The Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Company in Singapore

Singapore Company Registration — Quick Summary (2025)

A practical overview of the requirements, steps, timeline, costs, and ongoing obligations when incorporating a company in Singapore.

 

1) What you need before you start

Key requirements

• Structure: Choose the right entity (most pick a Private Limited, “Pte. Ltd.”).
• Shareholders: At least one (up to 50 for Pte. Ltd.).
• Director: At least one locally resident director (nominee acceptable if you’re not relocating).
• Paid-up capital: From S$1 (you can increase later).
• Registered address in Singapore.
• Company secretary: Must be appointed and resident in Singapore.

Documents & decisions

• Unique company name and relevant SSIC business activity code.
• Constitution (company governing document).
• Particulars of shareholders, directors, and secretary.
• Registered address, share capital and distribution.

2) Step-by-step incorporation

1. Pick your structure (often Pte. Ltd.) and confirm roles (shareholders, resident director, secretary).
2. Reserve your name and select the correct SSIC code(s).
3. Prepare documents: constitution, officer particulars, address, share capital.
4. File online with ACRA via BizFile+ (usually quick if no extra approvals are needed).
5. Sign incorporation docs and receive your UEN and business profile.

Note: Some activities require additional approvals or licensing (e.g., finance, education, employment agencies, travel, F&B).

3) After you’re incorporated

• Open a business bank account and separate company finances.
• Issue share certificates and maintain statutory registers (including beneficial ownership, where applicable).
• Apply for licences if your industry requires them.
• Consider GST registration if you meet thresholds or by choice.
• Set up bookkeeping, invoicing, and a calendar for statutory deadlines.

4) Ongoing compliance (annual)

• AGM / resolutions as required by your company type.
• Annual Return filing with ACRA (keep officer/share info current).
• Corporate tax filings with IRAS and maintain proper accounts.
• Keep your registered address, officers, and share changes updated promptly.

5) Foreign founders — your options

• Incorporate then apply for EP (Employment Pass) to work for your company.
• EntrePass for venture-backed/innovative businesses that meet MOM’s criteria.
• Run the company from abroad with a locally resident nominee director and a corporate secretary.

6) Timing & cost

• Timeline: Often within hours to a few days if documents are in order.
• Mandatory government fees (typical Pte. Ltd.): about S$315 (includes name reservation and incorporation).
• Professional services: Extra depending on whether you use a corporate service provider (for secretary, nominee director, compliance support, etc.).

Tip: Many founders use a corporate service provider to prepare documents, file with ACRA, act as secretary, and help with bank account opening and licences.