Company Registration / Set-up

Registering a company in Singapore is a fully digital process managed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through its BizFile+ portal. For most straightforward applications, incorporation can be completed within 1 to 3 business days. 

Core Requirements

To register a Private Limited Company (the most common structure), you must meet these minimum criteria: 

  • Shareholders: At least one (maximum 50). Shareholders can be local or foreign individuals or corporate entities.
  • Resident Director: At least one director must be “ordinarily resident” in Singapore (a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder).
  • Company Secretary: A qualified resident company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation.
  • Share Capital: Minimum initial paid-up capital of S$1.
  • Registered Address: A physical Singapore office address is required (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
  • Foreigners: Non-residents cannot self-register and must engage a registered filing agent (like a law or accounting firm) to submit the application on their behalf.

Registration Procedures

The process involves two main steps on BizFile+: 

  1. Name Reservation
    • Apply for a unique company name. It must not be identical to existing businesses or contain prohibited words.
    • Fee: S$15.
    • Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.
  2. Company Incorporation
    • Submit required details: business activities (SSIC code), particulars of directors/shareholders, and the Company Constitution.
    • All position holders must endorse the application online.
    • Fee: S$300. Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

Post-Registration Steps

  • Business Profile: Upon approval, you will receive an electronic Notice of Incorporation and a Business Profile (Bizfile) containing your Unique Entity Number (UEN).
  • Corporate Bank Account: You can open a business account with local banks like DBS, OCBC, or UOB. Most banks require directors to be physically present.
  • Licenses and GST: Check if your specific activity requires a Business License (e.g., for F&B or travel agencies). You must register for GST with IRAS if your annual turnover exceeds S$1 million.

*(above are simplified points – applications subject to ACRA evaluations)*