Starting and running a company in Singapore used to mean juggling a dozen government websites, paper forms and passwords—one for ACRA, another for CPF, yet another for grant applications. GoBusiness Singapore changes all that.
Jointly built by the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI), the Smart Nation & Digital Government Office (SNDGO), and GovTech, the portal now weaves more than 300 government-to-business e-services—from incorporation to payroll submissions—into a single, personalised dashboard.
Whether navigating business registration in Singapore, applying for government grants for startups, or setting up your CorpPass Singapore account, GoBusiness offers an innovative, centralised solution. This platform supports your business growth strategy, from incorporation and licensing to compliance and financial aid. And it is not just a fancy menu. Answer a few questions, and you will be matched to over 200 smart e-advisers, each tuned to a specific need such as food‑shop licensing, grant selection, or intellectual‑property strategy. With red tape pared back to a handful of clicks, entrepreneurs can get from idea to invoice in record time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use GoBusiness to successfully start and scale a business in Singapore, while highlighting tools and features that help you stay ahead in a competitive market.
Read Our Blog: A Complete Guide to Start a Business in Singapore in 2025
What is GoBusiness Singapore?
GoBusiness is a centralised digital platform launched under Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative. It connects businesses with government services like registration, licensing, grants, and compliance management—all in one place. The portal simplifies processes through a user-friendly dashboard and offers tools tailored to the industry sector.
Key Features of GoBusiness Singapore
- Business Registration & Licensing – Fast-track applications and renewals for sector-specific licences.
- Grants & Support – Explore and apply for financial aid like the PSG, EDG, and Startup SG.
- e-Advisory Tools – Get personalised guidance on what licences or permits your business needs.
- Sector Portals – Access resources for industries such as F&B, retail, construction, and logistics
- Trade & Logistics Hub – Seamlessly manage import/export and customs processes.
What are the Advantages of GoBusiness for Singapore Business?
GoBusiness isn’t just a portal—it’s a strategic tool that helps companies save time, stay compliant, and unlock funding opportunities.
How do I Register my Business in Singapore with GoBusiness?
Step 1 – Pick the proper structure
Choose between sole proprietorship, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or private limited company (Pte Ltd).
Step 2 – Secure a business address
Every entity must list a physical (not P.O. box) address with ACRA. Owners may shield their home address by paying $40 for an alternate address.
Step 3 – Reserve your company name (120-day hold)
Use the GoBusiness name‑checker to spot duplicates, confirm domain availability and file the $15 reservation with BizFile+.
Step 4 – Register the company
Log in to GoBusiness, click “Register a new business”, and follow the on-screen guide. Once approved, you receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN)—your corporate NRIC.
Step 5 – Appoint up to two CorpPass Administrators
A CorpPass login lets you transact with any agency. Each firm may name two administrators who control users and permissions.
Step 6 – Open a corporate bank account
Most local banks ask directors to sign in person (or before a notary) and supply certified true copies of key documents, such as the constitution, board resolution, passports, and proof of address.
Here is the Summary with Key actions and Documentations:
| Step | Key Action | Main Document / Cost | Where to File |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose structure | None | GoBusiness Adviser |
| 2 | State address | Proof of address | ACRA section of GoBusiness |
| 3 | Reserve name | $15 fee | GoBusiness → BizFile+ |
| 4 | Register entity | Constitution, IDs | GoBusiness dashboard |
| 5 | Set up CorpPass | Singpass, UEN | CorpPass portal |
| 6 | Open a bank account | Board resolution, KYC pack | Bank of choice |
How do I Apply for Business Licences and Permits Through GoBusiness in Singapore?
GoBusiness Singapore collapses what used to be a multi-agency marathon into one streamlined journey:
- Log in with CorpPass and open your dashboard.
- Click “Licences & Permits.”
- Pick your industry (F&B, retail, construction, import/export).
- Select the exact licence you need—e.g. Food Shop Licence for a café.
- Complete the online form, entering business activities and operating hours and uploading floor plans or hygiene certificates if required.
- Attach supporting documents such as:
- ACRA BizFile extract
- Tenancy agreement
- Insurance or safety reports (sector‑dependent)
- Pay the application fee (if any) and hit “Submit.”
- Track progress and respond to agency queries directly from the dashboard.
Popular licences available on GoBusiness Singapore
Apply early. Licences in heavily regulated sectors (notably F&B and construction) can take several weeks to clear.
How and which Grants and Financial‑Support Schemes can I Secure via GoBusiness in Singapore?
Singapore offers generous grants to boost productivity and help firms scale. GoBusiness acts as the doorway:
- Log in with CorpPass and choose “Grants & Support.”
- Launch the e‑Adviser to filter schemes by industry, headcount and revenue.
- Gather key papers:
- Business plan or project proposal
- Latest financial statements
- Vendor quotes for IT solutions or equipment
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- Submit and track progress in real time, replying promptly if the agency asks for clarification.
Top grants available
What Sector-Specific Toolkits does GoBusiness Provide in Singapore?
Beyond one‑size‑fits‑services, GoBusiness hosts dedicated hubs packed with industry-ready checklists and shortcuts:
- F&B Portal – Manage food licences, hygiene certificates and seating‑layout approvals.
- Retail Business Toolkit – Grab marketing templates, customer‑engagement guides and simple inventory spreadsheets.
- Construction Sector Hub – File building permits, safety clearances and environmental checks in one place.
- Trade & Logistics Hub – Sync import/export permits with customs declarations and freight tracking.
How does GoBusiness Keep me Compliant with Staffing, Tax and Premises Rules in Singapore?
Staying compliant with Singapore’s business regulations is crucial, and GoBusiness Singapore simplifies this process by integrating key government services into one platform. From employment matters to workplace compliance, here’s how GoBusiness helps business owners stay on track:
- Hiring & Payroll – Obtain a CPF submission number, calculate the Skills Development Levy, buy work‑injury cover, and file itemised payslips without leaving the portal.
- Foreign Manpower – GoBusiness links straight into MOM’s Work Permit and Employment Pass systems, complete with quota calculators.
- Premises – Check URA zoning and, if needed, lodge a planning‑permission request through GoBusiness Licensing.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered how to start a business in Singapore or scale it efficiently, GoBusiness is your go-to portal. It’s not just a tool for incorporation, but a gateway to long-term business success, government support, and sustainable growth in one of Asia’s most business-friendly ecosystems.
With integrated features like CorpPass Singapore setup, grant advisory tools, and personalised e-Advisers, the platform is a strategic asset for any business growth strategy. Moreover, its sector-specific toolkits and real-time application tracking allow you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business.
When you combine GoBusiness with 3E Accounting’s award-winning support, you unlock a best-of-both-worlds solution: digital efficiency backed by real-world expertise.
Take the next step now.
Book a free consultation with 3E Accounting and see how quickly we can make GoBusiness work for you.
Simplify Licensing and Grants with GoBusiness Singapore
Use GoBusiness with confidence. Let 3E Accounting assist you with company registration, CorpPass setup, and all required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply log in to GoBusiness using your CorpPass Singapore account, select your business structure, and follow the guided steps. It’s streamlined to make business registration in Singapore fast and convenient.
CorpPass Singapore is a digital identity for businesses to access government services. It’s required to log in to GoBusiness and apply for licenses, permits, and grants.
Absolutely. GoBusiness integrates with MOM’s Work Permit and Employment Pass systems, and even offers a foreign worker quota calculator to help with compliance.
Yes. GoBusiness is tailored for startups, SMEs, and established businesses. It provides access to government grants for startups in Singapore, licensing, and compliance tools.
Yes. GoBusiness allows you to apply for and manage multiple business licenses from different sectors like F&B, retail, logistics, and construction in one place.
Business registration in Singapore via GoBusiness can be completed in as little as 15–30 minutes if all documents are in order, with approval typically within 1–2 working days.
Abigail Yu
Author
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
