Company registration In Singapore
A practical guide to registering a Singapore company remotely, with foreign ownership, nominee director, banking and compliance support.
In this article:
Why Register a Company in Singapore?
Many clients search for how to register a company in Singapore as a foreigner. In practice, Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership, but the company must still meet local statutory requirements.
Singapore consistently ranks among the best places in the world to do business. Its pro-business policies, low corporate tax rates, efficient government services, safety and robust legal system make it a top destination for entrepreneurs and investors.
For foreign entrepreneurs and small business owners, registering a company in Singapore offers:
- 100% foreign ownership
- A very simple incorporation process
- Close access to Southeast Asia markets
- Strong intellectual property protection laws
- Reliable and reputable international banking system
- Reasonably low taxation rates (including tax exemptions for new startups)
Singapore can be an especially effective choice for startups in IT-sectors, AI, online businesses and holding companies. Even though the due diligence requirements have significantly increased in recent years, the overall framework for company registration in Singapore and regulations for running the business are very straightforward and one of the most efficient in the world.
Can a Foreigner Register a Company in Singapore?
Yes. A foreigner can register a company in Singapore and own 100% of the shares. The most common structure is a Singapore private limited company. However, the company must have at least one locally resident director, a registered Singapore address, a company secretary, and proper KYC documents for the shareholders and beneficial owners.
For foreign entrepreneurs, the process can usually be completed remotely through a Registered Filing Agent such as Intraconnect Pte Ltd.
Types of Business Entities in Singapore
Singapore offers several types of business structures, but for most foreign entrepreneurs, the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the only viable and recommended option.
Below is an overview of the main entity types:
| Entity Type | Key Features | Suitability for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) | A separate legal entity with limited liability. Can be 100% foreign-owned. Offers credibility and tax benefits. | ✅ Yes — Ideal choice for foreign entrepreneurs |
| Sole Proprietorship (SP) | Owned by one individual. Not a separate legal entity. Unlimited liability. Simple structure. | ❌ Not allowed for foreigners unless holding PR status |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | At least 2 partners. Suitable for professions like law, accounting. Offers limited liability. | ⚠️ Technically possible, but uncommon for general business |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | Requires one general partner with unlimited liability. Rarely used outside niche partnerships. | ⚠️ Possible, but not typically used by foreign SMEs |
| Branch Office | Extension of foreign parent company. Not a separate legal entity. No access to local tax benefits. | ✅ Allowed, but limited to marketing or research roles |
| Subsidiary Company | Locally registered Pte Ltd company owned by a foreign parent. Treated as a resident company. | ✅ Suitable for foreign companies setting up local presence |
Key Points for Foreigners:
Sole Proprietorships are off-limits unless you are a Singapore Permanent Resident. Even then, they offer no liability protection and are not advisable for scaling or credibility.
LLP and LP structures are uncommon for typical business activities. They are mostly used by professional services firms or specific joint ventures.
Branch Offices are not separate legal entities and cannot benefit from local tax incentives. They are typically used for non-commercial activities like research or liaison work.
Subsidiaries, while suitable for foreign companies expanding into Singapore, still require at least one local director and follow the same compliance requirements as any Pte Ltd.
Bottom Line:
✅ For nearly all foreign entrepreneurs wishing to register a company in Singapore, the only practical and recommended structure is a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd).
It offers limited liability, full foreign ownership, tax advantages, and the ability to operate across all sectors.
Intraconnect Pte Ltd can guide you through the registration process and all the necessary tools and compliance support to run your business cost- and time-efficiently for years to come.
Requirements for Registering a Company in Singapore
To register a Singapore private limited company, a foreign entrepreneur normally needs:
- at least one shareholder, individual or corporate;
- at least one local resident director;
a Singapore registered office address; - a company secretary;
- minimum paid-up capital from SGD 1;
- completed KYC and source-of-wealth checks.
Foreigners who do not have a local resident director usually use a nominee director service provided by a regulated corporate service provider.
There are certain due diligince requirements applicable to foreign owners who register a company in Singapore.
They include not only their contact details and proof of residentiall address, but also Source of Wealth confirmation and identity verification. For remote incorporations, verification can be done via video apps such as zoom.
Step-by-Step Guide to Company Incorporation in Singapore
Setting up a company in Singapore is a fast and efficient process — especially when handled by a professional. Below is a breakdown of the key steps, with a focus on what foreign entrepreneurs need to prepare.
1. Engage a Registered Filing Agent (RFA)
If you are a foreign individual or company, you are required by law to engage a Registered Filing Agent (RFA) to handle your company incorporation with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).
Why use an RFA:
RFAs are licensed professionals authorized to file and manage company registrations on behalf of clients.
They ensure that your incorporation is compliant with Singapore laws, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
They handle all filings, paperwork, and due diligence — so you don’t need to deal directly with ACRA.
🔗 Learn more about engaging a Registered Filing Agent →
Registered Filigs Agents are regulated companies and required to re-confirm their qualification and valid registration status every 1-2 years.
Intraconnect Pte Ltd is a long-standing and reliable RFA licensed by ACRA and provides complete set of incorporation services, including KYC processing, nominee director support, corporate secretary, professional compliance and banking applications.
2. Choose and Reserve a Company Name
The name must be unique, not already in use, and free of restricted words (e.g., “bank,” “finance”).
Name approval is done via ACRA’s BizFile+ portal.
Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.
Tip: Our team can check and reserve your company name on your behalf, usually within a few hours.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
Foreign individuals whi decide to register company in Singapore, must complete a KYC verification process, in accordance with Singapore regulations.
As part of it, foreign owners and directors must provide at time of registration:
Shareholder and director documents (passport, proof of address)
Company structure details (ownership, shareholding)
- Source of Wealth for Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO)
What is usually provided by your registration agent:
- Drafting of Incorporation documents, including Constitution (also known as Articles)
- Registered address in Singapore
Company Secretary
4. Appoint Directors and Company Secretary
Every Singapore company must have at least one local resident director (Singapore citizen, PR, or valid EP holder). If there is no local director in the company structore, foreigners usually use nominee director service, which is provided by RFA. At Intraconnect, we provide nominee director services under strict contractual safeguards and in accordance with the legal requirements.
A qualified company secretary must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation.
5. Submit Incorporation to ACRA
Once all documents are prepared and verified, we will file your company registration through BizFile+.
Most companies are incorporated within 1 business day, unless additional review is required.
After successful registration, you will receive:
Certificate of Incorporation
Company Business Profile
Company UEN (Unique Entity Number)
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account
After incorporation, you can open a company bank account in Singapore. Options include:
Local banks like DBS, UOB, OCBC
Digital alternatives like Aspire, Airwallex, WorldFirst
Note: Some banks may require in-person meetings, while others allow fully remote onboarding. We assist with account setup and documentation.
Read more about Opening Bank Account in Singapore
7. Apply for Licenses (if applicable)
Depending on your business activity, you may need additional approvals. For example:
F&B and catering businesses need NEA licensing
Fintech and payments companies may require MAS licensing
We help you identify and apply for any sector-specific licenses where needed.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore?
Costs vary depending on the service provider and additional services you may require (e.g., nominee director, address, secretarial support).
Please refer to our Guide on Cost of Company Registration in Singapore, with full details and examples.
Typical costs include:
ACRA name application: SGD 15
Company registration fee: SGD 300
Professional service fees (e.g., incorporation, company secretary fee, local director fee): From SGD 800–1500
At Intraconnect Pte Ltd, we offer transparent, all-in-one packages for company registration in Singapore that include incorporation, nominee services, company secretary, and more.
You can find the three main types of packages below:
Pricing (Singapore Dollars)
Local Business
- Government Fees
- Incorporation Fees
- Company Secretary
- Company Registered Address
International Business
- Government Fees
- Incorporation Fees
- Company Secretary
- Local Nominee Director
- Company Registered Address
Moving to Singapore
- Government Fees
- Incorporation Fees
- Company Secretary
- Local Nominee Director
- Company Registered Address
- Employment Pass application
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
In most cases, the process of company registration in Singapore can be completed within 1–3 business days, provided that all documents are in order.
Additional time may be needed for:
Name approval (if subject to review)
Due diligence (KYC)
Bank account opening
Tax Benefits and Incentives
Singapore’s tax system is highly favorable for small and growing businesses:
17% corporate tax rate
Start-up tax exemption: Up to 75% on the first SGD 100,000 of chargeable income (first 3 years)
No capital gains tax
No dividend withholding tax
With proper tax planning, your effective tax rate can be significantly reduced.
FAQs – Company Registration in Singapore
Can a foreigner register a company in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company. However, a local director is required. You can engage Intraconnect for company registration in Singapore together with local director services.
Do I need to be in Singapore to incorporate?
No. The entire process of company registration in Singapore can be done remotely. Documents can be signed electronically, and identity verification is done online.
Can I get a work visa after registration?
Yes. After incorporation, you can apply for an Employment Pass or EntrePass to relocate to Singapore and manage your company.
Do I need an office address?
Yes. A registered local address is mandatory. PO Boxes are not allowed. Intraconnect provides a compliant virtual office address if needed.
What are the annual compliance requirements?
Annual return filing with ACRA
Annual tax return with IRAS
Appointment of company secretary
AGM (Annual General Meeting), unless exempted
Proper bookkeeping and accounting
Why Choose Intraconnect Pte Ltd?
Choosing the right partner to handle your company registration in Singapore is crucial — especially when operating from overseas. At Intraconnect Pte Ltd, we combine experience, compliance, and customer satisfaction to deliver reliable, end-to-end support for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.
What Sets Us Apart:
✅ 12 Years of Proven Experience
We’ve been helping foreign entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses in Singapore since 2012.
✅ Registered Filing Agent with ACRA
As an official Registered Filing Agent, we are authorized to handle incorporations, compliance, and filings on your behalf with full legal standing.
✅ Official Xero Partner
We’re certified to set up and manage your bookkeeping using Xero — one of the world’s leading cloud-based accounting platforms.
✅ Partnered with Leading Banks and Fintech Platforms
We assist with introductions and account opening for both local and international traditional and digital banks, including DBS, UOB, Aspire, Airwallex, WorldFirst and others.
✅ 5.0 Rating on Google Reviews
Our clients trust us. We’ve maintained a consistent 5-star rating thanks to our transparent pricing, responsive communication, and practical guidance.
✅ All-in-One Business Support
From company incorporation to nominee directors, accounting, tax filing, and document legalization — we cover all essential services under one roof.
Start Your Business in Singapore Today
Ready to register your company in Singapore?
Contact Intraconnect Pte Ltd to get expert guidance, fast processing, and compliant service.