Incorporation Services

Incorporation Guide

Everything you need to set up in Singapore

Explore each topic below — open a section to read the details.

We provide end-to-end business incorporation and corporate setup services in Singapore, supporting both local and international entrepreneurs in establishing Private Limited Companies with confidence and ease. Whether you are expanding into Singapore from overseas or setting up a local venture, our team ensures a seamless, compliant, and professionally managed incorporation process.

Backed by extensive corporate secretarial expertise and in-depth technical knowledge of Singapore's regulatory framework, we handle every aspect of company formation with precision, discretion, and efficiency. Our secure self-service portal enables clients to upload documentation remotely, ensuring a smooth and fully online setup experience without geographical limitations.

Beyond incorporation, we act as a long-term corporate partner, supporting businesses through governance, compliance, and statutory obligations — so founders and management teams can stay focused on core business growth.

Regulatory mastery

Deep understanding of Singapore's legal and regulatory framework.

Proactive compliance

Compliance management that minimizes legal and regulatory risks.

Strategic guidance

Clear direction throughout the full company formation lifecycle.

Founder support

Dedicated support for both resident and non-resident founders.

Our team combines local expertise with international business experience to help entrepreneurs and companies incorporate, establish, manage, and grow their operations in Singapore.

From your initial incorporation and business setup to ongoing compliance management, we provide responsive support, practical advice, and professional services tailored to your business needs.

Expert support for company incorporation & registration

Name reservation

Company name reservation with ACRA

Document prep

Preparation and filing of incorporation documents

Authority filings

Submission to relevant regulatory authorities

ACRA registration

Company registration with ACRA

Licenses & permits

Business license and permit assistance

Registered office

Provision of registered office address

Company secretary

Appointment of a qualified Company Secretary

Ongoing compliance

Statutory and regulatory compliance support

Governance Partner

Role of a Company Secretary

A Company Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring proper governance, statutory compliance, and smooth board administration. By appointing a qualified professional, companies not only comply with the Singapore Companies Act but also gain operational clarity, reduced compliance risk, and peace of mind.

Under Singapore law, a Company Secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation.

1

Company name reservation

Provide 3–5 proposed company names. We conduct availability checks with ACRA at no charge. Official name reservation fee payable to ACRA is S$15.

2

Business activity classification

We assist in selecting the appropriate SSIC codes aligned with your business activities. Accurate classification is critical, as incorrect codes may affect licensing and tax eligibility.

Singapore company registration cost overview

Typical incorporation costs include the items below. Optional CBD registered address services are also available for compliance and branding.

  • ACRA official fees
  • Resident Director service fees (if applicable)
  • Company Secretary service fees
  • Registered office address service fees
  • Audit and compliance support fees (where required)

Singapore is globally recognized for its regulatory integrity, political stability, and business-friendly environment.

Companies benefit from

  • Transparent legal system and strong IP protection
  • World-class infrastructure and financial systems
  • Low corporate tax regime with generous exemptions
  • Access to over 100 double tax treaties
  • 100% foreign ownership permitted
  • Efficient courts and minimal corruption
  • Highly regarded banking ecosystem
  • English as the primary business language
  • Preferred regional HQ for Asia-Pacific operations

Considerations & challenges

  • Strict banking compliance and longer account approval timelines
  • Higher operational and manpower costs
  • Tight employment rules for foreign professionals
  • Enhanced scrutiny for crypto-related businesses
  • GST rate of 9% on local sales

Our advisory team proactively navigates these challenges to support informed decisions and risk mitigation.

1

Engagement planning

1 week

2

Company incorporation

1 week

3

Corporate bank account

Up to 2 months

4

Internet banking

~2 weeks

5

Engagement completion

1 week

Estimated total timeline: approximately 3 months

To proceed with the company incorporation process, please prepare the following details and documents.

  • Two proposed company names
  • Registered company address
  • Principal business activities (maximum of two)
  • Paid-up capital (minimum SGD 1)
  • Shareholding structure and percentage breakdown
  • Identification documents of directors and shareholders
    • NRIC copy for Singapore residents
    • Passport copy for foreign nationals
    • Residential address proof for foreign directors and shareholders
  • Email addresses of all directors and shareholders
  • Contact numbers of all directors and shareholders
Important note

All incorporation documents must be signed in the presence of our representative at our office. If any member is overseas or unable to attend in person, the documents must be signed before a Notary Public and duly notarized.

For Locals & For Foreigners

End-to-end incorporation, secretarial, accounting, and HR-payroll support tailored to your residency profile.

Incorporation, Secretarial, Accounting & HR-Payroll Help for Locals in Singapore

Trusted support for company incorporation, corporate secretarial services, accounting, payroll, tax compliance, and HR administration — all under one roof.

Explore local options

Incorporation, Secretarial, Accounting & HR-Payroll Help for Foreigners

Setting Up a Business in Singapore

Trusted support for company setup, compliance, accounting, payroll, and ongoing business administration in Singapore.

Explore foreigner steps
Local
Company Incorporation

Choose the type of company you want to incorporate

A Private Limited Company (limited by shares) belongs to legal business entities. It is separate from its shareholders and directors. Regardless, the company registration process is easy.

Pros

  • Shareholders of a Private Limited Company are not liable for any company debt beyond their share capital
  • The corporate income tax is between 0% and 17%
  • Newly established Singapore-registered companies can qualify for a few tax exemptions
  • Shareholding can be either local or foreign
  • The company can own property in its name

Cons

  • The Singapore Companies Act allows a maximum of 50 shareholders for every Private Limited Company
  • Shares are not made available to the public

The process of setting up a Branch Office is similar to a Subsidiary Company, however it is considered an extension of the parent company, rather than a separate legal entity.

Pros

  • 100% foreign ownership allowed
  • Ability to enter contracts on behalf of the parent or holding company
  • Leverage of the foreign company's name to drive the business forward

Cons

  • The parent company is liable for any losses
  • The Branch Office is restricted to the same constitution as the parent company
  • A parent company is required before setting up a Branch Office

A Sole Proprietorship has one owner who is personally responsible for any profit and losses. The business and its director are considered as a single entity.

Pros

  • All profits belong to the owner
  • Revenue is taxed at personal income tax rate so annual return filing does not apply
  • Less government compliance obligations compared to other business types

Cons

  • The owner is responsible for any losses or debt, putting your personal assets at risk
  • A Sole Proprietorship is not entitled to the same tax exemptions and rebates as corporations

This type of business can be owned by a minimum of two individual(s) and a company. The owners of a Partnership have limited liability much like the shareholders of a Private Limited Company.

Pros

  • As this is a separate legal entity, partners are not liable for any company debt beyond their share capital
  • Partnerships file income tax statements instead of annual returns
  • Less government compliance obligations compared to a Private Limited Company

Cons

  • Transfer of ownership is more complicated than doing this with a Private Limited Company
  • Less consumer-focused image than other types of businesses
Foreigner
Company Incorporation

5 steps for setting up a foreign company in Singapore

Corporate Secretary

Every Singapore company must appoint a qualified Corporate Secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary ensures statutory records are maintained and filings with ACRA are completed on time.

Nominee Director

Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint at least one locally resident director. Our Nominee Director service helps you meet this requirement while you manage your business from abroad.

Registered address

All companies must maintain a local registered office address in Singapore. It cannot be a P.O. box and must be accessible during business hours for official correspondence.

Foreigners without Singpass must engage a certified filing agent to submit incorporation applications on your behalf. We guide you through every step:

  1. Identity verification — passport details and supporting KYC documents
  2. Proof of address and company information — business activity, shareholders, and directors
  3. Paid-up capital — minimum S$1; additional capital can be injected later

We partner with leading Singapore banks and fintech providers to help you open a business bank account. Many partners support remote onboarding, and KYC interviews can often be completed via video conferencing.

Even companies with no transactions must file tax returns (Form C or Form C-S). We establish your financial year-end, bookkeeping schedule, and compliance calendar so you never miss a statutory deadline. Penalties apply for late or non-filing.

An Employment Pass (EP) allows foreign founders and key staff to work and live in Singapore. Applications are submitted through your registered company. Processing typically takes three to six months depending on profile and supporting documents.

Ready to incorporate in Singapore? Our team handles ACRA filings, compliance setup, and ongoing support from day one.

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