Get a free* Business Account when you incorporate your company
or transfer to Sleek.
Get a free* Business Account when you incorporate your company
or transfer to Sleek.
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Ranked #2 in the world to do business by the World Bank, Singapore is business-friendly with its low corporate and personal tax rates, tax reliefs, and extensive double tax treaties.
Known as the gateway to Southeast Asia, Singapore is a key financial hub. Enjoy various incentives and exemptions for new businesses here!
As a global hub, Singapore is home to a large number of skilled professionals that can help your business grow.
Singapore-based director
Local company secretary
At least 1 shareholder
Registered address in Singapore
Access to virtual mailroom
Our team will keep you fully compliant
All-inclusive plan with no surprises
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Yes! Foreign entrepreneurs are welcome to begin their Singapore company registration process with an employment pass. The employment pass allows foreign professionals, managers and executives to work in Singapore. You will need to complete your company registration before applying for the employment pass and your application is subject to approval by authorities.
To avoid any hassle or uncertainty, foreigners are advised to hire a corporate secretary firm like Sleek, who can help clients with the whole incorporation process.
Incorporating a company in Singapore is easy and straightforward even as a foreigner. To set up your company, you are advised to: choose your business structure, register your company with ACRA and get a corporate bank account.
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.
Incorporating 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.
You can choose between the following business structures:
Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorship essentially means there are no partners in the business. This means the owner can earn all the profits but also bears higher risk if anything happens. Sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity from the business owner.
Who can apply:
Singapore citizens or permanent residents, Dependant Pass holders with a valid Letter of Consent (LOC), ONE Pass holders.
Partnership
Who can apply:
Singapore citizens or permanent residents, Dependant Pass holders with a valid Letter of Consent (LOC), ONE Pass holders.
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) – Pmost popular structure
Private limited companies have: less than 50 shareholders and their shares should not be accessible to the public. A private limited company has the most flexible business structure. It is a separate legal entity from its shareholders and directors. It enjoys limited liability. We recommend the Pte Ltd structure due to its flexibility, legal protection and accessibility to government grants, funding and tax exemptions.
Who can apply:
Singapore citizens or permanent residents, Dependant Pass holders with a valid Letter of Consent (LOC), Employment Pass holders, EntrePass holders, ONE Pass holders, Personalised Employment Pass holders.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
LLP allows companies to operate as partnerships while enjoying the benefits of a private limited company. LLP are separate legal entities. Partners will not be held liable for any losses or debts from the business.
Who can apply:
Singapore citizens or permanent residents, Dependant Pass holders with a valid Letter of Consent (LOC), ONE Pass holders.
Sleek can support each requirement to help you to get your company started. We offer local company secretary services, nominee director services as well as registered mailroom services for your foreign company.
Not at all – you don’t have to visit Singapore physically. With Sleek’s help, you can incorporate your company and complete the application as fast as one day, and start your business from anywhere in the world, without needing any face-to-face meetings. Start now by booking a consultation with our team.
Yes, it is possible to start and manage a Singapore-incorporated company from overseas. If you plan to incorporate your Singapore company, but don’t plan to move, you do not need to obtain any special travel visa.
You may operate your company from overseas, and you may visit Singapore on a short-term visitor visa when you need to deal with company issues. You can also use virtual office and mail forwarding services available in Singapore to help you manage your company’s administrative needs.
However, do note that you may still need to comply with Singapore’s tax laws and regulations, even if you are based overseas. Do get the advice of a professional corporate services provider or accountant like Sleek to help you ensure you are 100% compliant.
A nominee director is a person who is appointed to act as the director of a company on behalf of another person or entity, typically to fulfil a legal requirement or to maintain anonymity.
In Singapore, every company must have at least one director who is a Singapore Citizen, Singapore permanent resident or an Employment Pass holder. Foreign entrepreneurs and business owners who don’t have such a director will typically use Nominee Director Services to comply with the Singapore law.
Sleek offers a Nominee Director service to support foreign entrepreneurs in this scenario: 3 months (S$500), 6 months (S$800) and 1 year (S$1,500) for companies.
No. A nominee director, and the name “nominee” is used to indicate that the director role is strictly a non-executive role in companies. They are appointed to fulfil a legal requirement or to maintain anonymity and their role is typically limited to signing documents and fulfilling other legal obligations on behalf of the company.
They act as a passive director and do not have any real decision-making power or involvement in the management or operations of the company. The actual owner or directors of the company are responsible for the management and operations.
First, you would need to assess the eligibility requirements for a work visa in Singapore with the help of visa specialists like Sleek. Next, you would need to apply for a work visa that allows you to relocate to Singapore so you can run and operate your business..
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a work visa such as the Employment Pass or EntrePass. The process and requirements for each type of visa may vary, so you should check the specific requirements and application process.
As a foreigner relocating to Singapore, you may still need to appoint a nominee director for your company, depending on your circumstances.
If you are a foreigner and do not have a local residential address, you will not be able to fulfil this requirement. In this case, you may still need to appoint a nominee director who is a Singaporean resident or a person who has the right to work in Singapore.
However, if you are a foreigner with a local residential address in Singapore, you may be able to fulfil the requirement of having a director who is residing in Singapore, and do not need a nominee director.
You can appoint 1 or more directors for your company. They have to be individuals and at least 18 years old.
Every company also needs at least one local resident director, i.e. a Singapore citizen or a Singapore permanent resident.
If he or she is not a Singapore resident and wishes to fulfil the local resident requirements, the director must have an Entrepreneur Pass or be an Employment Pass holder and have a letter of consent from MOM to act as a Director (if applicable).
To incorporate your company in Singapore, you will need 1-50 shareholders. A shareholder can either be an individual or a corporate entity.
Singapore incorporated companies must have a minimum of one shareholder. This can be the same person as your local resident director. You can also add more shareholders at a later time.
You can also add more shareholders at a later time.
You only need S$1 paid-up capital for your Singapore company registration. The share capital can be increased any time after your incorporation.
Every Singapore company must appoint a secretary within 6 months of incorporation in Singapore. A company secretary has to be an individual (and not an entity) and a local resident in Singapore.
All Singapore registered companies must have a registered address in the country. It must be a place with a physical local address. A P.O. box is not accepted.
In order to incorporate your company in Singapore, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore would require you to provide your company name for name registration, a brief description of your business activities, details of your shareholders and directors, as well as their KYC (Know Your Customer) information. The KYC is the process of obtaining customer identity information and history for company compliance purposes. You will need a registered Singapore business address, share capital details and your company’s constitution.
Gathering all the right information for your company registration could be the trickiest part, get in touch with Sleek if you need any assistance.
You can incorporate your business with Sleek at S$275. This excludes Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) fee of S$375.
In Singapore, all companies are required to complete annual filing so they are compliant with the law. The complexity of requirements depend on the company’s structure, size, and industry.
Here are the requirements for a Private Limited company in Singapore:
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Every company must hold an AGM once every calendar year and not more than 15 months from the previous AGM. The AGM must be held to present the company’s financial statements and to provide updates to shareholders on the company’s performance.
Annual Return
Every company must file an Annual Return with ACRA within 7 months of its financial year-end. The Annual Return contains information about the company’s directors, shareholders, and share capital.
Financial Statements
Every company must prepare financial statements according to the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS). These financial statements must be filed with ACRA together with the Annual Return.
Tax Return
Every company must file its annual income tax return with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) within 3 months from its financial year-end.
It’s important to note that failure to comply with the annual filing requirements can result in penalties and fines. You can hire corporate secretarial providers like Sleek to support you with the filing process.
Yes, a foreigner can be self-employed in Singapore by registering their business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This is subject to certain regulations and work visa requirements.
You will need to obtain a valid work visa, such as the Employment Pass or EntrePass, which is intended for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and run a business in Singapore. This is subject to different requirements, such as hiring a Singapore resident as a director minimally or having a minimum amount of funding for your company.
ACRA is the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, a Singaporean government agency that oversees the registration and regulation of business entities in the country.
As an aspiring business owner in Singapore, you’ll need to register your business with ACRA before you can start operating. This process ensures that your business is compliant with Singapore’s laws and regulations, and it also allows you to access certain benefits and resources that are available to registered businesses.
ACRA also provides other services and resources for business owners, such as an online business portal to file annual returns and access various business resources.
It is super easy to check whether or not a company is registered in Singapore. Head to ACRA’s search platform and type in the company name that you would like to check. Right after that, if the company is registered, you will get the company’s information that would include – company name, office address, Unique Entity Number (UEN) and more.
The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is an identification number issued by the Singapore government to all entities in Singapore. You will receive your UEN upon the completion of your Singapore company registration.
Entities that can get an UEN are local companies, LLPs, societies and representative offices.The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is responsible for issuing an UEN to all the entities with limited partnership, limited liability partnerships, foreign companies and public accounting firms.
Your company name must be approved, before you can proceed with registering your company. We recommend having a shortlist of three name options in case your first choice isn’t available. Names can be reserved for up to 60 days.
You would determine the shareholders and their respective ownership percentages by indicating it in your company incorporation documents. If incorporating a subsidiary in Singapore, the sole shareholder will be the existing local or foreign company. For a new venture, the shareholders will be you and any partners you may have.
Are you an individual starting a company?
Are you an existing company looking to have a Singapore entity?
The application process in Singapore typically takes 1-2 working days, provided all necessary documents are in place.
However, the processing time may be longer if there are any issues or errors with the application or if additional information is required. It’s worth noting that the timeline for the incorporation process can also depend on the type of company being incorporated and the specific requirements involved. It might take a company with foreign shareholders or directors longer to incorporate due to additional compliance requirements. It’s recommended to seek professional advice from an incorporation expert to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
After incorporation in Singapore, the company is considered a legal entity and can start conducting business activities and hiring employees.
You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation.
ACRA will send an email notification confirming the registration of your company. This is your official Singapore Company Incorporation Certificate and will include your business registration number. If you want a hard copy of the certificate, you can make an online request to ACRA for S$50.
You receive a Business Profile (”Bizfile”).
ACRA will also provide the business profile of your new company for free. The business profile is the identity card of the company.
You are able to open a corporate bank account.
After you have successfully registered your Singapore business, you will be able to open a corporate bank account with any of the banks in Singapore.
To appoint a company secretary in Singapore, the company must first ensure that the secretary meets the necessary qualifications and is a Singapore resident. The company must then submit the necessary documents, such as a Notice of Appointment of Company Secretary and Consent to Act as Company Secretary, to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). It is important to note that a company secretary cannot also be the sole director or shareholder of the company. If you need to appoint a trusted company secretary, let Sleek handle all your compliance needs today.
Running a business in Singapore requires compliance with several legal regulations.
Here are some of the key legal compliances that businesses in Singapore need to follow post-incorporation:
Business Licences: Depending on the nature of the business, some businesses 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.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to run a company in Singapore?
The cost of running a company in Singapore varies depending on the size of the company, the nature of its business activities, and its location.
Common expenses include: office rent, employee salaries, utilities, and business taxes.
The government has implemented various measures to support businesses, such as tax incentives and grants, which can help offset some of these costs.
Singaporean companies can tax incentives, such as a partial tax exemption on up to S$100,000 taxable income, with 75% of their first S$100,000 corporate profits exempted for the first 3 tax filing years, a 50% further tax exemption on up to S$100,000 taxable income, and can also enjoy further partial tax exemption for 8.5% tax rate on taxable income on up to S$100,000 per annum.
The government has also introduced various schemes to support businesses, such as the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme, which offers tax deductions or cash payouts for investments in innovation and productivity.
They can also apply for the Productivity and Solutions Grant (PSG), which funds productivity and innovation investments, including new technology and equipment adoption. This grant supports companies in enhancing their productivity and staying competitive. Sleek is a pre-approved PSG vendor, and eligible clients can get up to 70% of their yearly fees for accounting covered with this grant.
Whether or not you need to apply for a business licence in Singapore depends on the nature of your business activities. Certain industries, such as food and beverage and retail, require specific licences and permits.
For example:
Food establishments must obtain a Food Shop License from the National Environment Agency (NEA)
Retail establishments must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and obtain a Central Provident Fund (CPF) account for their employees.
It is important to research the specific licensing requirements for your industry and ensure that all necessary licences and permits are obtained before conducting business activities. Failure to comply with licensing requirements may result in penalties or legal action.
To open a corporate bank account in Singapore, you will need to provide the bank with various documents, such as your company’s certificate of incorporation, business profile, and the personal identification documents of the company’s directors and signatories. Different banks may have different requirements, and some may require a minimum deposit to be made. It is best to check with the bank directly for specific requirements.
Under Singapore law, it is no longer a legal requirement for companies to have a company seal. However, some companies may choose to use a company seal for certain purposes, such as executing documents or contracts. In such cases, the company seal must be used in the presence of a director or company secretary.
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 business, 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 business.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, work permit holders in Singapore are not eligible to start a business on their own. If work permit holders wish to start a business, they would need to obtain approval from MOM and meet the eligibility criteria for the relevant work pass or visa. The type of pass required will depend on the nature of the business and the individual’s qualifications and experience.
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 Employment Pass.
If you as an EP holder just lost your job, your EP will be cancelled. You will have a 30-day grace period to either find a new job and have your new employer apply for a new EP, or to leave Singapore.
If you intend to start a business to keep your EP, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for the EntrePass, which is specifically designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business in Singapore.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to obtain a work visa such as the Employment Pass or EntrePass once you have incorporated a company in Singapore. This opens the door for you to move to the country and manage business operations here. The process and requirements for each type of visa may vary, so you should check the specific requirements and application process.
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”
Shivam Mani Tripathi
Co-founder & CTO, Privyr
“I would highly recommend Sleek to any person starting a company, if they do not want to spend a lot of time on registering their company.”
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We will not be able to refund Government fees once the application has been submitted, nor any third-party processing fees.
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