Ultimate Guide: ACRA Company Registration in Singapore (Step-by-Step)

Ultimate Guide: ACRA Company Registration in Singapore (Step-by-Step) | Bestar

Ultimate Guide: ACRA Company Registration in Singapore (Step-by-Step)

Are you looking to register a company in Singapore? The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the national regulator of business entities, public accountants, and corporate service providers. Registering your business with ACRA via the online portal, BizFile+, is the first and most crucial legal step to becoming a recognised entity in this global business hub.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential steps and requirements for ACRA company registration in Singapore, particularly focusing on the popular Private Limited Company structure.

The 6-Step ACRA Company Registration Process

To successfully register a company in Singapore with ACRA, follow this streamlined process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

Selecting the correct legal structure is vital as it impacts liability, compliance, and taxation. The most common structures include:

• Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd): The most popular choice, offering limited liability to its shareholders. It is considered a separate legal entity and is highly scalable.

• Sole Proprietorship: Owned by one person; the owner is personally liable for all business debts.

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Combines the limited liability of a company with the flexibility of a partnership.

• Partnership/Limited Partnership (LP).

Tip: The Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is generally recommended for its legal protection and credibility, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.

Step 2: Reserve Your Business Name

Before incorporation, you must secure your desired company name.

• Check Availability: Use the ACRA BizFile+ portal to check if your proposed name is unique and not already registered or too similar to an existing name.

• Name Application: Submit your application for approval via BizFile+. The application fee is S$15.

• Reservation: Once approved, ACRA reserves the name for 120 days, during which you must complete the full registration. The name must not infringe on any trademarks or contain offensive/prohibited words.

Step 3: Gather Mandatory Company Details and Documents

To ensure a smooth submission via BizFile+, prepare the following mandatory information for a Private Limited Company:

Requirement	Details
Company Name	The approved name from Step 2.
Company Type	e.g., Private Limited Company.
Share Capital	Minimum paid-up capital of S$1.
Registered Office Address	A physical address in Singapore (not a P.O. Box). Virtual office addresses are acceptable.
Constitution	The document outlining the rules governing the company. You can adopt ACRA's Model Constitution or submit a custom one.
Shareholders & Directors	Details (ID, address, nationality) for all. Must have at least one local resident Director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder).
Company Secretary	Must appoint one within 6 months of incorporation. Must be a natural person and ordinarily resident in Singapore.
Business Activities	Primary and secondary activities classified by their SSIC (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification) codes.
Financial Year End (FYE)	The date your company's financial year will conclude.

Step 4: Submit Your Company Registration Application

The application, along with the required documents and consents, is submitted online through the ACRA BizFile+ portal.

• Lodgment: The submission must be done by a company officer (Director or Secretary) or, more commonly, a registered filing agent like Bestar.

• Processing Time: If all documents are in order, incorporation is typically approved within 15 minutes to a few hours. If referred to other government agencies (e.g., for certain regulated names), it can take 14 to 60 days.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

The fee for setting up a Private Limited Company is:

• Name Application Fee: S$15

• Incorporation Fee: S$300

Step 6: Receive Your Incorporation Documents

Upon successful approval, you will instantly receive your official documents from ACRA:

1. Certificate of Incorporation (e-copy): Official confirmation that your company is a legal entity.

2. Unique Entity Number (UEN): Your company's official identification number.

3. BizFile+ Business Profile (e-copy): Contains key details and is often required for opening a corporate bank account.

Foreigners: Key Requirements for Singapore Company Setup

For foreign individuals or companies looking to establish a presence in Singapore, compliance with these specific rules is essential:

• Local Director: You must appoint at least one local resident director. If you do not have one, you can use a Nominee Director Service from a corporate service provider.

• Work Visas: If a foreign director/shareholder intends to live and work in Singapore, a valid work pass (such as an Employment Pass or EntrePass) is required.

• Registered Filing Agent: Due to the complexity of the process and local compliance rules, most foreigners engage a professional firm to handle the incorporation on their behalf.

Streamline Your Setup: Engage Bestar for ACRA Registration

Ultimate Guide: ACRA Company Registration in Singapore (Step-by-Step)

Navigating the nuances of ACRA company registration in Singapore and ensuring ongoing compliance can be time-consuming. Engaging a registered filing agent simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on your core business.

Bestar is a reputable and experienced provider of corporate secretarial services, specialising in effortless company setup for local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Benefits of Choosing Bestar:

Benefit	How Bestar Helps You
Convenience	We manage the entire BizFile+ submission, document preparation, and communication with ACRA on your behalf.
Expertise & Compliance	Our qualified professionals ensure your application meets all requirements of the Singapore Companies Act, minimising rejection risk and ensuring compliance from day one.
Mandatory Services	We offer essential services like Nominee Director and Corporate Secretarial Services, which are often mandatory for foreign-owned entities.
Peace of Mind	Our services offer a complete compliance solution, ensuring your focus remains on growing your new business.

Ready to start your Singapore business? Contact Bestar today for a free pre-incorporation consultation to discuss your business structure and simplify your ACRA company registration process.

Keywords: ACRA company registration Singapore, register a company in Singapore, Singapore company setup, BizFile+ registration, private limited company Singapore