Ultimate Guide to Singapore Company Incorporation 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Process
Singapore company incorporation is the process of legally registering a business entity with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The ACRA registration fee is S$315, and the process typically takes 1-2 business days for Singaporeans and PRs. Singapore ranks #2 globally for ease of doing business, offering 100% foreign ownership, low corporate tax rates (17%), and access to Asia-Pacific markets.
Ready to Incorporate Your Singapore Company?
SOAS makes company incorporation fuss-free with our online customised incorporation software. Incorporation from S$350 (including S$315 government fees). WhatsApp us at +65 9758 4188 for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- What is Singapore Company Incorporation?
- Benefits of Incorporating in Singapore
- Types of Business Entities in Singapore
- Singapore Company Incorporation Requirements
- Step-by-Step Incorporation Process
- Singapore Incorporation Costs Breakdown
- Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
- Post-Incorporation Compliance Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How SOAS Can Help You Incorporate
What is Singapore Company Incorporation?
Singapore company incorporation is the formal process of registering a new business entity with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), Singapore’s national regulator for business entities and public accountants. Upon successful registration, your company becomes a separate legal entity with its own rights, liabilities, and perpetual succession.
When you incorporate a company in Singapore, you create a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) – the most popular business structure for both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors. This structure provides limited liability protection, meaning shareholders’ personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities.
Key Features of Singapore Incorporation
- Separate Legal Entity: Your company can own property, enter contracts, sue, and be sued in its own name
- Limited Liability: Shareholders’ liability is limited to their share capital contribution
- Perpetual Succession: The company continues to exist regardless of changes in ownership
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company with no restrictions
- Tax Benefits: Corporate tax rate of 17% with significant exemptions for new companies
Benefits of Incorporating in Singapore
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to do business. The World Bank ranks Singapore #2 globally for ease of doing business, and the country offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs and investors.
1. Strategic Location & Market Access
Singapore serves as the gateway to Asia-Pacific, providing access to markets with over 4 billion consumers. The country has signed 27 free trade agreements (FTAs) covering 90% of global GDP, making it an ideal base for regional and international expansion.
2. Attractive Tax Regime
Singapore offers one of the most competitive tax systems in the world:
- Corporate Tax Rate: Flat rate of 17% (among the lowest in developed nations)
- New Company Exemption: 75% exemption on first $100,000, 50% on next $100,000 for first 3 years
- No Capital Gains Tax: Profits from sale of shares are not taxed
- No Dividend Tax: Dividends distributed to shareholders are tax-free
- Territorial Tax System: Foreign-sourced income is not taxed (with conditions)
3. Business-Friendly Environment
- Fast Registration: Incorporate a company in as little as 1-2 days
- Low Corruption: Ranked 4th least corrupt country globally (Transparency International)
- Strong Legal System: English common law, efficient courts, strong IP protection
- Excellent Infrastructure: World-class banking, telecommunications, and logistics
- Skilled Workforce: Highly educated, multilingual talent pool
4. 100% Foreign Ownership
Unlike many Asian countries, Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of companies in most industries. There are no restrictions on foreign shareholders, and you can remit profits freely without exchange controls.
5. Strong Intellectual Property Protection
Singapore ranks #2 in Asia and #7 globally for IP protection. The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) provides robust frameworks for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, making it safe to base R&D and innovative businesses here.
Types of Business Entities in Singapore
Before incorporating, it’s important to understand the different business structures available in Singapore. Each has its own advantages, requirements, and tax implications.
| Entity Type | Liability | Tax Rate | Best For |
| Private Limited (Pte Ltd) | Limited | 17% | Most businesses, foreign investors, startups |
| Sole Proprietorship | Unlimited | Personal rate (up to 24%) | Small local businesses, freelancers |
| Partnership | Unlimited | Personal rate | Professional services (2+ partners) |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Limited | Personal rate | Professional firms, consulting |
| Branch Office | Parent company liable | 17% | Foreign companies testing market |
Why Private Limited (Pte Ltd) is the Most Popular Choice
The Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is by far the most common business structure in Singapore, accounting for over 90% of all registered companies. Here’s why:
- Limited Liability Protection: Personal assets are protected from business debts
- Lower Tax Rate: 17% corporate tax vs. up to 24% personal tax
- Professional Image: Pte Ltd signals credibility to clients, partners, and banks
- Easy to Raise Capital: Can issue shares to investors
- Perpetual Succession: Company continues even if shareholders change
Singapore Company Incorporation Requirements
To incorporate a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore, you must meet the following minimum requirements set by ACRA:
1. Minimum One Shareholder
- Can be an individual or corporate entity
- Can be any nationality (Singaporean, PR, or foreigner)
- Maximum 50 shareholders for Pte Ltd
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
2. Minimum One Resident Director
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must not be disqualified from being a director
- Must be a Singapore resident(citizen, PR, or valid work pass holder)
- Foreigners can use a nominee director serviceto meet this requirement
3. Company Secretary
- Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation
- Must be a Singapore resident
- Cannot be the sole director if only one director exists
- Responsible for statutory compliance and filings
4. Registered Address
- Must be a physical address in Singapore (not P.O. Box)
- Can use own office, virtual office, or home address (with approval)
- Official correspondence from ACRA, IRAS, and others will be sent here
5. Paid-Up Capital
- Minimum $1 paid-up capitalis required
- Most businesses start with $1,000 to $100,000 for credibility
- Can be increased anytime after incorporation
- No maximum limit
6. Company Name
- Must be unique and not identical or similar to existing names
- Cannot be offensive or prohibited
- Must not infringe on trademarks
- Some words require approval (e.g., ‘Bank’, ‘Finance’, ‘Insurance’)
Requirements Summary Table
| Requirement | Minimum |
| Shareholders | 1 (max 50) |
| Directors | 1 (at least 1 must be local resident) |
| Company Secretary | 1 (appoint within 6 months) |
| Registered Address | 1 physical Singapore address |
| Paid-Up Capital | $1 (no maximum) |
Step-by-Step Singapore Company Incorporation Process
Here is the complete step-by-step process to incorporate a company in Singapore. You can complete this process online through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal or through a registered filing agent like SOAS.
Step 1: Review Requirements & Determine Corporate Structure
Timeline: 1 day
- Review and understand Singapore’s company registration requirements
- Determine the corporate structure (Pte Ltd is most common)
- Collect supporting documents from all shareholders and directors
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
Timeline: Instant to 14 days (if referral needed)
- Confirm availability of desired company name on ACRA’s BizFile+ platform
- Ensure name is unique and doesn’t infringe trademarks
- Submit name application (included in SOAS incorporation fee)
- Approved names are reserved for 120 days
Tip: Have 2-3 backup names ready in case your first choice is taken.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Timeline: 1-2 days
Gather the following information and documents:
- Company’s desired name
- The company’s principal activities (up to 2 SSIC codes)
- Name and particulars of company’s directors
- Name and particulars of company’s shareholders and share capital amount
- Registered office address
- Name and particulars of company secretary
- Company constitution
- Supporting documents (passport/NRIC, proof of address)
Step 4: Sign Incorporation Documents
Timeline: 1 day
- SOAS will send you a form with the necessary detailed checklist via email
- Complete, e-sign and return the documents
- Consent to Act forms for directors and company secretary
Step 5: Submit to ACRA & Receive Approval
Timeline: 15 minutes to 1 hour (straightforward cases)
- SOAS incorporates the company on ACRA’s BizFile+ platform
- Straightforward applications: Approved within 15 minutes to 1 hour
- Complex applications: May take 14+ days if referred to government agencies
- Upon approval, you’ll receive your Unique Entity Number (UEN)
- Get free ACRA Business Profile with SOAS incorporation
Step 6: Post-Incorporation Setup
Timeline: 1-4 weeks
- Open a corporate bank account (SOAS can assist)
- Apply for CorpPass for government e-services
- Register with IRAS for corporate tax
- Register for GST if applicable (revenue >$1M)
- Set up accounting and bookkeeping
Skip the Hassle – Let SOAS Handle Your Incorporation
SOAS makes company incorporation fuss-free with our online customised incorporation software. Just provide the necessary particulars and we handle the KYC procedures, verification, and ACRA submission. Get started from S$350.
Singapore Company Incorporation Costs Breakdown
Understanding the full costs of Singapore company incorporation helps you budget properly. Here’s a complete breakdown based on SOAS’ current pricing:
SOAS Singapore Company Incorporation Package
| What’s Included | Cost (SGD) |
| Incorporation application |
S$350 (up to 2 local shareholders) |
| Purchase of company name | |
| ACRA Business Profile | |
| Company constitution | |
| S$315 government fees INCLUDED |
Additional Shareholder Fees
| Shareholder Type | Additional Cost |
| Each additional local shareholder | +S$60 |
| Each non-resident shareholder | +S$100 |
| Each corporate shareholder | +S$300 |
Add-On Services (Where Required)
| Service | Annual Cost (SGD) |
| Company Secretary (CoSec Basic) | from S$300/year |
| Registered Office Address | S$300/year |
| Nominee Director* | from S$3,500/year |
| Business Coaching 1-2-1 | from S$300/hour |
*Nominee Director Note: A refundable deposit of S$3,500 is required. A subscription using Automa8e accounting software is required for financial monitoring and risk mitigation on Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing Terrorism Act.
Corporate Secretary Packages
| Package | CoSec Basic | CoSec Plus | CoSec Premium |
| Annual Price | S$300 | S$600 | S$900 |
| Annual Return Filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AGM Preparation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| S$60 Gov’t Fee Included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CorpPass Registration | +S$60 | ✓ | ✓ |
| RORC Filing | +S$60 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Corporate Actions* | Extra | ✓ | ✓ |
| Share Allotment/Transfer | +S$120 | +S$120 | ✓ |
*Corporate Actions include: Change of company name, financial year end, officers, address, business activity, and distribution of dividends.
Note: All prices are subject to 9% GST.
Timeline: How Long Does Singapore Company Incorporation Take?
Singapore has one of the fastest company registration processes in the world. Company incorporation in Singapore is relatively fast and convenient, especially for Singaporeans and PRs.
SOAS Incorporation Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
| Document Submission to SOAS | 1 day |
| KYC Verification & Document Signing | Same day (online) |
| ACRA Submission & Approval (straightforward) | 15 min – 1 hour |
| ACRA Approval (referral required) | 14 – 60 days |
| Total (Typical Case with SOAS) | 1 – 2 Business Days |
What Can Cause Delays?
- Name Referral: Names similar to government bodies or requiring agency approval
- Regulated Activities: Financial services, education, healthcare require additional approvals
- Foreign Directors: Additional verification may be required
- Incomplete Documents: Missing or incorrect information delays processing
Why is SOAS Incorporation Fast?
SOAS uses online customised incorporation software that streamlines the entire process. For Singaporeans and PRs, the process is especially quick:
- Fill up forms online and SOAS handles the rest
- Automated KYC procedures and document verification
- E-signing capability – no need for physical meetings
- Direct submission to ACRA BizFile+ platform
Post-Incorporation Compliance Requirements
After your company is incorporated, you must comply with several ongoing requirements to maintain good standing with Singapore authorities.
Immediate Actions (First 30 Days)
- Open Corporate Bank Account: Required for business transactions (SOAS can assist)
- Apply for CorpPass: Access government e-services (available as add-on with CoSec packages)
- Register with IRAS: Corporate tax registration
- Set Up Accounting System: Track income and expenses
Within 6 Months
- Appoint Company Secretary: Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation
- File Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC): Declare beneficial owners
- Hold First Board Meeting: Document important company decisions
Annual Compliance Requirements
| Requirement | Deadline | ACRA Penalty |
| Annual Return (AR) | Within 7 months of FYE | $300 – $600 |
| Annual General Meeting (AGM) | Within 6 months of FYE | $300+ |
| Corporate Tax Filing (Form C-S/C) | 30 Nov each year | Varies |
| Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | Within 3 months of FYE | $100 – $1,000 |
| GST Returns (if registered) | Quarterly | $200+ |
Good News: All SOAS CoSec packages include annual return preparation and filing, AGM preparation, and timely reminders of deadlines so you never miss a compliance requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What kind of services does SOAS provide?
SOAS offers a comprehensive range of services comprising corporate secretarial and Accounting and Compliance services. The corporate secretarial services include company incorporation, updating company data with ACRA, company secretary appointment, nominee directorship appointment, and registered office address. The Accounting and Compliance services include bookkeeping, accounts processing, preparation of financial reports, and corporate tax computation for submission to IRAS.
Q. How much does it cost to set up and register a business in Singapore
The ACRA incorporation fee is S$315. The fees charged by SOAS for company incorporation starts from as low as S$350 (including the S$315 government fees, for up to 2 local shareholders). Additional fees apply for extra shareholders, non-residents, and corporate shareholders.
Q. How long does incorporation with SOAS take?
Company incorporation in Singapore is relatively fast and convenient when using SOAS solutions, especially for Singaporeans and PRs. It typically takes 1 to 2 days to incorporate a company after submitting all the necessary information for verification and signing all the necessary documents online.
Q. Is it easy to register a company in Singapore?
Yes. It is easy to incorporate a company in Singapore especially for companies with at least one resident director and a local company secretary. The processing procedures are different for Singaporeans and foreigners, but SOAS handles both scenarios efficiently.
Q. What is ACRA BizFile?
BizFile+ is ACRA’s online filing and information retrieval system. It enables the public to access a suite of over 300 electronic services ranging from the submission of statutory documents, to retrieving and purchasing information pertaining to business entities registered with ACRA in Singapore. Access it at www.bizfile.gov.sg.
Q. What is the role of a Company Secretary?
The primary duty of a Company Secretary focuses on administrative tasks such as filing annual returns, maintaining statutory registers, and ensuring compliance with deadlines. Every Singapore company must appoint a company secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
Q. What information do I need to provide to incorporate using SOAS?
You will need to provide:
- Company’s desired name
- The company’s principal activities (up to 2 SSIC codes)
- Name and particulars of company’s directors
- Name and particulars of company’s shareholders and share capital amount
- Registered office address
- Name and particulars of company secretary
- Constitution
- Supporting documents (passport/NRIC, proof of address)
Q. In what form should I submit my data?
SOAS will send you a form with the necessary detailed checklist via email to complete, e-sign and return. The entire process can be done online without physical meetings.
Q. How do I get an ACRA BizFile Business Profile?
Log on to www.bizfile.gov.sg, under “Buy Information”, click on Business Profile, search and select your chosen Business Profile and complete the payment procedures. Alternatively, you can opt for SOAS as your Corporate Service Provider and get a free Business Profile within a day when you incorporate your company or file your annual returns.
Q. How do I get an ACRA BizFile Business Profile?
Log on to www.bizfile.gov.sg, under “Buy Information”, click on Business Profile, search and select your chosen Business Profile and complete the payment procedures. Alternatively, you can opt for SOAS as your Corporate Service Provider and get a free Business Profile within a day when you incorporate your company or file your annual returns.
Q. Can foreigners incorporate a company in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can incorporate and own 100% of a Singapore company. SOAS as a Corporate Service Provider will be able to provide the necessary corporate secretarial services to meet company incorporation requirements especially for companies with only foreigners and/or foreign companies as shareholders, including nominee directorship appointment to meet residency requirements.
How SOAS Can Help You Incorporate in Singapore
SOAS makes your company incorporation fuss-free with our online customised incorporation software. Simply provide the necessary particulars and information regarding your company incorporation, and we handle the rest.
What’s Included in SOAS Incorporation
- Incorporation Application & ACRA Filing
- Company Name Purchase
- ACRA Business Profile
- Company Constitution
- S$315 Government Fees
- KYC Procedures & Document Verification
Additional Services Available
- Company Secretary Services– from S$300/year
- Registered Office Address– S$300/year (with mail scanning)
- Nominee Director Services– for foreigners needing a local resident director
- Maintenance of Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance
- Accounting & Tax Services
Why Choose SOAS?
- Attractive Pricing: Incorporation from S$350 (including government fees)
- Fast Processing: 1-2 days for Singaporeans and PRs
- Online Process: Complete everything digitally, no physical meetings needed
- Full-Service: Incorporation, accounting, tax, and corporate secretarial under one roof
- Expert Support: Experienced team handles locals and foreigners
Ready to Start Your Singapore Business Journey?
Contact SOAS today for a FREE consultation. Our experts will assess your needs and recommend the best incorporation package for your business.
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
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