Singapore Company Registration: Complete 2026 Guide for Foreigners & Locals
Singapore company registration through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal takes 1-2 business days. Costs start at S$100 for sole proprietorships and S$315 for Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd). The most popular structure is Pte Ltd, offering limited liability and 17% corporate tax rate. Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company but need a local resident director.
Quick Summary
- Types of Business Registration in Singapore
- Pte Ltd vs Sole Proprietor vs LLP: Detailed Comparison
- Step-by-Step BizFile+ Registration Process
- Company Registration for Foreigners
- Required Documents Checklist
- Registration Costs by Entity Type
- Post-Registration Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the easiest places in the world to start a business. The World Bank places Singapore #2 globally for ease of doing business, and the company registration process is a big reason why.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about registering a business in Singapore – from choosing the right entity type to completing the ACRA registration process. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, this guide will walk you through every step.
Need Help With Registration?
SOAS offers complete company registration services from S$350 (including S$315 government fees). WhatsApp us at +65 9758 4188 for a free consultation.
Types of Business Registration in Singapore
Singapore offers several business structures, each with different legal implications, tax treatment, and compliance requirements. Understanding these options is crucial for making the right choice for your business.
1. Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
The most popular business structure in Singapore, accounting for over 90% of all registered companies. A Pte Ltd is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection.
- Limited liability: Shareholders’ personal assets protected from business debts
- Tax rate: 17% corporate tax (with exemptions for new companies)
- Requirements: 1-50 shareholders, at least 1 resident director
- Registration fee: S$315 (ACRA)
- Best for: Most businesses, foreign investors, startups seeking investment
2. Sole Proprietorship
The simplest and cheapest business structure. The business and owner are legally the same entity.
- Limited liability: No – owner has unlimited personal liability
- Tax rate: Personal income tax rate (0-24%)
- Requirements: Singapore citizen, PR, or EntrePass holder
- Registration fee: S$100 (ACRA) for 1 year, S$160 for 3 years
- Best for: Small local businesses, freelancers, low-risk ventures
3. Partnership
Similar to sole proprietorship but with 2-20 partners sharing ownership. Partners have unlimited liability.
- Limited liability: No – partners have unlimited personal liability
- Tax rate: Personal income tax rate for each partner
- Requirements: 2-20 partners, at least 1 must be Singapore resident
- Registration fee: S$100 (ACRA) for 1 year
- Best for: Professional services, family businesses
4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A hybrid structure combining partnership flexibility with limited liability protection.
- Limited liability: Yes – partners protected from each other’s liabilities
- Tax rate: Personal income tax rate for each partner
- Requirements: Minimum 2 partners, at least 1 manager must be Singapore resident
- Registration fee: S$115 (ACRA)
- Best for: Professional firms (law, accounting), consulting partnerships
5. Branch Office
An extension of a foreign parent company operating in Singapore. Not a separate legal entity.
- Limited liability: No – parent company liable for branch debts
- Tax rate: 17% corporate tax
- Requirements: Must have at least 1 local agent
- Registration fee: S$300 (ACRA)
- Best for: Foreign companies testing Singapore market
Pte Ltd vs Sole Proprietor vs LLP: Detailed Comparison
Use this comprehensive comparison table to choose the right business structure for your needs:
Add Table schema markup for this comparison table
| Feature | Pte Ltd | Sole Prop | LLP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Separate entity | Same as owner | Separate entity |
| Limited Liability | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Tax Rate | 17% corporate | 0-24% personal | 0-24% personal |
| Min. Owners | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Max. Owners | 50 | 1 | No limit |
| ACRA Fee | S$315 | S$100 | S$115 |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | No* | Partial |
| Resident Required | 1 director | Owner | 1 manager |
| Secretary Required | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Audit Required | Small co. exempt | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Best For | Most businesses | Freelancers | Professionals |
*Sole proprietorship requires Singapore citizen, PR, or EntrePass holder
💡 SOAS Recommendation: For most businesses, especially those seeking investment or working with corporates, Pte Ltd is the best choice. The limited liability protection alone is worth the slightly higher registration cost.
Step-by-Step BizFile+ Registration Process
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.
For Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
Step 1: Review Requirements & Prepare Documents
Timeline: 1 day
Review Singapore’s company registration requirements and determine your corporate structure. Collect all supporting documents from shareholders and directors. SOAS will send you a detailed checklist via email to complete.
Step 2: Reserve Company Name
Timeline: Instant to 14 days
Confirm the availability of your desired company name on ACRA’s BizFile+ platform. Standard names are approved instantly. Names with restricted words may take 14-60 days. Approved names are reserved for 120 days.
Step 3: Prepare & Sign Documents
Timeline: Same day
Complete and e-sign incorporation documents including the company constitution, consent to act forms for directors and secretary, and shareholder agreements. With SOAS, this is done entirely online.
Step 4: Submit to ACRA
Timeline: 15 min – 1 hour (straightforward)
SOAS submits the incorporation application through BizFile+. Straightforward applications are typically approved within 15 minutes to 1 hour. Complex applications may take 14-60 days if referred to government agencies.
Step 5: Receive Approval & UEN
Timeline: Instant upon approval
Upon approval, you receive your Unique Entity Number (UEN) and can download your ACRA Business Profile. SOAS includes a free Business Profile with every 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, and set up your accounting system.
How to Get 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, opt for SOAS as your Corporate Service Provider and get a free Business Profile within a day when you incorporate your company.
Company Registration for Foreigners
Singapore is one of the most foreign-friendly business destinations in the world. Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company with no restrictions on profit repatriation.
Key Requirements for Foreign Business Owners
⚠️ Critical Requirement: Every Singapore Pte Ltd must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, PR, or valid work pass holder).
Options for Foreigners Without Local Connections
Option 1: Nominee Director Service
- SOAS provides a Singapore resident to act as your company’s local director
- The nominee acts under your direction and doesn’t interfere with operations
- Cost: from S$3,500/year + S$3,500 refundable deposit
- Requires subscription to Automa8e accounting software for AML/CFT compliance
Option 2: Employment Pass (EP)
- Apply for an EP to work in your own company
- Requires minimum salary of S$5,000/month (higher for older candidates)
- Company must be registered first (can use nominee initially)
- Processing time: 3-8 weeks
Option 3: EntrePass
- For entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses
- No minimum salary requirement
- Must meet innovation, investment, or track record criteria
- Processing time: 8-12 weeks
What SOAS Provides for Foreign Business Owners
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:
- Company secretary appointment
- Nominee directorship appointment to meet residency requirements
- Registered office address
- Maintenance of Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)
Foreign Entrepreneur? Let SOAS Help
We specialize in helping foreign business owners register companies in Singapore. Complete package including incorporation, nominee director, and registered address. WhatsApp us at +65 9758 4188.
Required Documents Checklist
Here’s what you need to provide when registering a company in Singapore. SOAS will send you a detailed checklist via email to complete, e-sign and return.
Company Information Required
- Company’s desired name (have 2-3 backup options)
- 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 (SOAS will prepare)
- Supporting documents
For Individual Directors/Shareholders
- Full name (as per identification document)
- Passport copy (for foreigners) or NRIC copy (for Singaporeans/PRs)
- Residential address
- Proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement – within 3 months)
- Contact details (email, phone number)
- Nationality and date of birth
For Corporate Shareholders (Additional)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company registration documents
- Certificate of Incumbency (listing current directors and shareholders)
- Board Resolution authorizing investment in Singapore company
- Passport copies of directors of the corporate shareholder
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
Registration Costs by Entity Type
Understanding the full cost picture helps you budget properly. Here’s a breakdown of ACRA fees and typical professional service costs:
ACRA Government Fees
| Entity Type | ACRA Fee |
|---|---|
| Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) | S$315 |
| Sole Proprietorship (1 year) | S$100 |
| Sole Proprietorship (3 years) | S$160 |
| Partnership (1 year) | S$100 |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | S$115 |
| Branch Office | S$300 |
SOAS Pte Ltd Incorporation Package – S$350
Our all-inclusive package includes:
- Incorporation application
- Purchase of company name
- ACRA Business Profile
- Company constitution
- S$315 government fees INCLUDED
*Price is for up to 2 local shareholders
Additional Shareholder Fees (SOAS)
| Shareholder Type | Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Each additional local shareholder | +S$60 |
| Each non-resident shareholder | +S$100 |
| Each corporate shareholder | +S$300 |
Annual Ongoing Costs (Pte Ltd)
| Service | SOAS Price |
|---|---|
| Corporate Secretary (Basic) | S$300/year |
| Corporate Secretary (Plus) | S$600/year |
| Corporate Secretary (Premium) | S$900/year |
| Registered Office Address | S$300/year |
| Nominee Director (for foreigners) | from S$3,500/year |
| Annual Return ACRA Fee | S$60 |
Note: All SOAS prices are subject to 9% GST.
Post-Registration Steps
After your company is registered, you need to complete several important steps to become fully operational:
Immediate Actions (First 30 Days)
- Open Corporate Bank Account: Required for business transactions. Major banks include DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered. SOAS can assist with bank introductions.
- Apply for CorpPass: Singapore’s corporate digital identity for accessing government e-services. Available as add-on with SOAS CoSec packages (S$60).
- Register with IRAS: Register for corporate tax. Companies are automatically registered, but you may need to update information.
- Set Up Accounting System: Implement bookkeeping from day one. SOAS offers accounting services.
Within 6 Months
- Appoint Company Secretary: Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation
- File RORC: Register of Registrable Controllers with ACRA
- Hold First Board Meeting: Document key company decisions
Annual Compliance Requirements
| Requirement | Deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Return (AR) | Within 7 months of FYE | S$300-S$600 |
| Annual General Meeting | Within 6 months of FYE | S$300+ |
| Corporate Tax Filing | 30 Nov each year | Varies |
| Estimated Chargeable Income | Within 3 months of FYE | S$100-S$1,000 |
💡 SOAS Advantage: 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. How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
The ACRA fee is S$315 for Pte Ltd, S$100 for sole proprietorship, and S$115 for LLP. Professional services like SOAS charge from S$350 for complete incorporation (including government fees).
Q. How long does company registration take in Singapore?
Standard registration takes 1-2 business days with complete documents. Straightforward applications can be approved in as little as 15 minutes to 1 hour. Complex cases requiring referral may take 14-60 days.
Q. Can foreigners register a company in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company. However, there must be at least one resident director (Singapore citizen, PR, or work pass holder). Foreigners can use a nominee director service to meet this requirement.
Q. What is BizFile+ and how do I use it?
BizFile+ is ACRA’s online filing and information retrieval system at www.bizfile.gov.sg. It offers over 300 electronic services for business registration and management. You can register directly or through a registered filing agent like SOAS.
Q. Which business structure should I choose?
Pte Ltd is recommended for most businesses due to limited liability protection, lower tax rates (17% vs up to 24%), and professional credibility. Sole proprietorship suits small local businesses with low risk. LLP is ideal for professional partnerships.
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. Using SOAS, the process is straightforward – just fill up the forms online and we handle the rest.
Q. What kind of services does SOAS provide?
SOAS offers a comprehensive range of services comprising corporate secretarial and Accounting and Compliance services. This includes company incorporation, updating company data with ACRA, company secretary appointment, nominee directorship, registered office address, bookkeeping, accounts processing, and tax submission to IRAS.
Q. What documents do I need to register a company?
You need: company name, principal activities, director/shareholder particulars (passport or NRIC, proof of address), registered address, shareholding structure, and constitution. SOAS provides a detailed checklist and prepares most documents for you.
Ready to Register Your Singapore Company?
SOAS makes company registration fuss-free with our online customised incorporation software. Complete service from S$350 including all government fees.
- 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