Singapore Company Registration for Foreigners: The Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Business in Asia
- a22162
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Singapore Company Formation Guide
Singapore Company Registration for Foreigners: The Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Business in Asia
Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to do business. For foreign entrepreneurs and global corporations, its stable environment, strategic location, and highly competitive tax system make it the ideal gateway to the Asian market.
As experts in Singapore company formation with foreign shareholding structures, we provide end-to-end services to ensure a seamless and fully compliant incorporation process.
Why Choose Singapore to Open Your Company?
Setting up a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore offers unmatched benefits, particularly in finance, technology, and trade:
World-Class Tax System: Enjoy a flat corporate income tax (CIT) rate of 17%.
Startup Tax Exemption (SUTE): Qualifying startups benefit from substantial tax relief for the first three consecutive Years of Assessment (YAs).
75% exemption on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income.
50% exemption on the next S$100,000 of chargeable income.
100% Foreign Ownership: Foreign investors are permitted to hold full ownership of their Singapore company in all sectors.
No Capital Gains or Dividend Tax: Singapore does not impose a tax on capital gains or dividends paid out to shareholders.
Global Connectivity: With over 88 Double Taxation Treaties (DTAs), Singapore helps businesses minimize their tax liability when operating internationally.
Mandatory Requirements for Foreigners to Incorporate a Singapore Company
All companies must comply with the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50, and register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Requirement | Statutory Detail | Our Solution for Foreigners |
Minimum Shareholders | At least one, up to 50 for a Pte Ltd. Can be an individual or a corporate entity (local or foreign). | 100% Foreign Ownership is permitted. |
Minimum Paid-Up Capital | Minimum of S$1.00. | Minimal initial financial commitment required. |
Local Director | At least one director must be an "ordinary resident" (Singapore Citizen, PR, Employment Pass/EntrePass holder). Must be a natural person aged 18+. | We provide Nominee Director Services to fulfill this requirement remotely. |
Company Secretary | Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation. Must be a natural person and ordinarily resident in Singapore. The sole director cannot also be the secretary. | We offer expert Company Secretary Services to ensure statutory compliance. |
Registered Address | A valid physical address in Singapore (P.O. boxes are not allowed). | We offer cost-effective Virtual Office Services to meet this mandatory requirement. |
Filing Agent | Foreigners cannot self-register their company; they must engage a registered Company Incorporation Specialist or Filing Agent. | Our experienced team handles the entire process on your behalf. |
The Step-by-Step Incorporation Process
As your trusted incorporation agent, we streamline the process of opening a company in Singapore into these key steps:
Name Approval: Reserve a unique company name with ACRA.
Document Preparation: Draft the company's Constitution (Articles of Association) and collect necessary director/shareholder KYC documents (passport, proof of address, etc.).
ACRA Filing: Submit all documents and signed consent forms to ACRA via BizFile+. (Incorporation typically takes 24 hours).
Registration Confirmation: Receive the digital Certificate of Incorporation and company Business Profile.
Post-Incorporation: We assist with mandatory steps like corporate bank account opening and registration for Goods and Services Tax (GST), if applicable.
Relocate and Run Your Business: Work Pass Guidance
If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your business, you will need a work pass:
Employment Pass (EP): For foreign professionals, managers, and executives who meet qualifying salary criteria. Once obtained, you can serve as your company’s resident director.
EntrePass: For foreign entrepreneurs with innovative and venture-backed business proposals.
We provide expert advice and assistance with the necessary applications to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Comprehensive Business Support Services
Beyond the initial registration, a successful Singapore company requires ongoing compliance. Our firm is equipped to support your growth:
Accounting & Annual Returns: Mandatory annual filing requirements, including Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and Annual Return (AR) submission to ACRA and IRAS.
Tax Compliance: Corporate tax filing and advisory to maximize available exemptions and incentives.
Virtual Office: A professional local address for legal and correspondence purposes.
Contact our experts today for a free consultation and personalized quotation tailored to your business needs. Launch your international venture with confidence in Singapore.
23 New Industrial Road, #04-08 Solstice Business Center, Singapore
Email: admin(at)bestar.asia
Phone: +65 62994730/ +65 88364489
We are experts in the opening of Singapore companies with foreign shareholding structures.
Singapore Company Registration for Foreigners: The Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Business in Asia
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