensive expertise in business registration across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, we specialize in incorporating private limited companies (Pte Ltd) in Singapore. Our in-depth knowledge of Singapore’s incorporation process and proven success in facilitating seamless registrations make us the trusted partner for businesses. Let us guide you through a smooth and efficient journey, ensuring your company is set up quickly and without hassle.

Company Secretary

We provide comprehensive company secretarial services, managing statutory records, filing annual returns, and ensuring compliance with ACRA regulations.

Name Reservation with ACRA

Our team secures your preferred company name with ACRA through thorough checks and efficient application processing.

Document Preparation

We handle all document preparation for company registration, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local requirements.

Certificate of Incorporation & Statutory Documents

We assist in obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation and statutory documents, ensuring your business is legally ready to operate.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

We streamline the corporate bank account setup by preparing documentation and coordinating with local banks.

Need more information on our services? today!

Common Types of Business Structures in Singapore

  • Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
    The most common and recommended structure. Ideal for entrepreneurs and SMEs looking for scalability, limited liability, and credibility with banks and investors.

  • Limited Partnership (LP)
    Suited for business collaborations where one or more partners manage operations and others act as investors without active involvement.

  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
    A hybrid model offering flexibility in management while protecting partners from personal liability.

  • Sole Proprietorship
    Best for small, low-risk businesses or freelancers. Easiest to set up but comes with unlimited liability.

Each structure has its pros and cons. It’s important to evaluate them based on your business type, growth plans, and regulatory responsibilities.

What is the timeline to incorporate in Singapore?

The typical timeline for setting up a company in Singapore is 5 to 7 working days. However, this can vary based on how efficiently the company secretary works with shareholders and directors.

A key factor is how quickly each party submits their required documents—proof of identity and residential address—to the secretary for verification.

The faster the documents are provided, the quicker the registration can proceed. Some companies are incorporated within hours, while others take longer due to delays in paperwork.

For shareholders and directors, timely submission is essential. It speeds up the Singapore company registration process and ensures a smooth experience.

Post-Incorporation Compliance in Singapore

After successfully registering your company in Singapore, you must follow through with several important post-incorporation steps. These include setting up a corporate business profile, opening a corporate bank account, securing the required licenses and permits, and fulfilling your annual filing obligations to remain compliant with local regulations.

Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Singapore

Establishing a corporate bank account is one of the first operational steps for any newly incorporated company in Singapore. The process usually involves confirming your business structure, submitting the relevant incorporation documents, providing proof of identity and address, and completing the bank’s application forms.

Singaporean banks may also conduct due diligence checks, particularly for foreign-owned entities, to meet financial compliance standards set by MAS and ACRA.

Obtaining Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on your business activities, specific licenses and permits may be required before you can legally operate in Singapore. For example, businesses in the food and beverage, financial, education, or health sectors must comply with additional licensing regulations.

Failure to obtain these approvals may lead to penalties, exclusion from certain industry associations, or even business suspension. Agencies such as ACRA, MAS, and SFA oversee various sectoral compliance requirements.

International Trademark and IP Protection

Registering your intellectual property, especially your brand trademark, is a vital step in protecting your company’s identity. International trademark registration safeguards your branding and enhances your market presence. This is particularly important if you’re planning to scale into ASEAN or other global markets.

Our 2 Decades of Proven Expertise Will Guide Your Business

With over 20 years of experience across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, we’ve successfully incorporated more than 2,000 companies in various jurisdictions.

In Singapore, our high success rate in securing work passes and handling complex regulations reflects our commitment to client success

As trusted advisors, we use strategic networks and market insights to streamline the Singapore company registration process—helping businesses build a strong foundation in a competitive environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a new company can be daunting – here are the top 8 questions regarding Singapore company registration that will clear your doubts!

Yes, we can support your Singapore company registration remotely. You will only need to get in touch and provide us with the necessary documents for a smooth and efficient registration.

Yes, it is a mandatory in Singapore. If not, will result in the imposition of penalties, fines, and potential legal repercussions as Companies Laws.

All Singapore companies should have at least one director who is a Singapore Citizen or one who holds a Singapore permanent resident or an employment pass holder. Important to take note, foreign director can be appoint alongside the local director.

The answer is quite straightforward. A private limited company must have a minimum of one shareholder, according to Singapore company laws. Here are more info to read the article.

The benefits include limited liability for shareholders, a separate legal entity status, ease of raising capital, tax incentives, and credibility with clients and investors.

A Private Limited Company (PTE LTD) in Singapore is a separate legal entity from its owners, offering limited liability protection to its shareholders. This means that shareholders are only liable for the company’s debts up to the amount of their investments.

No, S Pass or Work Permit holders in Singapore are not allowed to open company in Singapore. They are prohibited from being shareholders, owning, or managing businesses in the country.

We pride ourselves on offering competitive and reasonable incorporation prices. We believe in transparency and value for money. Our goal is to provide you with a cost-effective solution that meets your specific business requirements.

Have more questions? today!

Singapore Company Registration Guides

Supplement your existing knowledge with additional insightful readings that we’ve crafted based on our 20 years of experience.