Set up a company in Singapore as a foreigner
Your one-stop-destination to start a company in Singapore as a foreigner
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Your one-stop-destination to start a company in Singapore as a foreigner
Fast, online, and hassle-free company incorporation. No need for any paperwork or for you to be physically present in Singapore.
Our experts have registered over 10,000 companies in Singapore, so you are in safe hands.
No surprises! Transparent, affordable, all-inclusive pricing. Solutions tailored to your business needs.
We offer a complete suite of online services to keep your company compliant with the local ACRA and IRAS rules.
Sheila Karpe | Unearth Balance
Starter
Covers everything you need to get your business started:
Amiya Patanaik
CEO & Co-Founder, Neurobit
“I recommend Sleek to almost all my entrepreneur friends. Whoever is starting a new company, I would say just go for it, one less thing to worry about.”
Navneet Kaur
Founder & CEO, Yours
“My company admin all managed in one place and I have one point of contact to make it super easy for me to manage it”
Great news, your company name is available! Now simply pick a plan below to get started
Great news, your company name is available! Now simply pick a plan below to get started
Sorry! That name is already taken. Still brainstorming a name? See our incorporation plans below.
Great news, your company name is available! Now simply pick a plan below to get started
Sorry! That name is already taken. Still brainstorming a name? See our incorporation plans below.
This information is required for proper classification and Singapore company incorporation purposes. Read more →
You need at least one shareholder (any nationality, individual or corporate) and at least one Local Director* (Singaporean Citizen/PR/Entrepass Holder residing in Singapore).
Determine the initial capital shareholders will contribute. In Singapore, except for regulated industries, there’s no minimum requirement for share capital, allowing incorporation with just SG$1.
Every company must appoint a Company Secretary who resides in Singapore. This individual will help to prepare and file all necessary documentation to keep the Singapore company compliant. If someone is a sole director, they cannot also be the Corporate Secretary for the company.
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Why is Singapore a good place to start a company?
Singapore is renowned for its stable jurisdiction, well-regulated economy, and robust financial infrastructure. Additionally, Singapore occupies a prime location in Southeast Asia and serves as an international hub.
Registering a company in Singapore has numerous advantages, including a business-friendly tax system that enables tax optimization. Singapore offers attractive tax rates and a plethora of tax incentives to promote entrepreneurship and business growth.
What tax benefits do companies get for starting a company in Singapore?
Singapore offers many business-friendly tax benefits as incentives to encourage companies to register in the country.
What are the legal compliances required for running a company in Singapore?
Running a company in Singapore requires compliance with several legal regulations.
Here are some of the key legal compliances that companies in Singapore need to follow post company registration:
Business Licenses: Depending on the nature of the business, some companies may require specific licences and permits before they can operate in Singapore. These licences and permits can be obtained from the relevant government agencies.
Employment Laws: Singapore has a range of employment laws that businesses must comply with, including the Employment Act, the Work Injury Compensation Act, and the Retirement and Re-employment Act.
Taxation: Businesses in Singapore must register for and comply with the various tax laws, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Corporate Income Tax, and Withholding Tax. If you expect your business’ annual turnover to exceed S$1 million, then you must register for Goods & Services Tax, or GST (also referred to as value added tax, VAT, in many countries). If you do not expect your business’ annual turnovers to reach S$1 million, you are not required to register for GST.
Data Protection: Under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), businesses in Singapore must ensure that the personal data of their customers and employees are collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the law.
Immigration: Companies in Singapore that hire foreign employees must comply with the Work Pass framework and ensure that their employees have the appropriate work permits and visas.
Intellectual Property: Businesses should be aware of the various intellectual property laws in Singapore, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights, and take appropriate measures to protect their intellectual property.
Does a foreigner need to visit Singapore to establish a company?
No – it is possible to register a company completely online without ever visiting Singapore.
Do I need a visa to start a company in Singapore?
As a local: No, locals do not need a visa to start a company in Singapore.
As a foreigner: However, if you are a foreigner who wishes to relocate to Singapore to run your company, you will need to obtain the relevant work visa or pass, such as the Employment Pass (EP), Dependant Pass with Letter of Consent (LOC), ONE Pass, EntrePass or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). The type of pass required will depend on your qualifications, work experience, and the nature of your company.
How do you reserve a company name with ACRA?
A company name can be reserved via ACRA’s portal. After the name application has been approved, the name will be reserved for 120 days straight. If you do not register the business or incorporate the company within this 120 days, the name will no longer be reserved and will be made available to other members of the public. If you have reserved a company name you can share the reference number with your Company Secretary to use at time of company registration.
What is the recommended business structure for foreigners?
A foreign individual can register any of the following business structure in Singapore:
Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd):
Among various Singapore company types, a private limited company (Pte Ltd) stands out as the most scalable, advanced, and flexible. It’s the prevalent choice compared to limited liability partnerships (LLP) or sole proprietorships (SP).
See here the difference between Pte Ltd vs LLP.
Characterized by fewer than 50 shareholders and shares not accessible to the public, Pte Ltd shareholders can be individuals, companies, or a mix.
Sole Proprietorships (SP):
While straightforward, Sole proprietorships (SPs) carry more risk, as owners are personally liable. Legally, SPs aren’t standalone entities, merging owner and business.
Restricted to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and select foreigners, SPs lack asset protection. Owners face unlimited liability, risking personal assets for company debts.
It’s advised to avoid SPs due to this drawback.
Can a foreign individual or foreign company be 100% shareholder?
Yes! There are no restrictions around foreign ownership in Singapore. EP applicants can also be shareholder of the company that is going to employ them.
Can I start a company if I am an EP holder?
Yes, as an EP holder, you are allowed to start a Private Limited Company in Singapore. However, you can only run the company that is sponsoring your EP.
You can also be a director of multiple entities as long as you have prior approval from MOM.
Can EP holders own shares in companies (including their own company)?
Yes, EP holders can own 100% of shares in any company including their own (after they have had their EP approved). This includes EP holders who hold secondary directorships via a Letter of Consent.
Can EP holders act as the ACRA local resident director?
Yes, EP holder residing in Singapore can be appointed as a local resident director.
Can EP holders hold more than one directorship?
An EP holder can be appointed a director of a second company. It requires them to apply for a Letter of Consent for Secondary Directorship from secondary company and to satisfy the LOC requirements, namely that there should be a direct ownership between the primary employer and the second company (but does not need to be 100% owned).
What title should an EP holder have as director in a company?
If an EP holder carries out tasks as a director for a Singapore company then their title should be “Director”. This can be updated via FORM SG on the MOM website. However, if the EP holder is only to be appointed as an ACRA director for regulatory purposes, but is not required to perform director task, then there is no need to update the occupation to “Director”. Sleek visa team will advise the client which title they should choose in their application based on their expected role in the company.
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