Singapore company registration is the process of forming a legal entity with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and obtaining a Unique Entity Number (UEN) through the BizFile+ portal.
ACRA regulates business entities, public accountants, and corporate service providers and enforces compliance with the Companies Act.
Types of Business Entities
Singapore offers various types of business entities, each catering to different business structures and needs.
Here are the main types of business entities in Singapore:
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
A separate legal entity owned by shareholders (up to 50).
Shareholders enjoy limited liability, and the structure is eligible for Singapore tax incentives and government grants.
Sole Proprietorship
Owned by one individual; simplest setup but the owner is personally liable for all business debts.
Suitable only for freelancers or very small local operations. Not recommended for foreign investors as it offers no liability protection and cannot be foreign-owned.
Partnership
Two or more individuals or entities share profits, management, and liabilities. General partners are personally liable. Not suitable for foreign companies seeking a controlled presence.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A separate legal entity combining partnership flexibility with limited liability. Partners are protected from each other’s wrongful acts. Common for professional practices.
Public Limited Company (Ltd)
Can offer shares to the public and is subject to higher governance and reporting standards. Used by large enterprises and listing candidates.
Subsidiary Company
A Singapore private limited company owned by a foreign parent. It enjoys separate legal personality, limited liability, full tax benefits, and flexibility in operations. This is the most common and recommended structure for foreign investors.
Branch Office
An extension of a foreign company—not a separate legal entity. The parent remains liable for all branch obligations. Suitable only for specific industries with centralised control.
Representative Office (RO)
A temporary, non-trading presence for market research and liaison. Cannot generate revenue or sign contracts.
Benefits of Registering a Company in Singapore
Singapore offers a compelling platform for regional and global business. It combines:
Legal and Regulatory Strength
A transparent legal framework, enforced rule of law, and efficient regulators like ACRA (company registry) and IRAS (tax authority) streamline setup and compliance.
Capital Mobility
No exchange controls mean businesses can freely move funds in and out—ideal for treasury, investment, and dividend flows.
Banking, IP, and Talent Ecosystem
Home to leading banks, fintechs, and payment providers, Singapore also offers strong intellectual property protection and access to a diverse, highly skilled workforce.
Attractive Tax Regime
Headline corporate tax is capped at 17%, with additional incentives and partial tax exemptions for startups and holding structures. Its broad network of over 100 DTAs minimizes double taxation.
Strategic Asia Location
As a hub between China, India, and ASEAN, Singapore enables efficient regional coordination and fast access to key consumer and supplier markets.
Requirements for A Smooth Singapore Company Registration Process
The process of registering a company in Singapore involves several steps, and it's essential to ensure that you meet all the requirements to facilitate a smooth registration process.
Here are the key requirements:
1. Company Name
- Choose a unique name and correct the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) activity.
- Avoid restricted words that may trigger referral (e.g., “bank,” “insurance”).
2. Directors
- Minimum one locally resident natural-person director (Singapore citizen, PR, or qualifying work-pass holder).
- All directors must be at least 18 years old.
- Corporate directors are not permitted under the Companies Act.
- Directors can be of any nationality.
3. Shareholders
- 1–50 shareholders for a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd).
- Shareholders may be individuals or corporate entities.
4. Company Secretary
- Appoint a resident company secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
- The secretary must be a natural person ordinarily resident in Singapore (you may appoint a professional corporate secretarial firm).
5. Registered Office
- Provide a physical address in Singapore as the registered office.
- P.O. Box addresses are not allowed.
6. Share Capital
- Minimum paid-up capital: SGD 1.
- Authorised capital and par value were abolished; state only issued and paid-up capital (currency commonly SGD).
7. Constitution
- Adopt the Company Constitution (formerly Memorandum & Articles of Association) at incorporation.
8. Documents Required
- Identification and address proof for directors, shareholders, and the company secretary.
- Foreign-language documents must be officially translated into English.
9. Incorporation Fee
- Pay ACRA (via BizFile+): SGD 15 name application + SGD 300 registration.
10. Approval and Registration
- File incorporation on BizFile+.
- On approval, ACRA issues your Unique Entity Number (UEN).
11. Post-Registration Compliance
- Obtain any required business licences/permits (if applicable).
- Maintain a registered office, statutory registers (including registrable controllers), and meet filing deadlines (e.g., AGM/Annual Return with ACRA).
- Assess GST obligations (compulsory registration at SGD 1,000,000 taxable turnover).
Timeline and Cost of Singapore Company Registration
Typical Timing
- Straightforward cases: 1–3 working days after complete filings and endorsements via BizFile+ (ACRA).
- Regulated industries or referrals: 14–60 days if the name/activity is referred to other agencies.
Company Formation Steps and Realistic Timelines
| Step | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Name approval | Submit proposed name and SSIC activity; avoid restricted terms (e.g., “bank,” “insurance”). | Within hours; 14–60 days if referred to another authority |
| Application filing (BizFile+) | Upload company particulars and consents, adopt Constitution, and pay ACRA fees. | Filing itself takes minutes; depends on KYC/endorsement delays |
| Incorporation approval | ACRA issues Unique Entity Number (UEN) upon approval. | 1–3 working days in straightforward cases |
| Pass/consent (if applicable) | Where a director is a work-pass holder, relevant MOM consents may be needed. | Varies depending on type of pass and application path |
| Post-incorporation | Prepare share certificates, statutory registers, first board minutes, and appoint company secretary (if not yet done). | Usually completed within 1–3 days after approval |
Costs
- ACRA fees: SGD 15 (name application) + SGD 300 (company registration).
- Paid-up capital: Minimum SGD 1 (no authorised capital regime).
- Registered office: a physical Singapore address is required (provider addresses available; you don’t have to lease premises).
- Professional services (optional): registered address, company secretary, and resident director support vary by provider.
- Licences (if regulated): only if your activity requires sector approval.
Post-Incorporation Compliance
- AGM and Annual Return: Private companies must hold AGM within 6 months after FYE unless exempt, and file the Annual Return within 7 months after FYE via BizFile+. (See ACRA’s AGM/AR guidance.)
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): Register when taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1,000,000 on a retrospective or prospective basis. GST rate is 9%.
- Registered office: keep address current on BizFile+ and accessible during stated hours.
- Statutory records: maintain registers of members, directors, and registrable controllers accurately.
Need support with incorporation or banking? Air Corporate can streamline the full process and get your Singapore company up and running smoothly.
FAQs
Registers companies on BizFile+ (issues UENs), maintains the national business register, regulates business entities/public accountants/TCSPs, and enforces corporate compliance (incl. transparency registers).
Match your needs on liability (Pte Ltd/LLP vs sole/partnership), ownership & fundraising, tax/compliance cost, and whether you need a separate legal entity. When unsure, get professional advice.
100% foreign ownership is allowed. You must have at least 1 locally resident director at all times and appoint a resident company secretary within 6 months (the sole director cannot also be the secretary).
