Clear answers on incorporation, accounting, tax, and corporate secretarial compliance in Singapore — so you can plan your next step with confidence.
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company and act as shareholders. However, every Singapore company must appoint at least one locally resident director (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, Employment Pass holder, or EntrePass holder).
If you do not have a local director, a Nominee Director service can be arranged.
Yes. Every Singapore company must maintain a local registered office address. This address will be reflected in official records maintained by ACRA and used for government correspondence.
If you do not have an office address, a Registered Address Service can be provided.
Yes. After incorporating your company, you may apply for an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass, subject to meeting the prevailing eligibility requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Company incorporation can typically be completed within 1 business day once all required documents and information have been received and approved. Additional time may be required if approvals from government authorities are needed.
Generally, the following documents are required:
Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of private limited companies. There is no requirement to have a local shareholder.
The minimum paid-up capital required is SGD 1. However, depending on the nature of your business, a higher capital amount may be recommended.
Yes. One individual can be the sole shareholder and sole director, provided the company complies with the requirement of having at least one locally resident director.
Singapore companies are generally subject to:
Singapore offers one of the world's most competitive corporate tax systems and various tax exemptions for qualifying companies.
GST registration is compulsory if your company's taxable turnover exceeds the prevailing registration threshold or if you expect to exceed it. Voluntary registration may also be possible for eligible businesses.
Yes. Many banks and digital financial institutions offer remote account opening options, subject to their internal compliance and KYC requirements. Approval is at the discretion of the bank.
A Nominee Director is a locally resident individual appointed solely to satisfy Singapore's statutory requirement for a resident director. The beneficial ownership and management control of the company remain with the actual shareholders and directors.
Yes. Every Singapore company must appoint a qualified Company Secretary within six months of incorporation. The Company Secretary ensures compliance with statutory filing and governance requirements.
A Singapore company is generally required to:
Singapore offers:
These factors make Singapore one of the most preferred destinations for international entrepreneurs and investors.
Yes. Once incorporated, your company can hire local and foreign employees, subject to Singapore employment regulations and work pass requirements.
Depending on qualifications and salary levels, companies may apply for:
Eligibility is subject to MOM regulations.
Yes. Eligible Employment Pass holders may apply for Dependent's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes for family members, subject to MOM requirements.
Yes. A company name change can be filed with ACRA, subject to name availability and approval.
Yes. Even if your company is newly incorporated or has limited transactions, maintaining proper accounting records is a legal requirement in Singapore. An accountant helps ensure compliance with ACRA and IRAS requirements, prepares financial statements, and assists with tax filings so that you can focus on growing your business.
All Singapore companies are required to maintain proper accounting records for at least five years. These records generally include invoices, receipts, bank statements, payroll records, contracts, accounting ledgers, and supporting documents. Proper record-keeping ensures accurate financial reporting and compliance with statutory obligations.
SG Corp Services provides comprehensive accounting and compliance solutions tailored to startups, SMEs, and growing businesses in Singapore. Our services include:
Our experienced team helps businesses stay compliant, reduce administrative burden, and focus on growth while ensuring their accounting and tax obligations are managed professionally and efficiently.
Accounting tracks all your business activities and assets. Whenever you spend, lose, or make money, your bookkeeper records these transactions. Your accountant then prepares financial reports based on these records. Government authorities use these reports to determine your tax obligations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
First, businesses are legally required to maintain proper accounting records and report their financial performance. Second, accounting provides valuable insights for budgeting, cash flow management, and business planning. Accurate accounting helps business owners make informed decisions, avoid penalties, and support sustainable growth.
Singapore follows the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) framework, which is closely aligned with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). SFRS adopts the accrual basis of accounting, meaning transactions are recognized when they occur rather than when payment is received or made. All companies preparing financial statements in Singapore are required to comply with the applicable SFRS requirements.
A Company Secretary is a key officer responsible for ensuring that a company complies with Singapore's statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company Secretary maintains corporate records, files statutory returns, manages company registers, and assists directors in meeting their compliance obligations.
Every Singapore company is required by law to appoint a Company Secretary within six months of incorporation.
Corporate Secretarial Services help businesses maintain compliance with the Singapore Companies Act and ACRA regulations.
These services typically include:
At SG Corp Services, we provide comprehensive corporate secretarial support to ensure your company remains compliant at all times.
Under Singapore law, every company must appoint a qualified Company Secretary.
A Company Secretary assists with:
Failure to appoint a Company Secretary may result in non-compliance and penalties.
A Company Secretary plays an important role in corporate governance and compliance.
Key responsibilities include:
Assisting with corporate actions such as:
No.
Under the Singapore Companies Act, every company must appoint a Company Secretary within six months of incorporation.
The position must not remain vacant for more than six months at any time.
Yes. Regardless of size, all Singapore companies are required to appoint a Company Secretary. Most startups and SMEs choose to outsource their corporate secretarial functions to professional firms such as SG Corp Services, which provides a cost-effective and compliant solution without the need for an in-house secretary.
There is no difference.
The terms "Company Secretary" and "Corporate Secretary" are commonly used interchangeably in Singapore and refer to the same statutory role.
Both are responsible for ensuring corporate compliance and maintaining company records.
A Company Secretary must:
For public companies, additional qualification requirements apply under the Singapore Companies Act.
Changing a Company Secretary is a straightforward process.
SG Corp Services can assist with:
Our team manages the entire process on your behalf with minimal administrative effort required from you.
Late filing of Annual Returns may result in penalties imposed by ACRA and may affect the company's compliance standing.
A professional Company Secretary helps ensure that all filing deadlines are monitored and completed on time to avoid unnecessary penalties.
SG Corp Services provides reliable, professional, and cost-effective corporate secretarial solutions for startups, SMEs, and established businesses.
Our services include:
Our experienced team ensures your company remains fully compliant while allowing you to focus on growing your business.
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