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Company Registration in Singapore - An Overview

Company registration in Singapore helps foreign individuals and corporations start a business in the largest high-tech countries of Asia with a top market in fintech service, import & export trade, and electrical manufacturing industry. Singapore has one of the most stable business environments with transparent regulatory policies, which encourages and facilitates foreign trade if you’re planning to set up an LLC or private company.

At Corpbiz™, We will help you start a business in Singapore by drafting your Memorandum of Association (MoA), and Articles of Association (AoA), securing an EntrePass visa, obtaining corporate and VAT registration, procuring various trade licenses, and providing exceptional virtual CFO services after online company registration in Singapore. Let us seasoned experts at Corpbiz™ help you with your foreign business setup in Singapore.

Company Registration

Benefits of Online Company Registration in Singapore

The benefits of online company registration in Singapore are as follows:

Advantages of Company Registration in Singapore
Low Tax Rates

Low Tax Rates

Singapore provides low tax rates between 5% to 15 % for 5 years on qualifying domestic and global income for large to medium-sized international companies under its Global Trader Programme (GTP), International Headquarters Programme (IHP), and Regional Headquarters Programme (RHP) to increase foreign trade.

R&D Tax Incentives

R&D Tax Incentives

Singapore provides a 400% tax deduction for eligible income on research and development (R&D) projects for expenses up to US$306,200. The low rate, between 5% to 15%, applies to IP trade, such as licensing, franchising, and reselling.

Tax Incentives for IP

Tax Incentives for IP

Singapore provides a 400% deduction on IP registration and licensing expenses up to US$76,550 to new corporations after online company registration in Singapore.

Double Tax Agreements (DTAs)

Double Tax Agreements (DTAs)

You can avoid paying double tax with Singapore’s double taxation agreements (DTA) with 94 countries. The agreements provide foreign tax credits, deductions, and exemptions.

9% GST Rate

9% GST Rate

Singapore offers a 9% low goods and services tax (GST). It also provides a 0% GST on exports to newly registered companies after company registration in Singapore.

Robust Economy

Robust Economy

Singapore has one of the most stable economies in the world, with the absence of foreign trade barriers and top markets in manufacturing, fintech, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries, with a US$89,000 high per capita income.

Skilled Workforce

Skilled Workforce

Singapore has the 2nd largest skilled workforce in the world, which features highly educated and technologically advanced individuals, which encourages regional and global business expansions and helps businesses to increase productivity and profits.

Digital Infrastructure

Digital Infrastructure

Singapore has over 200 banks with fintech-driven technologies that help facilitate secure banking and foreign investment with ease. Benefit from digital infrastructure after online company registration in Singapore.

EntrePass

EntrePass

Singapore provides a one-year visa for tech-savvy foreign individuals and businesses. You can easily get an Entrepass in under 8 weeks if you’re planning to start a business in Singapore. The initial registration is valid for one, and you can renew it for 2 years after the expiration.

Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration in Singapore

The checklist for company registration in Singapore is as follows:

  • Business Name Approval Certificate
  • Singpass - A digital identity to access Singapore’s governmental services.
  • A minimum paid-up capital of SGD 1
  • An EntrePass or Employment Pass
  • A Company Secretary and Auditor
  • Physical or Virtual Business Address
  • Local Registered Corporate Agent if you’re a foreign applicant
  • A corporate bank account
  • A valid Value Added Tax (VAT) Number from the Internal Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
  • A corporate income tax number from the Internal Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
  • A personal income tax number from the Internal Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)

Checklist for Directors for Singapore Company Incorporation

  • The director must be at least 18 years of age.
  • The director must have a valid Singapore passport or Entrepass, whichever is applicable.
  • The director must have an employment pass, if applicable.
Startup business
Documents for Company Registration in Singapore

Documents Required for Company Registration in Singapore

The list of documents needed for company registration in Singapore is as follows:

  • Singapore Company Registration Application Form
  • Identification proofs of all company founders, directors, & Shareholders
  • Passport Copies of all Directors & Shareholders
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Singapore’s Resident or Visa Permit, if Applicable
  • Company’s Correspondence or Virtual Address in Singapore
  • A Certificate of Good Standing
  • Share Capital or Minimum Capital Requirement Statement, if applicable
  • A Power of Attorney (POA) for Foreign Applicants, if Applicable
  • Translation Documents, if Any

Process for Company Formation in Singapore

Check out the step-by-step procedure for company formation in Singapore:

  • Step 1: Choose a Business Structure You must choose an appropriate business structure, such as a limited partnership (LP), limited liability partnership (LLP), or private company limited by shares, based on your capital requirement and risk assessment. Still confused, contact our Singapore lawyers for expert guidance.
  • Step 2: Business Name Search and Registration You must conduct a thorough search and reserve the name through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)’s Bizfile portal. The ACRA allows a 120-name reservation period.
  • Step 3: Submission of Documents & Fees Payment You must submit the Singapore company registration application with the necessary documents, such as identification of all members, shareholders, and directors, memorandum of association (MOA) and articles of association (AOA), company’s address proof, Entrepass certificate, and other relevant documents with registration fees confirmation to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
  • Step 4: Issuance of Singapore Business Incorporation Certificate The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) examines the application and issues the Singapore business incorporation certificate to the applicant authorizing the ownership of the company.
  • Step 5: Receive the Singapore Company Incorporation Number The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) will assign you a unique entity number (UEN) after your online company registration in Singapore.
  • Step 6: Receive a Free Business Profile The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) will send you a free business profile e-report after your Singapore company incorporation.
  • Step 7: Trade License Application You must apply for relevant trade licenses through the “Go Business Licensing” portal of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to start your business after online company registration in Singapore.
  • Step 8: Relevant Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits You must secure relevant industry-specific permits to commence your business operations after business setup in Singapore.
  • Step 9: Secure an Entrepass and an Employment Pass You must secure an Entrepass and Employment Pass with the Ministry of Manpower to start your business operations after online company registration in Singapore.
  • Step 10: Open a Bank Account After the successful approval of the Entrepass, you must open a corporate bank account to monitor your company’s finances after company registration in Singapore.
  • Step 11: Registration for Corporate Tax Obligations You must register for corporate tax and VAT with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to fulfil your tax obligations.
  • Step 12: Registration for Social Security & Employee Healthcare You must register for Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions with the Ministry of Manpower and acquire employee health insurance plans after online company registration in Singapore.
  • Step 13: Accounting and Compliance Setup You must set up an accounting and compliance system to fulfil your annual tax and accounting compliance requirements after company registration in Singapore.

Business Structures forCompany Formation in Singapore

Go through the below-mentioned business structure to make the right choice for company formation in Singapore:

Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

It is the most suitable business structure for company formation in Singapore. It is highly preferred by global entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Singapore. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership for this form of business structure. A private company limited by shares (Pte Ltd) is a business structure that consists of at least one shareholder with limited liability against the company’s debts and liabilities.

Sole Proprietorship (SP)

Sole Proprietorship (SP)

A sole proprietorship is a business structure that consists of one single member who is responsible for the overall management of the firm with unlimited liability against the firm’s debts.

General Partnership (GP)

General Partnership (GP)

A general partnership is a business structure that consists of at least two partners who are equally and personally liable against all the debts of their firm.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a business structure that consists of at least two partners who have limited liability against the debts and losses of the partnership firm.

Limited Partnership (LP)

Limited Partnership (LP)

A limited partnership (LP) is a business structure that consists of at least two partners, namely a general partner with management control and unlimited liability against the partnership’s debts and a limited partner who has limited liability with passive participation in the firm.

Exempt Private Company

Exempt Private Company

An exempt private company is a business structure that consists of at least one director and shareholder with limited liability against the company’s debt and loan defaults. It is the most famous business structure in Singapore. Highly recommended for small business owners who wish to expand their operations in the Southeast Asian market.

Public Company Limited by Shares

Public Company Limited by Shares

A public company limited by shares is a business structure that consists of at least one shareholder with limited liability against the company’s credit defaults. The company can raise capital through public offerings, provided they register with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Foreign Subsidiary

Foreign Subsidiary

A subsidiary company is a business structure that consists of at least one shareholder, with the parent company being the main shareholder, and must hold 50% of its shares.

Branch Office

Branch Office

A branch office is a parent company’s business establishment in Singapore. You must appoint a Singapore-based local representative if you’re planning to establish a foreign branch office in Singapore.

Comparison of Various Business Setup in Singapore

Go through the below table to make the right choice of business setup in Singapore:

Business Structure Foreign Ownership Minimum Capital Directors Shareholders/Partners Liability Tax Obligations
General Partnership (GP) 100% US$1 Not Applicable At least two Partners Unlimited Personal Income Tax - Moderate
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) 100% US$1 Not Applicable At least two partners Limited Personal/Corporate Income Tax - Moderate
Limited Partnership (LP) 100% US$1 Not Applicable At least one general and one limited partner Unlimited - General Partner Personal/Corporate Income Tax - Moderate
Exempt Private Company 100% US$1 At least one At least one - Maximum - 20 Limited Corporate Tax - Moderate to High
Private Company Limited by Shares 100% US$1 At least one At least one shareholder Maximum - 50 Limited Corporate Tax - Moderate to High
Public Company Limited by Shares 100% US$38,595 At least three- one of whom must be a Singaporean resident At least one shareholder Maximum- 50 Limited Corporate Tax- Moderate to High
Subsidiary 100% US$1 At least one - local Singaporean resident At least one shareholder - parent company Limited Corporate Tax - High
Branch Office 100% US$1 Not Applicable At least one shareholder Limited Corporate Tax - High

Compliance After Company Formation in Singapore

The list of compliance requirements after company formation in Singapore is as follows:

Open a Bank Account

Open a Bank Account

All companies must open a bank account after the successful completion of the company formation in Singapore.

Open a Bank Account

All companies must open a bank account after the successful completion of the company formation in Singapore.

Appoint a Company Secretary (CS)

Appoint a Company Secretary (CS)

All registered Singapore companies must hire a company secretary within the six months of the company formation in Singapore. The CS must be a Singaporean resident.

Appoint a Company Secretary (CS)

All registered Singapore companies must hire a company secretary within the six months of the company formation in Singapore. The CS must be a Singaporean resident.

GST Registration

GST Registration

Companies with US$772,328 in annual sales in a calendar year must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

GST Registration

Companies with US$772,328 in annual sales in a calendar year must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Company Records

Company Records

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) requires all companies to maintain records of their directors, shareholders, and managers at their registered office after business setup in Singapore.

Company Records

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) requires all companies to maintain records of their directors, shareholders, and managers at their registered office after business setup in Singapore.

Record Shareholder Meeting

Record Shareholder Meeting

All Singaporean companies must hold an annual general meeting (AGM) within six months of the company registration in Singapore.

Record Shareholder Meeting

All Singaporean companies must hold an annual general meeting (AGM) within six months of the company registration in Singapore.

Annual Financial Reporting

Annual Financial Reporting

All companies must file annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) after the conclusion of the annual general meeting (AGM).

Annual Financial Reporting

All companies must file annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) after the conclusion of the annual general meeting (AGM).

Corporate Tax Filing

Corporate Tax Filing

All companies must file their annual corporate income tax return via Form C, Form C-S, or Form C-S lite with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Corporate Tax Filing

All companies must file their annual corporate income tax return via Form C, Form C-S, or Form C-S lite with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Social Security

Social Security

All employers must make contributions towards the Central Provident Fund (CPF) after company formation in Singapore.

Social Security

All employers must make contributions towards the Central Provident Fund (CPF) after company formation in Singapore.

Employment Pass

Employment Pass

Singaporean companies who wish to hire foreign individuals must obtain employment passes with the Ministry of Manpower after business setup in Singapore.

Employment Pass

Singaporean companies who wish to hire foreign individuals must obtain employment passes with the Ministry of Manpower after business setup in Singapore.

Entrepass Renewal

Entrepass Renewal

You must renew your Entrepass visa within the last three months of the ongoing term with the Ministry of Manpower.

Entrepass Renewal

You must renew your Entrepass visa within the last three months of the ongoing term with the Ministry of Manpower.

Trade License Renewals

Trade License Renewals

All companies must renew their trade license within the last three months of the current registration period with the relevant regulatory authority.

Trade License Renewals

All companies must renew their trade license within the last three months of the current registration period with the relevant regulatory authority.

Business-Specific License Renewal

Business-Specific License Renewal

Certain companies may require industry-specific licenses, such as food and chemical manufacturing licenses. All companies that must renew their specific licenses.

Business-Specific License Renewal

Certain companies may require industry-specific licenses, such as food and chemical manufacturing licenses. All companies that must renew their specific licenses.

Notify in Case of Change

Notify in Case of Change

You must report any change or modification in the name, address, ownership, or other relevant development to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Notify in Case of Change

You must report any change or modification in the name, address, ownership, or other relevant development to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Appoint In-house Counsel

Appoint In-house Counsel

All companies must appoint auditors and in-house lawyers to represent themselves in case of a dispute after company registration in Singapore.

Appoint In-house Counsel

All companies must appoint auditors and in-house lawyers to represent themselves in case of a dispute after company registration in Singapore.

Conduct Audit

Conduct Audit

All companies must conduct annual and periodic financial and statutory audits to remain 100% compliant with Singapore’s laws.

Conduct Audit

All companies must conduct annual and periodic financial and statutory audits to remain 100% compliant with Singapore’s laws.

Corpbiz™’s Services forForeign Business Setup in Singapore

Name Approval

Name Approval

Our IP team at Corpbiz™ will help you search, reserve, and register your dream business name with our Singapore corporate formation services.

All-in-one Package Deal

All-in-one Package Deal

From lifetime company incorporation and IP registration to registered local agents for 12 months, we’ve got you covered for all the necessary aspects of company registration in Singapore.

Compliance Advisory

Compliance Advisory

Corpbiz™ provides a full range of services from monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filing to VAT registration, AML compliance, and beneficial ownership declarations. We monitor your compliance checklist, so you stay a 100% compliance with Singapore’s regulatory framework.

Regulatory Approvals

Regulatory Approvals

Our legal professionals handle all types of license and permit requirements for you. They monitor renewals and ensure you have relevant approvals for the smooth functioning of your business operations.

Visa Services

Visa Services

Corpbiz™ can assist you in getting Entrepass and employment approvals. Our Singapore legal expert will walk you through the application with the Ministry of Manpower before or after company incorporation in Singapore.

Startup Registration

Virtual CFO Services

At Corpbiz™, we provide free-of-cost virtual CFO services so you can stay on top of your finance planning, accounting, and global tax compliance after company incorporation in Singapore.

Why Trust Corpbiz™with Company Incorporation in Singapore?

10+ Years Experience

10+ Years Experience

We have over a decade of proven experience with company incorporation in Singapore.

1000+ Companies Registered

1000+ Companies Registered

We have successfully assisted in 1000+ company registration in Singapore for global entrepreneurs.

Client Focus Approach

Client Focus Approach

We provide personalized solutions for all your regulatory concerns because your success is our success.

Saved 10 Lakh+ Hours of Entrepreneurs

Saved 10 Lakh+ Hours of Entrepreneurs

With our effort and dedication, we have saved more than 10 lakh hours of entrepreneurs.

Best Price

Best Price

Corpbiz™ can assist you in getting Entrepass and employment approvals. Our Singapore legal expert will walk you through the application with the Ministry of Manpower before or after company incorporation in Singapore.

Local Consultants in Singapore

Local Consultants in Singapore

Our consultants in Singapore work with local banks and financial institutions to ensure a stress-free process when setting up your corporate bank account.

24/7 Customer Support

24/7 Customer Support

We provide 24/7 customer care support throughout the registration process.

Open Communication

Open Communication

We believe in 100% transparency in communication; rest assured, we provide all updates from initial application to registration approval, ensuring no surprises along the way.

Additional Offerings

Additional Offerings

Our additional offerings include shares management of up to 50 shareholders, support SLA 6 business hours, unlimited bookkeeping, minutes of first AGM preparation, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions on Business Setup in Singapore

The primary reasons to start a business in Singapore are as follows:
  • Robust infrastructure
  • Tax-free dividends and capital gains
  • Skilled workforce
  • Strong IP protection
  • Stable political environment and statutory framework
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% currency control
  • Double taxation agreements with over 90+ countries

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is a governmental body that registers companies in Singapore. It operates under the Ministry of Finance, Singapore.

The Companies Act of 1967 is the main legislation that provides rules and regulations for the registration and cancellation of companies in Singapore.

The process of Singapore company incorporation is as follows:
  • Business Name Search
  • Virtual or Physical Address Registration
  • Application and document submission to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
  • Application Examination
  • Grant of Singapore company registration certificate
  • Bank account setup
  • Tax and VAT registration
  • Visa approvals
  • Relevant license and permit approvals

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) takes one day to register a company in Singapore. This timeline may slightly change if the ACRA forwards the application for external review.

The minimum paid-up capital requirement for most company structures, such as limited partnership, general partnership, limited liability partnership, a private company limited by share, and private exempt companies, is US$1, whereas US$$38,595 for public companies.

Entrepass is an entrepreneur visa that is valid for one year from the date of official approval by the Ministry of Manpower. If you’re a foreigner, then you must apply for the Entrepass:

Before incorporating a company in Singapore

Within six months after Singapore company registration

You must renew your Entrepass within the last three months before the end of the current pass. The renewal is valid for one year.

An employment pass is an employee work visa, which is valid for 2 years from the official registration. You must acquire an employment pass if you’re a foreigner with a company in Singapore to hire overseas employees for your Singapore company.

The different types of company structures in Singapore are as follows:
  • Private Company (Pte Ltd)
  • Sole Proprietorship (SP)
  • General Partnership (GP)
  • Limited Partnership (LP)
  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
  • Exempt-Private Company (EPC)
  • Private Company Limited by Shares
  • Public Company Limited by Shares
  • Foreign Branch
  • Foreign Subsidiary Company

No, there’s no explicit version of a limited liability company (LLC) structure in Singapore. However, the companies that are close to a limited liability company include:
  • Private company limited by shares - an excellent choice for small and medium-sized businesses.
  • Public company limited by shares - for companies that want to raise capital from the public.

The document prerequisites for Singapore company formation are as follows:
  • IDs of all important personnel, such as the president, directors, or shareholders.
  • Business Plan
  • Passport copies of all foreign and non-resident directors and shareholders.
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Minimum paid-up capital declaration
  • Business Establishment’s Address or Virtual Address

The minimum number of directors for a Singapore Private Limited Company is one. The director must be:
  • At least 18 years old.
  • A competent legal person.
  • A Singapore citizen, permanent resident, Entrepass holder, or employment holder.
  • The director shouldn’t be bankrupt or insolvent.

The minimum shareholder requirement for a private limited company in Singapore is one. An exempt private company can have at least 20 shareholders, and a private limited company can have at least 50 shareholders.

The list of different types of industry-specific licenses after the Singapore company incorporation is as follows:
  • Food and shop establishment license
  • Travel agency license
  • Real Estate Agent or Realtor License
  • Import and Export license
  • Digital Bank license
  • Payment Service Provider License
  • Retail License
  • Manufacturing License
  • Financial Credit Service License

You may require certain permits, depending on your industry type, to operate your business in Singapore. The list is as follows:
  • Work permit
  • Fire and Health Permit
  • Building Permit
  • Zoning permits

The Singaporean law doesn’t mandate a lawyer for company registration in Singapore, but in our view, a lawyer would help you:
  • Search and register your desired company name
  • Complete the application form, and submit it with documents to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
  • Register and renew necessary and relevant licenses and permits
  • Maintain post-enrolment compliance with Singaporean regulatory authorities and laws

The list of post-enrolment requirements after starting a business in Singapore is as follows:
  • Company Bank Account
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Personal, Corporate, and VAT tax registration
  • Issuance of the Company’s share certificates
  • 100% compliance with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
  • Entrepass or Employment Pass Registration
  • License and Permits

Singapore’s laws mandate at least one local agent for the management of the company, so you must hire one if you don’t have an Entrepass or Employment Pass as a foreigner.

Foreign individuals and companies that don’t have an Entrepass or employment pass (EA) must sign a power of attorney to represent themselves before the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to incorporate a company in Singapore.

All companies must file their corporate tax return via Form C-S, Form C-S (lite), or Form C by November 30th every year. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will send you a reminder by May every year.

Authors

Written by Aarya Pokharel. Last updated on Nov 11 2025, 09:55 PM

Aarya Pokharel brings 3 years of solid experience in legal research and compliance. Her expertise spans tax filing, secretarial compliances, and advisory services, with a strong focus on delivering precise legal research and strategic advisory support.

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