How to Incorporate a Company in Singapore
The Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the Company Registrar and governs the process to incorporate a company in Singapore. It is as per the Companies Act, Chapter 50.
The incorporation process is straightforward. Both local & foreign entrepreneurs can complete it in 1-3 days & set up their business in Singapore without any hassle.
If you, as a foreigner, cannot self-register a Singapore company and need to appoint a registered filing agent. You also need an Entrepreneur pass to relocate and work in the city-state. Ask your agent for the customised Singapore company registration solutions.
Our Company Registration package includes the following:
- DSC for one director and DIN for up to three directors
- Drafting of MoA & AoA
- Registration fees and stamp duty
- Company Incorporation Certificate
Singapore Company Incorporation Services
Any individual over the age of 18 can form a company in Singapore. Even foreigners can own 100% shares in a company. In Singapore, you can incorporate the following business structures or entity types for maximising benefits.
- Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
- Subsidiary Company
- Branch Office
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
The local and foreign individuals prefer to incorporate a private limited company in Singapore. It is a tax-efficient and dynamic structure most suitable for business growth.
- It can have 1-50 shareholders.
- At least one director must be ordinarily resident (Singapore citizens, Permanent Resident, or an Entrepass holder).
- Singapore corporate income tax is in the range of 0%-17%.
- It has a separate legal identity from company shareholders.
- It has perpetual existence.
- It can sue or be sued in its name.
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Subsidiary Company
The foreign corporate entities can start their business activities by incorporating a Singapore subsidiary company. It has a separate identity from its parent company. The parent company can own 100% shareholding in its Singapore subsidiary. A subsidiary is treated as a local company. It gets the tax benefits, exemptions, and rebates provided by the authorities. A subsidiary is liab
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Dutch NV company
also known as public liability company is a legal entity most suitable for large businesses when forming a Netherlands public company . It requires a minimum share capital of EUR 45,000. The Dutch NV company is controlled by a board of directors for day-to-day decisions. The annual shareholders meeting may appoint directors or demand changes in management.
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Branch Office
The foreign companies can also register their branch office in Singapore. The branch office has no separate identity from its foreign parent company. It is taken to be the extension of its parent company. The parent company is liable for its branch’s debts and losses. The management of the Singapore branch office deals with issues regarding shareholding, business activities, and structure by referring to the Memorandum & Articles of Association of the parent company. It is not treated as a local Singapore company. It cannot claim the tax benefits, exemptions, and rebates offered by the local authorities. Before incorporating your company, discuss your needs with your agent. Because, with the right business structure, you can manage the risk, liability, growth, & branding of business effectively.
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Key Requirements to Incorporate Singapore Company
Minimum paid-up capital of $1 At least one shareholder At least one local or resident director At least one company secretary Registered local address
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Incorporating a Business in Singapore for Foreigners
Registered Filing Agent: You, as a foreign business owner, can simplify your task by appointing a registered filing agent. A number of Singaporean accounting firms, law firms, or corporate secretarial firms act in this capacity. Local Director: Most importantly, you need to appoint a local director who is ordinarily resident of Singapore. Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and EntrePass holders are eligible to act a local director for a new Singapore Company Formation.
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Apply & get your company’s name approved from ACRA
Supply a list of 3-5 names to the agent. They will check them for availability in BizFile+ portal. For the quick approval of the company name: Choose a unique name that will hint at the nature of your business ACRA rejects names containing vulgar or obscene words It should not violate copyrights or trademarks If your application gets referred to the higher authorities, the approval can take up to 2 months. The approved company name is reserved for 60 days. The agent can extend the period by another 60 days by applying to ACRA.
Prepare incorporation documents
Approved Company name Description of business activities Registered local address Particulars of shareholders, directors, company secretary Foreign Individuals: a copy of passport & proof of residential address (overseas) Foreign Companies: Memorandum & Articles of Associations, Certificate of Incorporation Singapore Residents: A copy of their Singapore identity card
Submit an application to ACRA
The process to incorporate a company in Singapore is online. Submit your documents to your agent who can visit online portal BizFile+ for the task.