How Long Does Singapore Company Registration Take? Timeline & Speed Tips

Singapore company registration takes 1-2 business days for standard applications with complete documents, or same-day (15 minutes to 1 hour) for straightforward cases. ACRA processes most applications instantly through the BizFile+ system. Delays of 14-60 days only occur when applications are referred to government agencies for approval (e.g., regulated industries or restricted company names).

⏱️ Quick Timeline Summary

Same-Day: 15 min – 1 hour (straightforward applications)

Standard: 1-2 business days (with SOAS)

With Referral: 14-60 days (regulated activities or restricted names)

Post-Incorporation: 1-4 weeks (bank account, CorpPass, etc.)

Standard ACRA Processing Time
Same-Day Incorporation Process
What Causes Delays
Timeline by Business Type
How to Speed Up Registration
Frequently Asked Questions

One of Singapore’s biggest advantages for entrepreneurs is its incredibly fast company registration process. While other countries can take weeks or even months, Singapore consistently ranks as one of the fastest places in the world to start a business.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how long each stage takes, what can cause delays, and how to ensure your incorporation happens as quickly as possible.

Need Fast Incorporation?

SOAS typically completes incorporation in 1-2 business days for Singaporeans and PRs. WhatsApp us at +65 9758 4188 for same-day processing.

Standard ACRA Processing Time

ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) processes company registration applications through its BizFile+ online portal. The system is highly automated, which is why Singapore can offer such fast registration times.

ACRA Processing Timeline Breakdown

Stage	Processing Time
Company Name Approval (standard)	Instant – 1 hour
Company Name Approval (referral needed)	14 – 60 days
Registration Submission	15 – 30 minutes
ACRA Approval (straightforward)	15 min – 1 hour
ACRA Approval (referral needed)	14 – 60 days
Total (Typical Case)	Same day – 1 day

What Happens After ACRA Approval?

Once ACRA approves your registration, you’ll receive:

Unique Entity Number (UEN): Your company’s official registration number
Email Confirmation: Official notification from ACRA
Business Profile: Available to download/purchase from BizFile+

Note: SOAS includes a free ACRA Business Profile with every incorporation package.

Same-Day Incorporation Process

Yes, same-day incorporation is possible in Singapore – and it’s actually quite common for straightforward applications. Here’s how to achieve it:

Requirements for Same-Day Incorporation

Complete documents: All shareholder and director documents ready
Standard company name: No restricted words requiring referral
Standard business activities: Not in regulated industries
Local shareholders/directors: Singapore citizens or PRs (fastest)
Professional service provider: Using a registered filing agent like SOAS

SOAS Same-Day Process

Company incorporation in Singapore is relatively fast and convenient when using SOAS solutions, especially for Singaporeans and PRs:

Step 1: Submit required information to SOAS → Same day

Step 2: SOAS conducts KYC verification → Same day

Step 3: E-sign incorporation documents online → Same day

Step 4: SOAS submits to ACRA BizFile+ → 15 min – 1 hour

Step 5: Receive UEN and Business Profile → Instant

💡 Pro Tip: For locals, just fill up the forms online and SOAS handles the rest. The entire process can be done without any physical meetings.

What Causes Delays in Company Registration

While most incorporations are fast, certain factors can extend the timeline significantly. Understanding these helps you avoid unnecessary delays.

1. Company Name Referral (14-60 days)

Your company name may be referred to government agencies if it:

Contains words like ‘Singapore’, ‘National’, ‘Government’
Includes restricted terms: ‘Bank’, ‘Finance’, ‘Insurance’, ‘Law’, ‘Medical’
Is similar to an existing company or trademark
Suggests government affiliation

2. Regulated Business Activities (14-60 days)

Certain industries require additional approvals:

Financial services: MAS approval required
Education: MOE registration needed
Healthcare: MOH licensing required
Travel agency: STB license needed
Employment agency: MOM license required

3. Foreign Directors/Shareholders (Additional Time)

Applications involving foreigners may take longer due to:

Additional KYC (Know Your Customer) verification
Document authentication requirements
Nominee director arrangements
Corporate shareholder documentation

4. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

The most common cause of delays:

Missing passport copies or NRIC
Outdated proof of address (must be within 3 months)
Inconsistent information across documents
Missing signatures on consent forms

⚠️ Avoid Delays: SOAS sends you a detailed checklist via email to ensure all documents are complete before submission. This prevents back-and-forth that delays registration.

Timeline by Business Type

Different business setups have different timelines. Here’s what to expect based on your situation:

Business Type	Expected Timeline	Complexity
Local owner, standard business	Same day – 1 day	Low
Local owner, multiple shareholders	1-2 days	Low
Foreign owner with nominee director	2-5 days	Medium
Corporate shareholder (foreign company)	3-7 days	Medium
Regulated industry (finance, education)	14-60 days	High
Name with restricted words	14-60 days	High

SOAS Timeline: It typically takes 1 to 2 days to incorporate a company after submitting all the necessary information for verification and signing all documents online.

How to Speed Up Your Company Registration

Follow these tips to ensure the fastest possible registration:

1. Prepare All Documents in Advance

Have passport/NRIC copies ready for all parties
Obtain proof of address dated within 3 months
Prepare corporate documents if using corporate shareholders
Decide on shareholding structure before starting

2. Choose a Standard Company Name

Avoid restricted words (Bank, Finance, Singapore, etc.)
Check name availability on BizFile+ before deciding
Have 2-3 backup names ready
Ensure name doesn’t infringe on trademarks

3. Use Standard Business Activities

Choose SSIC codes that don’t require special licenses
Avoid regulated industries if speed is critical
You can always add regulated activities later

4. Use a Professional Service Provider

Registered filing agents can submit directly to ACRA
They know how to avoid common mistakes
Can provide same-day processing for urgent cases
Handle all documentation and compliance

5. Respond Quickly to Requests

Reply to document requests immediately
Sign forms as soon as they’re sent
Be available for verification calls if needed

💡 SOAS Advantage: SOAS uses online customised incorporation software that streamlines the entire process. For Singaporeans and PRs, just fill up the forms and we take care of the rest.

Get Fast, Professional Incorporation

SOAS incorporation from S$350 (including S$315 government fees). Typical processing: 1-2 business days. Contact us at +65 9758 4188.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How long does ACRA take to approve company registration?

For straightforward applications, ACRA approval takes 15 minutes to 1 hour. Most applications are processed instantly through the automated BizFile+ system. Only applications requiring referral to government agencies take 14-60 days.

Q. Can I get same-day incorporation in Singapore?

Yes. Same-day incorporation is possible if you have complete documents, a standard company name (no restricted words), non-regulated business activities, and use a professional service provider. SOAS can process same-day incorporation for straightforward applications.

Q. How long does incorporation with SOAS take?

Company incorporation with SOAS typically takes 1 to 2 days after submitting all necessary information for verification and signing all documents online. The process is especially fast for Singaporeans and PRs.

Q. What causes delays in company registration?

Common causes of delays include:
(1) Company names requiring referral to government agencies.
(2) Regulated business activities needing special licenses.
(3) Foreign directors/shareholders requiring additional KYC.
(4) Incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Q. How long does it take to open a bank account after incorporation?

After incorporation, opening a corporate bank account typically takes 1-4 weeks depending on the bank and your documentation. Local banks may be faster for local directors, while foreign directors may need additional verification.

Q. Is company registration faster for Singaporeans vs foreigners?

Common hidden costs include: Year 2+ renewal fees (often higher than Year 1), à la carte fees for basic changes (address, director details), bank account opening assistance fees, and exit/handover fees if switching providers. SOAS provides transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

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