How to Register a Company in Singapore (2025 Ultimate Guide)

How to Register a Company in Singapore (2025 Ultimate Guide) | Bestar

Singapore Company Registration

How to Register a Company in Singapore (2025 Ultimate Guide)

Are you looking to tap into Asia’s most business-friendly economy? Setting up a business in Singapore remains the gold standard for entrepreneurs worldwide. In 2025, the process is faster than ever, but regulatory compliance is stricter.

This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to Singapore company formation, updated with the latest ACRA requirements and tax incentives.

1. Why Incorporate in Singapore in 2025?

Before diving into the "how," here is why Singapore remains the #1 choice for global founders:

• Low Corporate Tax: 0% tax on the first S$100,000 of taxable income for new startups (for the first 3 years), capping at a flat 17%.

  
  

• 100% Foreign Ownership: Unlike many neighbors, Singapore allows foreigners to own 100% of their company’s equity.

  
  

• The "Gateway" Effect: Strategic access to the RCEP and ASEAN markets.

  
  

• 9% GST Update: As of 2024/2025, the Goods and Services Tax is 9%. We help you understand when you must register.

2. Choosing the Right Business Structure

The most popular choice for 99% of businesses is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd).

• Pte Ltd: Limited liability, separate legal entity, most scalable.

  
  

• Sole Proprietorship: Easiest to set up but zero liability protection (not recommended for foreigners).

  
  

• LLP: Popular for professional firms (lawyers, accountants).

3. Mandatory Requirements Checklist

To register through ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), you must have:

1. Company Name: Must be unique and approved by ACRA.

   
   

2. At least 1 Shareholder: Can be an individual or a corporation.

   
   

3. At least 1 Resident Director: Must be a Singapore Citizen, PR, or EntrePass/EP holder. (Note: If you are abroad, you will need a Nominee Director service).

   
   

4. Company Secretary: Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation.

   
   

5. Registered Office Address: A physical address in Singapore (P.O. boxes are prohibited).

   
   

6. Initial Paid-up Capital: Minimum S$1.

4. Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Reservation (15 Minutes)

Submit your name via BizFile+. Avoid names that are identical to existing companies or contain "prohibited" words (like Bank or University) without special permission.

• Cost: S$15.

  
  

• Validity: Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.

Step 2: Prepare Incorporation Documents

You will need:

• The Company Constitution (MAA).

  
  

• Signed "Consent to Act" forms from Directors and the Secretary.

  
  

• Identification (Passport/NRIC) and Proof of Residence for all stakeholders.

Step 3: Official Filing with ACRA

Once the name is approved, the official registration is filed.

• Cost: S$300.

  
  

• Timeline: Usually 1–3 business days.

5. Post-Incorporation: What Happens Next?

Registration is just the start. To stay compliant in 2025, you must:

• Open a Corporate Bank Account: Traditional banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) or digital-first options (Aspire, Wise, Airwallex).

  
  

• Register for CorpPass: This is your digital identity to interact with Singapore government services.

  
  

• GST Registration: Only mandatory if your annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million.

  
  

• Annual Filings: Every company must hold an AGM and file Annual Returns within 7 months of its Financial Year End (FYE).

6. Special Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Can you register remotely? Yes. Foreigners cannot register a company themselves; they must engage a Registered Filing Agent (RFA).

• Tip: Look for packages that include a Nominee Director and Company Secretary to ensure 100% compliance without having to relocate immediately.

Registering a Company in Singapore (2025 Guide): How Bestar Ensures a Seamless Launch

How to Register a Company in Singapore (2025 Ultimate Guide)

Singapore remains the premier global hub for business, but in 2025, regulatory landscapes have evolved. From the 9% GST implementation to stricter ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) compliance checks, the "DIY" approach is riskier than ever.

This guide outlines the 2025 registration process and highlights why partnering with Bestar Singapore is the strategic choice for founders who value speed and long-term compliance.

1. The 2025 Requirements Checklist

To register a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)—the most common structure for 99% of businesses—you must satisfy these four pillars:

• Resident Director: At least one director must be "ordinarily resident" in Singapore (Citizen, PR, or EntrePass/EP holder).

  
  

• Shareholding: 1 to 50 shareholders (100% foreign ownership is allowed).

  
  

• Company Secretary: Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation.

  
  

• Registered Office: A physical address in Singapore (P.O. Boxes are not permitted).

  
  

How Bestar Helps: For international founders, the "Resident Director" is the biggest hurdle. Bestar provides vetted Nominee Director services and Registered Office solutions, ensuring you meet legal requirements without needing to be physically present.

2. Step-by-Step Incorporation Process (with Bestar)

Phase 1: Company Name & SSIC Codes

You must select a name that isn't identical to existing entities. You also need to select SSIC Codes (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification) that accurately describe your business activities.

• The Bestar Edge: We don't just "check names." Our consultants review your business model to select the most tax-advantageous SSIC codes, preventing future licensing issues.

Phase 2: Documentation & KYC

ACRA requires the Company Constitution, Director Consents, and Identity Verification (KYC).

• The Bestar Edge: We utilize digital onboarding tools that allow you to complete KYC from anywhere in the world. We draft a Customized Constitution instead of a generic model, protecting your specific shareholder rights.

Phase 3: ACRA Filing & UEN Issuance

Once submitted via BizFile+, approval is typically granted within 15 minutes to 3 days.

• The Bestar Edge: As a Registered Filing Agent (RFA), Bestar acts as your official liaison with ACRA, ensuring 100% accuracy to avoid "Queries" or rejections that can delay your launch.

3. The "Day 2" Challenge: Banking & Compliance

The registration is just the beginning. The real work starts with Corporate Banking and Tax Compliance.

Opening a Bank Account in 2025

Singaporean banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) and digital challengers (Aspire, Airwallex) have high compliance bars.

• The Bestar Approach: We provide a "Bank-Ready" pack, including certified true copies of your Business Profile and Board Resolutions. We leverage our existing relationships with bank managers to facilitate your application.

Tax Incentives & GST (2025 Updates)

• New Start-up Tax Exemption (SUTE): Enjoy 75% tax exemption on the first S$100,000 of taxable income.

  
  

• GST Registration: Required if turnover exceeds S$1 million.

  
  

• The Bestar Approach: Our tax division ensures you are registered for GST only when necessary and structures your initial accounts to maximize the SUTE benefits for the first three years.

4. Why Choose Bestar Singapore over DIY Platforms?

While "automated" platforms offer low-cost registration, they often lack the human expertise needed when things get complex.

Feature	Automated Platforms	Bestar Singapore
Strategy	Basic Filing	Tax & Structure Advisory
Director Support	Often Outsourced	In-house Vetted Nominees
Complex Cases	Limited Support	Specialized in Foreign Investment & Family Offices
Ongoing Compliance	Notification Only	Full-service Bookkeeping, Audit, & HR

5. Conclusion: Launch with Confidence

Registering a company in Singapore is the first step toward global expansion. By partnering with Bestar, you aren't just buying a registration service—you are gaining a long-term corporate partner.

Ready to start your Singapore journey?

Contact Bestar Singapore Today for a consultation on your company structure, nominee director needs, and 2025 tax planning.

Sub-articles

Best Corporate Bank Accounts in Singapore 2025

Nominee Director Services: What You Need to Know

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