- Foreign founders face additional setup requirements in Singapore, including appointing a local director, securing a registered address, and managing compliance remotely.
- The right incorporation service reduces friction, especially for remote setup, banking support, and ongoing compliance.
- Most founders choose bundled solutions over standalone services, as managing multiple providers can slow down setup and increase risk.
- Your decision should prioritise ease and long-term support, not just upfront cost, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Singapore’s regulatory environment.
If you’re looking for the best incorporation services in Singapore for foreigners, you’re likely trying to figure out how to set up your company remotely, without delays, compliance risks, or unnecessary back-and-forth.
For non-residents, the process isn’t just about registration. You’ll need to handle requirements such as appointing a local director, securing a registered address, verifying your identity remotely, and opening a business bank account, often without being physically in Singapore.
These steps can quickly become time-consuming and confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local regulations.
That’s why most international founders choose to work with a provider that can handle the entire company registration process: from incorporation to ongoing compliance, in one place.
Comparison of incorporation services for foreigners
|
Provider |
Nominee Director |
Remote Setup |
Banking Support |
Registered Address |
Ongoing Compliance |
|
Sleek |
Available |
Fully digital |
Guided support |
Included |
Integrated (accounting + secretary) |
|
Osome |
Available |
Fully digital |
Basic support |
Included |
Integrated |
|
Rikvin |
Available |
Remote supported |
Limited guidance |
Included |
Available |
|
Hawksford |
Available |
Remote supported |
Strong advisory |
Included |
Full corporate services |
|
BoardRoom |
Available |
Remote supported |
Advisory-led |
Included |
Enterprise-grade |
|
3E Accounting |
Available |
Remote supported |
Basic |
Included |
Available |
|
InCorp Global |
Available |
Remote supported |
Regional support |
Included |
Scalable |
|
SCI |
Available |
Remote supported |
Limited |
Included |
Available |
8 best incorporation services in Singapore for foreigners
1. Sleek
Best for: Foreign founders who want a fully managed, all-in-one solution
Sleek is built specifically for modern entrepreneurs who prefer a streamlined, digital-first experience. Instead of juggling multiple providers for incorporation, compliance, and accounting, everything is handled within one ecosystem.
This is particularly useful for non-residents who need help navigating Singapore’s regulatory requirements without being physically present.
What you get:
- End-to-end incorporation support
- Nominee director and registered address options
- Ongoing compliance (company secretary, filings)
- Integrated accounting from day one
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: from ~S$1,754–S$3838 (including government fees)
- Additional services (e.g. nominee director) vary based on scope
👉 A strong choice if you want minimal friction and one point of contact.
2. Osome
Best for: Founders who prioritise a tech-driven, app-based experience
Osome positions itself as a modern alternative to traditional corporate service providers, with a strong focus on automation and user experience. Their platform is designed to simplify ongoing admin tasks, especially when paired with their accounting services.
For foreign founders, the appeal lies in the ability to manage most processes online with a relatively intuitive interface.
What you get:
- Digital incorporation workflow
- In-app document management
- Accounting integration
- Remote onboarding support
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: from ~S$2,967–S$3,007
- Add-ons (nominee director, compliance) are priced separately
👉 Best suited for founders who value UX and automation over bundled simplicity.
3. Rikvin
Best for: Cost-conscious founders who want a straightforward setup
Rikvin is one of the more established incorporation providers in Singapore, known for offering relatively affordable entry-level packages. It’s a practical option for founders who want to get started quickly without committing to higher-priced bundled services.
That said, services are often more modular, so you may need to add components depending on your needs as a foreigner.
What you get:
- Basic incorporation packages
- Access to nominee director services
- Standard compliance offerings
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: Based on quotation
- Nominee director and other services are charged separately
👉 A good option if your priority is keeping initial costs low.
4. Hawksford
Best for: Foreign founders with complex or high-value business structures
Hawksford operates at the premium end of the market, offering more advisory-led services rather than just execution. This makes it suitable for businesses that require structuring across jurisdictions or more hands-on compliance management.
It’s less about speed or affordability and more about depth and expertise.
What you get:
- Incorporation with advisory support
- International structuring guidance
- Dedicated account management
- Full compliance services
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: Tailored quotation based on your requirements
- Ongoing services are typically at a premium tier
👉 Best for established businesses or founders with more complex needs.
5. BoardRoom
Best for: Larger companies or founders planning regional expansion
BoardRoom is a well-known corporate services provider across Asia, with a strong focus on governance and compliance. Their services are geared more toward established companies rather than early-stage startups.
For foreign founders, this is typically relevant if you’re entering Singapore as part of a broader regional strategy.
What you get:
- Incorporation and corporate secretarial services
- Regional support across multiple markets
- Strong compliance and governance framework
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: On request
- Ongoing services required as part of engagement
👉 Best suited for scaling businesses rather than solo founders.
6. 3E Accounting
Best for: Founders who want a fast, no-frills incorporation process
3E Accounting focuses on efficiency and speed, making it a practical choice if your main goal is to get your company registered quickly. Their process is generally straightforward, with less emphasis on bundled digital tools.
For foreign founders, this works well if you already understand what you need and want to move fast.
What you get:
- Quick incorporation turnaround
- Standard compliance services
- Clear, structured process
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: from ~S$300–S$600
- Additional services are charged separately
👉 Ideal if speed matters more than ecosystem or automation.
7. InCorp Global
Best for: Founders planning multi-country expansion
InCorp Global specialises in helping businesses expand across Asia-Pacific markets. While they offer Singapore incorporation, their real strength lies in supporting companies that need cross-border structuring and scalability.
This makes them more relevant for founders with regional ambitions rather than those focused solely on Singapore.
What you get:
- Incorporation services
- Regional expansion support
- Corporate compliance across jurisdictions
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: Pricing on request
- Pricing varies based on scope and geography
👉 A strong option if Singapore is just your starting point.
8. Singapore Company Incorporation (SCI)
Best for: Founders who prefer a traditional, straightforward provider
SCI offers a more conventional approach to company incorporation, without the heavy emphasis on tech or bundled ecosystems. It’s a reliable option if you’re simply looking to get your company registered with standard support.
However, compared to newer platforms, it may feel less streamlined for fully remote founders.
What you get:
- Basic incorporation services
- Access to standard compliance support
- Traditional service model
Estimated cost:
- Incorporation: Prices on quotation
- Additional services priced separately
👉 Suitable for simple setups with minimal additional needs.
What to look for in an incorporation service as a foreigner
Choosing the right provider is less about price and more about reducing friction across multiple steps you’ll need to manage remotely.
1. Nominee director support
If you don’t have a locally resident director, you’ll need to appoint a nominee director to meet regulatory requirements.
Not all providers include this in their base package, and terms can vary significantly (e.g., level of control, risk safeguards, and pricing).
2. Remote setup capability
As a foreign founder, you should be able to complete the entire incorporation process without travelling to Singapore.
Look for providers that offer fully digital onboarding, document signing, and identity verification. This reduces delays and makes the process significantly smoother, especially across time zones.
3. Banking assistance
Opening a corporate bank account is often the most challenging step for non-residents.
A good provider will guide you on documentation, recommend suitable banks or fintech options, and help reduce rejection risks. Without this support, founders often face repeated delays.
4. Registered address
All Singapore companies must have a local registered address.
Most providers offer this as part of their packages, but the level of service can differ; some include mail handling, scanning, and notifications, which can be useful if you’re operating fully remotely.
5. Ongoing compliance support
Incorporation is just the first step. You’ll also need to stay compliant with ongoing requirements.
This includes appointing a company secretary, filing annual returns, maintaining proper records, and potentially handling accounting and tax filings. Missing these can lead to penalties or regulatory issues.
How we evaluated these providers
This comparison is based on publicly available information, provider websites, and standard service offerings in Singapore.
We focused specifically on what matters most to foreign founders, including:
- Ability to complete the process remotely
- Access to nominee director services
- Level of bundled vs add-on support
- Ongoing compliance capabilities
As service scope and pricing can vary depending on your situation, it’s always best to confirm the latest details directly with each provider before making a decision.
Which incorporation service should you choose?
If you’re comparing multiple providers, the fastest way to decide is to match your situation to the type of support you actually need.
Choose an all-in-one provider if:
- You want everything handled remotely
- You need a nominee director and compliance support
- You prefer one point of contact instead of multiple vendors
This is the most common choice for foreign founders setting up in Singapore.
Choose a budget provider if:
- You’re focused on keeping upfront costs low
- You’re comfortable managing some parts yourself
- You don’t need bundled accounting or advisory
Works best for founders who already understand the process.
Choose a premium or advisory firm if:
- You have a complex business structure
- You’re expanding across multiple countries
- You need ongoing legal, tax, or structuring advice
Typically suited for larger or more established businesses.
If you’re unsure, most foreign founders prioritise ease, compliance, and speed over cost, especially when setting up remotely.
Can you register a company yourself as a foreigner?
Technically, yes, but in practice, it’s not straightforward.
As a non-resident, you’ll still need to:
- Appoint a locally resident director
- Provide a Singapore-registered address
- Work with a registered filing agent
Without a service provider, coordinating these requirements can be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with local regulations.
If you’re setting up remotely, using a provider is usually the more practical option. In reality, most foreign founders choose to use an incorporation service because:
- It reduces back-and-forth
- Helps avoid compliance mistakes
- Speeds up the overall process
What most foreign founders do
While there are different ways to approach company setup, most non-residents follow a similar path to minimise delays and risk.
What usually happens:
- Choose an incorporation service provider
- Add a nominee director (if needed)
- Use the provider’s registered address
- Get help opening a business bank account
- Start accounting and compliance early
This approach helps ensure that everything is set up correctly from the beginning, especially when you’re managing the process from overseas.
A simpler way to set up your Singapore company as a foreigner
Setting up a company in Singapore as a non-resident isn’t just about incorporation. It’s about getting everything right from the start.
From appointing a nominee director to staying compliant with ongoing requirements, the process involves multiple moving parts. When handled separately, these can slow you down or create unnecessary risk.
That’s why many foreign founders choose to work with a provider that can manage the entire journey in one place.
Sleek is one of the providers built specifically for this. It combines incorporation, nominee director support, company secretary, and accounting into a single platform, making it easier to manage everything remotely without juggling multiple vendors.
With the right setup, you’re not just launching a company. You’re building a foundation that’s ready to operate, scale, and stay compliant from day one.
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FAQs: Best incorporation services in Singapore for foreigners
What should foreigners prioritise when choosing an incorporation service in Singapore?
Foreign founders should focus on services that reduce operational friction, such as nominee director support, remote onboarding, and ongoing compliance management. Unlike local founders, non-residents must meet additional requirements, so choosing a provider that can handle these end-to-end is often more practical than managing separate services independently.
Which incorporation service is best for foreigners setting up remotely?
The best option typically depends on how much support you need. Most foreign founders prefer providers that offer a fully remote setup, including a nominee director, registered address, and compliance services in one package. This simplifies the process and reduces the need to coordinate multiple vendors across different stages of setup.
Are cheaper incorporation services a good option for foreign founders?
Lower-cost providers can be suitable if you only need basic incorporation. However, foreign founders often require additional services such as a nominee director, banking support, and compliance. These are usually priced separately, so the total cost can increase, making bundled solutions more cost-effective in the long run.
How do I compare incorporation services in Singapore effectively?
The most effective way to compare providers is to look beyond pricing and evaluate what’s included. Focus on remote setup capability, level of support for foreign founders, banking assistance, and ongoing compliance services. This helps ensure you’re choosing a provider that supports both setup and long-term operations.
