Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company. You’ll need a local resident director (can be a nominee) but foreign shareholders face no ownership restrictions. To work in your own company, you’ll need an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass. Singapore ranks #1 in Asia for ease of doing business, with registration taking just 1-2 days.

Foreign Business Ownership: Quick Facts

Foreign Ownership: 100% allowed – no restrictions

Resident Director: Required – can use nominee service

Work Visa: Employment Pass or EntrePass required to work in Singapore

Registration Time: 1-2 business days (standard)

Starting Cost: from S$350 (incorporation with SOAS)

Remote Operation: Yes – can operate from overseas with nominee director

Table of Contents

1. Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Singapore Company?
2. Visa Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs
3. EntrePass Requirements & Application
4. The Nominee Director Solution
5. Step-by-Step Guide for Non-Residents
6. Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner
7. Common Challenges & Solutions
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Singapore consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world for foreign entrepreneurs to start a business. The World Bank ranks Singapore #2 globally for ease of doing business, with a transparent regulatory environment, strong intellectual property protection, and zero restrictions on foreign ownership.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about starting a business in Singapore as a foreigner – from ownership rules and visa options to the step-by-step registration process and banking requirements.

Foreign Entrepreneur? Let SOAS Help

SOAS specializes in helping foreign entrepreneurs set up companies in Singapore. Complete incorporation package from S$350.
WhatsApp us at +65 9758 4188 for a free consultation.

Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Singapore Company?

Yes, absolutely. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of companies with no restrictions.

Unlike many countries that require local partners or restrict foreign ownership in certain sectors, Singapore takes a remarkably open approach. As a foreigner, you can:

• Own 100% of company shares – no local partner required
• Repatriate profits freely – no foreign exchange controls
• Hold shares in any currency – though SGD is most common
• Operate in most industries – limited restrictions
• Transfer shares freely – to anyone, anywhere

The One Requirement: Resident Director

The only requirement that affects foreign ownership is that every Singapore Private Limited Company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This means a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid work pass holder.

💡 Solution: If you don’t have a local connection, you can appoint a nominee director through a corporate service provider like SOAS. This satisfies the legal requirement while you retain full control of your company.

Restricted Industries for Foreigners

While most industries are open to foreign ownership, a few require special licenses or have restrictions:

For most businesses – e-commerce, technology, consulting, trading, F&B, retail, services – there are no restrictions on foreign ownership.

Visa Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs

While you can own a Singapore company from overseas without any visa, you’ll need a work visa if you want to live and work in Singapore. Here are your main options:

Add Table schema markup for this comparison

Option 1: Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is the most common work visa for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs. You can apply for an EP to work in your own company as a director/employee.

• Minimum salary: S$5,000/month (higher for older candidates)
• Qualifications: Good university degree or specialized skills
• COMPASS framework: Points-based assessment (since Sep 2023)
• Company requirement: Must be registered before EP application
• Processing time: 3-8 weeks

Option 2: EntrePass

The EntrePass is designed specifically for innovative entrepreneurs. It has stricter criteria but no minimum salary requirement.

• No minimum salary: Unlike EP, no salary floor
• Innovation criteria: Must meet at least one qualification category
• Business plan: Detailed plan required
• Processing time: 8-12 weeks

Option 3: Operate Remotely (No Visa Needed)

If you don’t plan to live in Singapore, you can own and operate your company remotely. You’ll need a nominee director to meet the residency requirement, but you retain full ownership and control.

EntrePass Requirements & Application

The EntrePass is ideal for innovative entrepreneurs but has specific qualification criteria. You must meet at least one of the following categories:

Category A: Funded by Recognized Investors

• Received funding from a government-accredited VC or business angel
• Minimum investment amount applies
• Investor must be on MOM’s approved list

Category B: Incubator/Accelerator

• Accepted into a government-recognized incubator or accelerator
• Examples: NUS Enterprise, JFDI, Plug and Play

Category C: Intellectual Property

• Own IP registered with a national IP agency
• IP must be core to the business

Category D: Exceptional Achievements

• Significant business achievements or track record
• Previous successful exits, awards, or industry recognition

Category E: Research Collaboration

• Partnership with a Singapore research institution (A*STAR, universities)
• Must involve technology development or research

⚠️ Important: EntrePass approval rates are lower than EP. The business must be innovative – traditional businesses (F&B, retail, trading) typically don’t qualify. Consider EP instead if you don’t meet the innovation criteria.

The Nominee Director Solution

The nominee director arrangement is the most common solution for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a Singapore company without relocating or waiting for visa approval.

How It Works

1. SOAS provides a Singapore resident director: This person satisfies the legal requirement for a local director
2. You remain 100% owner: The nominee has no ownership stake in your company
3. You retain full control: Service agreement ensures nominee acts under your direction
4. Nominee handles compliance: Signs statutory documents and regulatory filings
5. You manage the business: All operational decisions remain with you

SOAS Nominee Director Package

Note: SOAS requires Automa8e subscription for AML/CFT compliance and financial monitoring. This protects both parties and ensures the company is operated legitimately. All prices subject to 9% GST.

💡 Transition Plan: Many entrepreneurs start with a nominee director, then transition to becoming their own resident director once they obtain an Employment Pass or Permanent Residency. SOAS can assist with this transition.

Step-by-Step Guide for Non-Residents

Here’s exactly how to set up your Singapore company as a foreigner, step by step:

Step 1: Engage a Corporate Service Provider

Timeline: Day 1

Contact SOAS or another registered corporate service provider. We’ll guide you through the entire process, provide nominee director services, and handle all filings with ACRA.

Step 2: Provide KYC Documents

Timeline: Day 1-2

Submit your passport copy, proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement within 3 months), and contact details. For corporate shareholders, additional documents are required.

Step 3: Choose Company Name & Structure

Timeline: Day 1-2

Decide on your company name (we’ll check availability), shareholding structure, paid-up capital amount, and business activities (SSIC codes). Have 2-3 backup names ready.

Step 4: Review & Sign Documents

Timeline: Day 2-3

Review and e-sign incorporation documents including company constitution, director consent forms, and nominee director service agreement. Everything can be done online – no travel needed.

Step 5: ACRA Registration

Timeline: Day 3-4

SOAS submits your incorporation application to ACRA. Standard applications are approved within 15 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll receive your UEN (business registration number) the same day.

Step 6: Post-Incorporation Setup

Timeline: Week 1-4

Open a corporate bank account (see next section), set up CorpPass for government e-services, and implement accounting/bookkeeping. SOAS can assist with all of these.

Total Timeline: Most foreign entrepreneurs complete registration in 3-5 business days from initial contact to receiving their UEN.

Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner

Opening a corporate bank account is often the most challenging part for foreign entrepreneurs. Singapore banks have strict KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, especially for companies with only foreign directors.

Major Banks in Singapore

What Banks Look For

• Business model clarity: Clear explanation of what your company does
• Substance in Singapore: Office address, employees, business activity
• Expected transactions: Volume, source, and destination of funds
• Director presence: Some banks require in-person meeting with director
• Corporate documents: ACRA profile, constitution, board resolution

Tips for Successful Bank Account Opening

1. Prepare a clear business description: Banks need to understand your business model to assess risk
2. Have your documents ready: ACRA profile, constitution, passport copies, proof of address
3. Consider visiting Singapore: Some banks strongly prefer (or require) in-person meetings
4. Use a corporate service provider’s introduction: SOAS can assist with bank introductions
5. Have initial deposit ready: Most banks require initial deposit of S$1,000-S$3,000

💡 SOAS Assistance: SOAS can assist with bank introductions and help prepare your application package. This significantly improves approval rates for foreign-owned companies.

Common Challenges & Solutions

Foreign entrepreneurs often face specific challenges when starting a business in Singapore. Here’s how to overcome them:

🔴 Challenge 1: Resident Director Requirement

Solution: Use a nominee director service from a reputable corporate service provider like SOAS. Cost: from S$3,500/year plus security deposit.

🔴 Challenge 2: Bank Account Rejection

Solution: Prepare thorough documentation, get a proper introduction through your corporate service provider, and consider international banks that are more foreign-friendly. Visit Singapore in person if possible.

🔴 Challenge 3: Visa Uncertainty

Solution: Start with a nominee director arrangement, then apply for Employment Pass once the company is established. This lets you start the business without waiting for visa approval.

🔴 Challenge 4: Remote Operations

Solution: Use a registered office address service (SOAS offers this for S$300/year), engage a corporate secretary for compliance, and use cloud accounting software for financial management.

🔴 Challenge 5: Understanding Compliance

Solution: Engage a corporate secretary service (mandatory for Pte Ltd anyway). SOAS CoSec packages from S$300/year include compliance reminders, annual return filing, and guidance on all statutory requirements.

🔴 Challenge 6: Tax & Accounting

Solution: Engage proper bookkeeping and tax services from day one. SOAS offers accounting services. Remember: Singapore has no capital gains tax, no dividend tax, and only 17% corporate tax with generous exemptions for new companies.

Complete Foreign Entrepreneur Package

SOAS offers everything foreign entrepreneurs need: incorporation, nominee director, registered address, company secretary, and bank introduction assistance. Contact us at +65 9758 4188 for a customized quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Add FAQ Schema markup to this section for SEO

1. Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?

Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of companies with no restrictions. You’ll need at least one resident director (can be a nominee) but shareholders can be entirely foreign.

2. Do I need to live in Singapore to own a company?

No. You can own and operate a Singapore company from anywhere in the world. You’ll need a resident director (nominee if you don’t have local connections) and a registered office address in Singapore.

3. What visa do I need to work in my Singapore company?

If you want to live and work in Singapore, you’ll need an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass. EP requires minimum S$5,000/month salary. EntrePass has no salary requirement but needs innovation criteria. If operating remotely, no visa is needed.

4. How long does it take to register a company?

Company registration itself takes 1-2 business days with complete documents. For foreigners using nominee director services, the complete process (including KYC verification) typically takes 3-5 business days.

5. How much does it cost to start a company as a foreigner?

Basic costs: S$350 incorporation (including S$315 government fees). With nominee director: add S$3,500/year + S$3,500 deposit. Registered address: S$300/year. Corporate secretary: from S$300/year. Total first-year cost: approximately S$7,500-S$8,000.

6. Can I open a bank account remotely?

This is challenging but possible. Some banks require in-person meetings. Others may accept video verification. Success depends on your business type, country of residence, and the bank’s current policies. SOAS can assist with bank introductions.

7. What taxes will my Singapore company pay?

Singapore has a 17% corporate tax rate with generous exemptions for new companies (first S$200,000 at reduced rates). There’s no capital gains tax, no dividend tax, and extensive double taxation agreements. GST (9%) applies only if revenue exceeds S$1 million.

8. Can I transfer my foreign company’s operations to Singapore?

Yes. Many businesses relocate to Singapore for tax benefits and strategic positioning. You can set up a new Singapore company as a subsidiary, holding company, or regional headquarters. SOAS can advise on the best structure for your situation.

Ready to Start Your Singapore Business?

SOAS has helped hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs successfully set up in Singapore. We handle everything from incorporation to banking, compliance to accounting.

Phone: +65 6684 9199

WhatsApp: +65 9758 4188

Address: 33 Ubi Avenue 3, #08-13, Vertex Tower B, Singapore 408868

Website: www.soas.com.sg

SCHEMA MARKUP NOTES (For Developer – Do Not Publish)

1. FAQ Schema (8 Q&As)

Add FAQPage schema to the FAQ section with all 8 questions and answers.

2. Article Schema

Add Article schema with author, datePublished (2026-01-17), dateModified, publisher.

3. Comparison Table Schema

Add Table schema to the Visa Options comparison table.

4. Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Blog > Foreigner Start Business Singapore

5. Internal Links to Add (in WordPress)

– Link ‘nominee director’ to /nominee-director-singapore/

– Link ‘company registration’ to /singapore-company-registration-guide/

– Link ‘incorporation guide’ to /singapore-company-incorporation-guide-2026/

– Link ‘pte ltd requirements’ to /singapore-pte-ltd-requirements-2026/

– Link ‘incorporation costs’ to /singapore-incorporation-costs-2026/

– Link ‘company secretary’ to /company-registration-service-singapore/

6. External Links to Add

– ACRA: https://www.acra.gov.sg

– MOM (Work Passes): https://www.mom.gov.sg

– EntrePass info: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass

– Employment Pass: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass

– IRAS (Tax): https://www.iras.gov.sg

Approximate Word Count: 3,750 words

PILLAR CONTENT | Ready for WordPress Publishing | All information verified from ACRA, MOM & SOAS

Ready for Fast Company Registration?

Contact SOAS for efficient, hassle-free incorporation. We handle everything so you can focus on starting your business.

• Phone: +65 6684 9199
• WhatsApp: +65 9758 4188
• Website: www.soas.com.sg