Build your business in Asia’s most business-friendly hub with expert support for overseas founders.
Form your Singapore company from abroad through a guided digital process. No travel, no physical documents. Just fast, secure onboarding wherever you’re based.
No guesswork: your package includes incorporation, nominee director (where included), secretarial services, and a registered address, all disclosed transparently for foreign founders.
From annual filings to tax returns, we make sure you never miss a requirement, even if you're miles away.
ACRA Filing Agent, MAS Major Payment Institution, and MOM Employment Agency. ISO 27001 certified and B Corp accredited, with all services delivered by a regulated Singapore entity.
Best for: Overseas founders who need incorporation, compliance, & a short-term nominee director
Best for: Foreign founders who want ongoing compliance and a full-year nominee director
| What you need | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| A valid passport | Additional verification may be required depending on your profile. |
| Proof of residential address | A recent utility bill or bank statement from your home country. |
| At least one shareholder | This can be you. Foreign individuals and foreign companies can both hold 100% of the shares. No local partner needed. |
| One Singapore-resident director | If you live overseas, Sleek provides a nominee director as part of your package. |
| A registered office address | Must be a physical Singapore address. Sleek provides a CBD address at 160 Robinson Road with a digital mailroom. |
| A corporate secretary | Required within 6 months of incorporation. Included in every Sleek package. |
| S$1 in paid-up capital | That's not a typo. One Singapore dollar. You can increase it later as your business grows. |
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.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Sleek | DIY | Traditional agent | |
| What you pay upfront | From S$2,250 (all-in) | S$315 govt fee | S$2,000-S$5,000+ |
| What you pay on top | Nothing. It's bundled. | Nominee director, secretary, address. All separate, all extra. | Varies; many bill these separately |
| How long does it take | 3–5 business days | 1–3 days if you file correctly | 5-14 business days |
| Nominee director | Included | Find one yourself | Sometimes included, often an add-on |
| Corporate secretary | Included from the very beginning | Appoint one within 6 months | Usually a separate annual retainer |
| Registered address | CBD address included | Arrange yourself | May be residential, not CBD |
| Bank account | Business account application support (subject to approval) | Apply independently | Apply independently |
| Ongoing compliance | Returns and compliance support included (scope depends on package) | Entirely on you | Extra annual fees |
| Support when you're stuck | Dedicated team, chat + email | ACRA helpdesk | Depends on the firm |
| 100% online? | Yes, from anywhere | Partially | Depends |
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Yes. Foreigners can register a company in Singapore 100% remotely. With digital KYC and online filings, you do not need to travel to Singapore. A local resident director is still required, which is why many foreign founders use a trusted Nominee Director service.
To set up a company in Singapore as a foreigner, you’ll need:
No local ownership is required. Foreigners can own 100% of the shares.
No. You can register a company in Singapore as a foreigner without holding a visa or work pass.
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.
You can be a shareholder and non-resident director, but every company must have at least one Singapore-resident director. If you live overseas, you can appoint a Nominee Director to meet this requirement.
Yes, depending on the provider.
Foreigners commonly open the Sleek Business Account online (subject to approval). Traditional banks may require additional verification or an in-person interview.
For a detailed guide, see our article on how to open a Singapore business bank account as a foreigner.
Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership. You do not need a local partner or local shareholder. Foreign individuals and foreign corporate entities can both be shareholders.
If you do not live in Singapore or hold a valid long-term pass (EP, PR), then yes, you’ll need a Nominee Director. This director is non-executive and does not control your business; they fulfil the legal requirement of having a Singapore-resident director.
Yes. EP applicants can be listed as shareholders and directors of a Singapore company at the time of incorporation. However, they can only begin managing the company after their Employment Pass is approved through that entity. A local resident director must still be appointed to satisfy ACRA requirements during the EP application period.
Yes. Many foreign owners operate their Singapore companies remotely. Accounting, filings, secretarial work, mailroom, and admin can all be managed digitally by service providers like Sleek.
Yes, as an EP holder, you are allowed to start a Private Limited Company in Singapore. But, you can run the company only after your Employment Pass is approved through that same company, and a local resident director must be appointed during the EP application process. You can also be a director of multiple entities as long as you have prior approval from MOM.
Yes, an EP holder can act as the local resident director only if they are residing in Singapore and their EP is issued for the same company.
An EP holder can be appointed as a director of a second company. It requires them to apply for a Letter of Consent for Secondary Directorship from the 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).
The S$315 DIY route works if you already have a Singapore-based director, know how to prepare a company constitution, and are comfortable managing ACRA compliance long-term. For most overseas founders, the bundled approach saves more time and avoids mistakes than the price difference.
Browse our articles for in-depth guides, expert tips, and the latest updates on Singapore business essentials.
