- A Singapore LLC is a Private Limited company (Pte Ltd): register it with ACRA for S$315, usually approved the same day.
- A Pte Ltd gives you limited liability, a separate legal identity and start-up tax relief that most other structures do not.
- You need one resident director, a local address and a company secretary within six months. Foreign founders can set up fully remotely.
Setting up an LLC in Singapore means registering a Private Limited company (Pte Ltd) with ACRA, and clean applications are usually approved the same day for S$315 in government fees. Singapore does not officially use the term LLC; the local equivalent is Pte Ltd, which provides limited liability, a separate legal identity, and start-up tax relief. You can register your company remotely with a provider, even from overseas. This guide gives you the cost, timeline, structure and exact steps to register today.
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Quick answer: To set up a Pte Ltd company in Singapore, register with ACRA through Bizfile: reserve a company name (S$15), then incorporate (S$300). You need at least one shareholder, one Singapore-resident director, a registered local address and S$1 in paid-up capital, and you must appoint a company secretary within six months. Most companies are approved the same day. |
What is an LLC, and why choose it?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC), known in Singapore as a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd), is a separate legal entity from its owners. It can own property, enter into contracts, and take on liabilities, without putting your personal assets at risk.
That’s the core advantage: limited liability. If the business runs into debt or legal issues, your personal finances stay protected.
An LLC also adds credibility. It shows clients, investors, and partners that you’re serious. Plus, you get access to Singapore’s corporate tax benefits and flexibility to add shareholders as you grow. So, if you want protection, structure, and room to scale, an LLC is often the strongest option.
At a glance: Setting up a Pte Ltd in Singapore (2026)
What you need | Detail |
Government cost | S$315 (S$15 name + S$300 registration) |
Timeline | Usually the same day for clean applications |
Shareholders | At least one, up to 50 (local or foreign) |
Resident director | At least one (citizen, PR or eligible pass holder) |
Paid-up capital | From S$1 |
Registered address | A local Singapore address (no PO box) |
Company secretary | Appoint within six months |
How long does it take to set up a company in Singapore?
Most Singapore companies are approved the same day, often within a few hours, once your name is cleared and your documents are signed. ACRA processes clean Bizfile applications electronically, so there is rarely a wait of more than one working day.
Two things slow this down. A proposed name that needs another agency’s approval, for words such as bank, finance or school, can add 14 to 60 days, and inconsistent director details trigger resubmission cycles.
Plan two or three backup names and have every director’s identification ready before you file. As of 2026, ACRA still issues name approvals on Bizfile, often within the hour for straightforward names.
What does it actually cost to register a LLC Singapore company?
Registering a Pte Ltd costs S$315 in government fees: S$15 for the name application and S$300 for incorporation, both payable to ACRA in 2026.
That is the floor, not the full picture. Most founders also budget for a company secretary, a registered address and accounting from day one, which is why first-year costs typically run higher once those essentials are added. For a line-by-line breakdown, see the full cost of company registration.
LLC, Pte Ltd or sole proprietorship: Which structure should you choose?
For most founders who want protection, tax efficiency and credibility with banks and investors, the Pte Ltd (LLC) is the strongest option. It is a separate legal entity, so the business, not you, carries the risk.
A sole proprietorship is the cheapest and fastest to start, but it offers no legal separation, so your personal savings and even your home are exposed if the business is sued or runs up debt. It suits low-risk solo income; for the trade-offs, see sole proprietor and freelancer structures.
An LLP protects you from a partner’s mistakes but not your own, which is why it fits professional practices more than scaling start-ups. The Pte Ltd protects personal assets and unlocks corporate tax relief, which is why founders choose an LLC structure from the start.
|
Factor |
Sole Proprietorship |
LLP |
Pte Ltd (LLC) |
|
Liability |
Owner personally liable |
Limited (own acts only) |
Limited: personal assets protected |
|
Legal identity |
Not separate |
Separate |
Separate legal entity |
|
Tax |
Personal income tax rates |
Taxed at partner level |
17% corporate, plus SUTE/PTE relief |
|
Best for |
Solo, low-risk side income |
Professional partnerships |
Most founders, scaling and investors |
Choose a Pte Ltd if you plan to hire, raise funds, sign larger contracts or protect personal assets. Choose a sole proprietorship only for low-risk, solo side income.
LLC vs Sole Proprietorship vs LLP
A sole proprietorship is fast, fuss-free, and cost-effective to launch. But it leaves you fully exposed. There’s no legal separation between you and the business, so if debts pile up or someone takes legal action, your personal savings or even your HDB flat could be at risk.
An LLP suits those starting a professional practice with one or more partners. You get some liability protection, but only for your own actions. If your partner makes a costly mistake, you might still feel the heat. This setup suits professions like law, design, or consulting, where shared services are the norm.
An LLC, registered as a Private Limited Company, is the most robust option. It creates a separate legal identity for your business, so your personal assets stay protected. It also offers corporate tax benefits and gives your business credibility with investors, banks, and customers. That’s why most serious founders, whether they’re launching a fintech app or a fast-growing F&B brand, go with an LLC from the start.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you understand the key differences between a sole proprietorship, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), and LLC (Private Limited Company):
Eligibility and requirements for setting up an LLC in Singapore
To register a Private Limited Company (LLC) in Singapore, you need:
- Minimum age
You must be at least 18 years old. - Legal standing
You cannot be an undischarged bankrupt. - Company name
Must be approved and available in ACRA’s register. - Registered address
A physical address in Singapore is required. PO boxes are not allowed. - Resident director
At least one director must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or valid work pass holder. - Shareholders
You need at least one, and up to fifty. They can be individuals or companies, local or foreign. - Share capital
Minimum is S$1. You can increase it anytime after incorporation. - Company secretary
You must appoint a qualified Singapore-resident company secretary within six months of incorporation.
How is a Singapore LLC Ltd taxed?
A Singapore Pte Ltd pays a flat 17% corporate tax on chargeable income, but most new companies pay far less after exemptions.
New companies usually qualify for the Start-Up Tax Exemption, which exempts 75% of the first S$100,000 and 50% of the next S$100,000 of chargeable income for the first three Years of Assessment, up to S$125,000 a year. See how the Start-Up Tax Exemption works in detail.
After those three years, the Partial Tax Exemption continues to exempt 75% of the first S$10,000 and 50% of the next S$190,000, up to S$102,500 a year. Singapore’s single-tier system means the dividends you pay yourself are not taxed again.
You must register for GST once taxable turnover passes S$1 million in 12 months, charging the current 9% rate; check the rules on when to register for GST. IRAS also applies a Corporate Income Tax Rebate automatically for the current Year of Assessment, so to estimate what you will actually owe, use the corporate tax calculator.
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Category |
Detail (2026) |
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Corporate tax rate |
Flat 17% on chargeable income |
|
Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE) |
75% on first S$100,000 + 50% on next S$100,000, first 3 YAs (up to S$125,000/YA) |
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Partial Tax Exemption (PTE) |
75% on first S$10,000 + 50% on next S$190,000 (up to S$102,500/YA) |
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Dividends |
Not taxed again (single-tier system) |
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GST |
9%, mandatory above S$1 million annual taxable turnover |
Taxation for LLCs in Singapore
One of the biggest perks of running an LLC in Singapore is the favourable tax system. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and take advantage of available benefits.
Corporate tax rates
Singapore follows a flat corporate tax rate, capped at 17%. However, most companies don’t pay the full rate due to partial exemptions and tax incentives. For the first S$100,000 of chargeable income, new startups enjoy a 75% exemption, and a 50% exemption on the next S$100,000. This applies to the first three consecutive Years of Assessment (YAs). The maximum exemption per YA is S$125,000.
Single-tier tax system
Singapore uses a single-tier corporate tax system. This means that once your company pays corporate income tax, dividends paid to shareholders are not taxed again. It keeps things simple and ensures profits are not double-taxed.
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
If your LLC earns more than S$1 million in taxable turnover within a 12-month period, you must register for GST. Once registered, you need to charge GST on your goods and services and file GST returns regularly. The current GST rate is 9%. If you’re below the threshold, voluntary registration is still an option, especially if your clients are GST-registered or you’re dealing with imports.
Other tax incentives
Singapore offers a range of tax incentives, especially for startups, tech firms, and R&D-heavy businesses. You may qualify for deductions or exemptions under schemes like the Startup Tax Exemption, R&D Tax Incentive, or the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC). If your business involves overseas income, you might also benefit from foreign-sourced income exemptions under certain conditions.
How Sleek helps you set up your Singapore LLC company
Sleek takes incorporation off your plate and handles what comes after: ACRA filing, your company secretary, accounting from day one and a business account, all on one dashboard.
More than 450,000 businesses worldwide trust Sleek, which holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google from over 4,100 reviews. You get one provider, one point of contact and the compliance handled, so you can focus on building.
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FAQs on setting up an LLC in Singapore
How much does it cost to register an LLC in Singapore?
To register an LLC in Singapore, the standard government fee is S$315. This includes S$15 for reserving your company name and S$300 for official registration with ACRA. If you engage a service provider, additional fees may apply for incorporation, secretarial services, and ongoing compliance support.
How long does it take to register an LLC?
Registering an LLC in Singapore typically takes 1 to 2 business days, provided all documents are prepared and there are no errors or delays. If the company name requires additional review or government approval, the registration process may take slightly longer.
What are the tax benefits for a Singapore LLC?
A Singapore LLC enjoys several tax advantages. These include low corporate tax rates (capped at 17%), tax exemptions for startups on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income, and a single-tier tax system, meaning dividends distributed to shareholders are not taxed again.
What is the difference between an LLC and a sole proprietorship?
Liability and legal identity. A Pte Ltd (LLC) is a separate legal entity, so your personal assets are protected, and profits are taxed at the 17% corporate rate with start-up relief. A sole proprietorship is not separate from you, leaving your personal assets exposed, and its income is taxed at your personal income tax rates.
