How to Register a Company in Singapore
- Roger Pay
- Aug 30, 2025
- 9 min read
How to Register a Company in Singapore
Thinking of starting a business in Singapore? This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding your options to completing your company's registration.
Singapore is a top destination for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand into Southeast Asia. Its business-friendly environment, strategic location, and clear regulations make it an attractive hub for startups and established companies alike.
Company Incorporation vs. Registration: What's the Difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle but important distinction in Singapore:
Company incorporation is the legal process of creating a new corporate entity. This is the first step where you establish your company’s legal structure, appoint directors, define share capital, and receive a unique registration number from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Company registration is a broader term that includes incorporation and all the subsequent steps required to legally operate your business. This involves getting a tax registration number, applying for any necessary business licenses, and fulfilling all ongoing regulatory requirements.
Essentially, incorporation is the "birth" of your company, while registration covers everything needed to keep it alive and compliant.
Why Register Your Company in Singapore?
Singapore offers a range of benefits that make it an ideal place to set up a business:
Low Corporate Tax Rate: Singapore boasts a competitive corporate tax rate of just 17%. The government also offers various tax incentives and exemptions for new startups.
Strategic Location: Positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore provides easy access to a market of over 650 million people.
Political Stability: The country's stable political environment and pro-business government create a secure and predictable climate for investors.
Skilled Workforce: Singapore has a highly skilled, multilingual workforce proficient in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, making it a great base for businesses with global reach.
Ease of Doing Business: The registration process is straightforward and efficient, with most applications processed in just a few days. ACRA's online portal, BizFile+, streamlines the entire process.
Robust IP Protection: Singapore provides a strong legal framework to protect intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
Choosing the Right Business Structure
Selecting the right type of business entity is a crucial first step. Here are the most common options in Singapore:
Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
This is the most popular choice for businesses in Singapore. It's a separate legal entity from its owners, which limits the personal liability of shareholders.
Pros:
Shareholders are not personally liable for company debts beyond their share capital.
Eligible for corporate tax exemptions and incentives.
Can own property and enter into contracts in its own name.
Cons:
More compliance requirements than a sole proprietorship.
Limited to a maximum of 50 shareholders.
Shares cannot be offered to the public.
Subsidiary Company
A subsidiary is a Private Limited Company that is fully or partially owned by a parent company, often from overseas.
Pros:
100% foreign ownership is allowed.
The parent company is not liable for the subsidiary's debts.
The subsidiary can benefit from Singapore's tax incentives.
Branch Office
A branch office is an extension of a foreign parent company and is not a separate legal entity.
Pros:
100% foreign ownership is allowed.
Can leverage the reputation of the parent company.
Cons:
The parent company is fully liable for all debts and obligations of the branch.
Bound by the same bylaws as the parent company.
Sole Proprietorship
In this structure, the business and its owner are considered a single legal entity.
Pros:
All profits belong to the owner.
Fewer government compliance requirements.
Cons:
The owner is personally liable for all business debts, putting personal assets at risk.
No tax benefits or exemptions available to corporations.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
An LLP combines the flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability of a private limited company.
Pros:
Partners are not personally liable for the debts of the partnership.
Less government compliance compared to a private limited company.
Cons:
More difficult to transfer ownership than in a private limited company.
Representative Office
This is a temporary setup that allows a foreign company to conduct research and explore the Singapore market without engaging in commercial activities.
Pros:
Allows you to test the market without a full commitment.
Can establish business relationships with local contacts.
Cons:
Cannot engage in any revenue-generating business.
Limited to a lifespan of three years.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Company
The process of registering a company in Singapore is managed by ACRA. For foreigners, it is mandatory to hire a registered filing agent (such as a law firm or corporate service provider) to handle the incorporation process.
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
Before you can register a Private Limited Company, you must meet these criteria:
At least one shareholder: This can be an individual or a company. 100% foreign shareholding is permitted.
Minimum paid-up capital of $1 SGD: You only need $1 to get started. You can increase this amount later.
One local resident director: You must appoint a director who is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or EntrePass holder. Your filing agent can provide a nominee director service if you don't have one.
One company secretary: Must be a Singapore resident.
Local registered address: This cannot be a P.O. Box.
Step 2: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
Your agent will help you check the availability of your proposed company name on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. The name must be unique, relevant to your business, and not contain any obscene words. Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Documents
Your agent will prepare all the necessary documents for submission to ACRA, including:
The company's constitution.
Consent forms from all directors and the company secretary.
Details of all shareholders, directors, and the registered address.
If you're a foreign entrepreneur, a copy of your passport and proof of your overseas and local residential address.
Step 4: Finalize Registration and Post-Incorporation Tasks
ACRA typically processes applications within 1-3 business days. Once approved, you will receive a digital notice of incorporation with your Unique Entity Number (UEN).
After registration, you'll need to complete a few more steps to get your business fully operational:
Open a corporate bank account: You must open a corporate bank account in Singapore to manage your business's finances.
Issue share certificates: Your company secretary must issue share certificates to all shareholders.
Obtain business licenses: Depending on your industry, you may need additional licenses or permits from relevant government agencies.
Ready to take the next step? Hiring a professional filing agent can simplify the entire process and ensure your company is compliant from day one.
Fees
Registering a company in Singapore involves several fees, primarily to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The total cost can be broken down into mandatory government fees and additional costs for professional services, which are often required for foreign entrepreneurs.
Mandatory Government Fees
These are the direct fees you pay to ACRA to complete the registration and ongoing compliance.
Company Name Application: A one-time fee of S$15 is required to reserve your desired company name.
Company Registration Fee: The core cost for incorporating a new company is a one-time fee of S$300.
Annual Filing Fee: To maintain compliance, every company must file an annual return with ACRA, which costs S$60 per year.
Additional Costs and Fees
Foreigners must appoint a registered filing agent to handle the incorporation process, as well as a local resident director and company secretary. These services, provided by Bestar, add to the overall cost.
Corporate Service Provider Fees: Our packages include services such as:
Acting as your registered filing agent.
Providing a nominee director (if you don't have a local resident director).
Acting as the company secretary.
Providing a registered local address.
Other Potential Fees: Depending on your business, you may encounter other one-time or recurring costs:
Amalgamation Registration: S$400 to S$700 for merging two or more companies.
Conversion of Company Type: S$40 for converting your business entity type.
Late Filing Penalties: S$200 for a late request for an Extension of Time (EOT).
Business Licenses: Specific to your industry, you'll need to pay for any necessary permits or licenses from the relevant government bodies.
Work Passes: If you are a foreigner planning to work in Singapore, you must apply for an employment pass, which incurs a separate application and issuance fee.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the additional costs and fees you can expect when registering a company in Singapore, with a particular focus on the costs for foreigners.
Corporate Service Provider (CSP) Fees
For foreigners, hiring a registered filing agent is a legal requirement. Bestar offers comprehensive packages that cover the initial setup and ongoing compliance.
Acting as Your Registered Filing Agent: This service, which includes submitting your company's documents to ACRA, is part of a larger incorporation package.
Providing a Nominee Director: If you don't have a local resident director, you must hire one through a CSP. This is one of the most significant costs for foreign-owned companies. Fees for our service can range from S$2,000 to S$5,000 per year, and a security deposit may also be required.
Acting as the Company Secretary: Every company must appoint a company secretary. This service costs S$300 to S$800 per year for standard packages.
Providing a Registered Local Address: You must have a physical, non-P.O. Box address for your company. If you don't have your own office, Bestar can provide this for around S$200 to S$400 per year.
Other Potential Costs
Beyond the mandatory fees and CSP services, other costs may arise during and after the registration process.
Business Licenses and Permits: Most businesses do not require specific licenses, but some industries, such as food and beverage, education, finance, and trading, do. The fees for these licenses vary greatly depending on the industry and the issuing government body. For example, a food shop license costs S$195 for one year. You should check with the relevant authorities to determine if your business requires any permits.
Work Passes: If you are a foreigner intending to work for your company in Singapore, you will need to apply for a work pass, most commonly an Employment Pass (EP). The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has its own set of fees:
EP Application Fee: S$105
EP Issuance Fee: S$225
EP Renewal Fee: S$225 These fees do not include the cost of hiring Bestar to handle the application, which can range from S$800 to S$1,500 or more.
Corporate Bank Account: While many banks do not charge a fee to open a corporate account, some may require a minimum initial deposit (e.g., S$1,000 to S$3,000) or charge monthly maintenance fees.
Ongoing Compliance: You will also have recurring costs for services like annual return filing, tax filing, and bookkeeping to ensure you remain compliant with ACRA and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). These can add up to S$600 to S$1,500 per year or more, depending on your company's size and complexity.
In summary, the minimum government fees for a new company are S$315 (S$15 name application + S$300 registration). However, the total cost for foreign entrepreneurs will be higher due to the fees for mandatory professional services like a local resident director and company secretary.
How Bestar can Help
Engaging a professional corporate service provider (CSP) is a strategic move for any business looking to register and operate in Singapore. For foreign entrepreneurs, it's not just a convenience—it's a legal necessity. Here's a detailed look at how Bestar can help:
1. Navigating Legal Requirements and Compliance
Singapore has a stringent regulatory environment, and non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penalties. Bestar is experts on the local legal landscape, ensuring your company adheres to all the rules from the start.
Fulfilling Mandatory Roles: We can fulfill the mandatory roles required for company registration, such as providing a nominee director and a company secretary, ensuring you meet all legal requirements without having to relocate to Singapore.
Paperwork and Filings: We handle all the intricate paperwork and filings with ACRA, from drafting your company's constitution to submitting the registration forms. Our expertise minimizes the risk of errors that could lead to delays or rejections.
Ongoing Compliance: The help doesn't end with incorporation. Bestar provides ongoing support to ensure you remain compliant with annual filing obligations, such as submitting Annual Returns and holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
2. Time and Cost Efficiency
While there are costs associated with hiring Bestar, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial expense.
Streamlined Process: We significantly speed up the incorporation process. With our knowledge of ACRA's procedures and systems, a company can be registered in as little as 1 to 3 business days.
Focus on Your Core Business: By taking over the administrative and compliance burden, Bestar frees up your time and resources to focus on what matters most: growing your business, developing products, and securing customers.
Avoiding Penalties: Our expertise helps you avoid common mistakes that can lead to fines for late filings or incorrect submissions, saving you money in the long run.
3. Comprehensive Services and Expert Guidance
Bestar is more than just filing agents; we act as a one-stop-shop for a wide range of essential business services.
Choosing the Right Structure: We can provide expert advice on selecting the most suitable business structure (e.g., Private Limited Company, Branch Office) based on your business goals, liability concerns, and tax considerations.
Assistance with Work Passes: For foreign entrepreneurs,Bestar can manage the entire application process for an Employment Pass or other work passes, which is crucial for those who plan to work in their Singapore company.
Business Advisory: Bestar offers a full suite of services that go beyond incorporation, including:
Accounting and Tax Filing: Helping with bookkeeping, corporate income tax computation, and GST registration.
Business Licenses: Advising on and applying for the specific licenses and permits required for your industry.
Corporate Bank Account Opening: Assisting with the documentation and processes required to open a corporate bank account, which can be a complex step for foreign-owned companies.
In essence, Bestar acts as a knowledgeable partner, guiding you through the complexities of Singapore's business landscape and ensuring your company is set up for success from day one.
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