How to Register a Company in Singapore Correctly?

Easiest Way to Register a Company in Singapore

Singapore company registration attracts entrepreneurs globally through its political stability, pro-business regulatory environment, and straightforward digital incorporation process that non-residents and local founders can complete efficiently through licensed Corporate Service Providers.

Registering correctly requires securing a unique ACRA-approved company name, appointing at least one locally resident director, engaging a qualified company secretary within six months, maintaining a physical registered address, and starting with minimum paid-up capital of just SGD 1. Foreign founders cannot access the ACRA BizFile+ portal directly and must authorize an approved CSP to handle all filings.

Government fees total SGD 315 covering name reservation and incorporation, with ACRA issuing a Certificate of Incorporation and Unique Entity Number upon approval, completing Singapore company registration formally.

 

What is a Singapore Company?

Before setting up a company, it is essential to understand that a company is a legal entity. It exists independently and separate from the company’s shareholders and directors, meaning it can own assets, enter into contracts, and be held liable on its own.  Under Singapore law, there are public and private companies. Public companies are the ones listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) with more than 50 shareholders. Private companies are the exact opposite of public companies. It is not listed on the SGX and has less than 50 shareholders as company owners. Shareholders, also known as company owners, hold the authority to appoint a director to oversee and manage the company’s operations. The Singapore Companies Act states that any person of local or foreign nationality aged 18 and above can register a Singapore company. 

 

What are the Pros of Registering a Company in Singapore?

Singapore is one of the most attractive destinations for business registration, offering a competitive 17% corporate tax rate, no capital gains tax, and 100% foreign ownership, a combination that makes it a top choice for international expansion. The incorporation process is quick and straightforward, typically completed within 1 to 3 days, with strong legal protections and access to various government incentives. That said, businesses must appoint a local resident director, meet ACRA compliance requirements, and prepare for relatively higher operational costs.

Pros of Registering a Company in Singapore

• Tax Benefits: Singapore imposes a flat corporate tax rate of 17% on a single-tier basis, with no taxes on dividends or capital gains. 
• Ease of Doing Business: The company registration process is simple and efficient, often completed within 1 to 3 days. Foreign entrepreneurs can retain 100% ownership of their business.
• Strategic Location and Reputation: Singapore is a politically stable, globally respected business hub that offers seamless access to key Asian markets.
• Ease of Fundraising: A well-developed financial ecosystem makes it easier for businesses to attract venture capital, connect with private investors, and secure business loans.
• Banking and Infrastructure: Businesses benefit from access to world-class international banking services and a highly efficient business infrastructure.

 

What Should You Know Before Registering a Company in Singapore?

Starting a business in Singapore is relatively simple; there are several key considerations every entrepreneur should be aware of before taking the first step toward company registration.

• Director(s) of the company

A director of the company must at least be an ordinary resident in Singapore. It can be a Singapore citizen, a Singapore Permanent Resident, or a person with an EntrePass, Employment Pass, or Dependant’s Pass.The minimum age is 18 years old and someone who is not bankrupt and not convicted of any malpractice. There is no limit for appointed Singapore company directors, and no specific requirement stating that directors must be shareholders. Non-shareholders can be designated as director(s).

• Shareholders of the company
  

Shareholders of private limited companies can have a maximum of 50 shareholders. Shareholders can be individuals or other companies. Singapore companies allow for 100% ownership either by a local or foreign owner. After the Singapore company registration is completed, new shares can be issued. Existing shares can be transferred from one person to another.

• Company secretary

The Singapore Companies Act requires every registered company to appoint a company secretary within 6 months of registration. A qualified company secretary must be a natural person who is ordinarily residing in Singapore. If a Singapore company has only one director and shareholder, this individual cannot become the company secretary. The company secretary’s office must have someone staffing it at all times.

• Paid-up Capital & Corporate Tax

A Singapore company registration requires only S$1 of paid-up capital. This is also called share capital, and it can be increased at any time after the company is incorporated. The 17% corporate tax rate is among the lowest in the region. Registered Singapore companies also enjoy zero dividend taxes and no capital gains. Find out more about Singapore corporate tax.

• Registered Address
  

To register a Singapore company, the business must have a local Singapore address. The address must be a valid physical address. If the company wish to use a residential address as the business address, it has to seek approval from the respective authority. All registered Singapore companies must be operational and accessible to the public during office hours.

 

What are the Mandatory Documents Required for Starting a Company in Singapore?

With all pre-registration requirements in place, the next step is to prepare the necessary documentation for submission. As mandated by ACRA, the following information must be provided during the company registration process:

• Company Name
• Business activities brief description
• Shareholders details
• Director(s) details
• Registered address
• Company secretary’s details
• Company constitution
• Proposed financial year-end

 

What are the Steps to Register a Company in Singapore?

Singapore company registration is under the authority of ACRA, and it is fully computerized. An applicant can register a business using the BizFile+ account. If the applicant does not have access to such, they may engage a registered agent. The following are the steps involved in registering a Singapore company.

1. Pick a Company Name and Address

You already have a company name in mind. That name would need to be approved by ACRA first. A search on BizFile+ is the quickest way to find out whether the name is taken. The intended name should not infringe any trademarks, is not obscene and not similar to existing companies.

2. Prepare the Company’s Constitution & Shareholder Agreement

A company constitution is the same as Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is now known as a company constitution, and it must contain everything about the company. This legal document must be submitted to ACRA and commonly reviewed by lawyers. A shareholder agreement complements the company’s constitution and ensures the smooth management of the company.

3. Complete registration on BizFile+

Now that you have everything ready, you can fill in all details into the BizFile+. There is a registration fee of S$315, and once it is paid, the company will be set up in less than 20 minutes.

 

Conclusion

Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced business owner looking to expand into Asia, Singapore company registration opens the door to a wealth of opportunities. 

At 3E Accounting, we make the entire process simple, seamless, and stress-free. From company registration and documentation to ongoing compliance support, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact 3E Accounting today and let us help you start your Singapore business journey with confidence.

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