Business Opportunities in Singapore for Foreigners (2026)

In short: Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company and start almost any business here. The strongest areas for small foreign-owned firms are services that use Singapore as a regional hub, such as consulting, software and digital services, trading and regional distribution, holding and treasury companies, and professional services. Some sectors, such as food, education, finance and employment agencies, need a licence first. To run the business from Singapore yourself you’ll usually need an EntrePass or Employment Pass.

Can a foreigner start a business in Singapore?

Yes. There’s no local shareholding requirement for most businesses. You need at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, a local registered address and a company secretary. You can set up from abroad and sign documents remotely. See our company registration service.

Which businesses are a good fit for foreign founders?

We won’t rank industries by “profit”, because that depends on you. These are the models we see foreign founders use most often:

• Regional hub or holding company. Hold shares in companies across Asia, manage IP or treasury. Benefits from Singapore’s tax treaties and one-tier dividends.
• Consulting and professional services. Low set-up cost, no licence needed in most cases.
• Software, SaaS and digital services. Singapore’s government supports digital adoption and many founders sell regionally from here.
• Trading and distribution. Singapore is a major port and trading hub. Needs a Customs account and sometimes permits.
• E-commerce. Simple to start for general goods; regulated goods need licences.
• Food and beverage. Popular, but needs SFA licensing and suitable premises, and has high rents.
• Education and training. Needs registration for private education.

Which sectors is Singapore prioritising?

EDB publishes the industries Singapore is actively growing on its industries page, so check where your idea fits. Firms that take part in certain EDB, Enterprise Singapore, IMDA, MPA, STB or NTUC programmes can also earn bonus points under MOM’s COMPASS framework (the C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus) when applying for Employment Passes.

What licences might I need?

Most service businesses need only ACRA registration. Regulated activities need a licence first. Read our guide: Do I need a business licence in Singapore?

How do I get a visa to run my Singapore business?

• EntrePass for founders of innovative, venture-backed or IP-based start-ups. PHP’s EntrePass service is S$3,800. See the EntrePass guide.
• Employment Pass if your company employs you. For new applications from 1 January 2027, the qualifying salary starts at S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) and rises with age. We have a 96% EP success rate across 1,000+ applications (PHP internal records), and we offer a free EP eligibility check.
• Dependant’s Pass for your spouse and children (PHP: S$1,360). See Dependant’s Pass.

You don’t need a visa to own and run the company from abroad with a local resident director.

Are there grants for foreign-owned companies?

Usually not. The EDGE Grant, which replaced the Enterprise Development Grant and the MRA Grant from 30 September 2026, requires at least 30% local shareholding held by Singapore citizens or PRs. A 100% foreign-owned company doesn’t qualify until it brings in local shareholders.

How much does it cost to start?

With PHP: incorporation S$800 + S$315 ACRA fee; registered address S$300 a year; corporate secretary S$600 a year; bank account opening S$1,500; accounting from S$1,200. A branch of your existing foreign company costs S$2,800 instead (see our branch office guide).

How PHP helps

Since 2008 we’ve helped foreign founders turn an idea into a Singapore company, from our office at 30 Petain Road, Singapore 208099. We set up the company, apply for passes, open the bank account and keep you compliant.

Book a free EP eligibility check or setup call →

FAQ

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes, for most businesses. You need a locally resident director, a registered address and a company secretary.

What is the easiest business to start in Singapore as a foreigner?
Service businesses such as consulting, software and trading of general goods, because they usually need no licence beyond ACRA registration.

Do I need to live in Singapore to own a business there?
No. You can own and manage it from abroad, but a director ordinarily resident in Singapore is required.

Which visa do I need to run my business in Singapore?
Usually an EntrePass for innovative start-ups or an Employment Pass employed by your own company. PHP offers a free EP eligibility check.

How much does it cost to set up?
With PHP, from S$800 plus the S$315 ACRA fee.

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