Overview
Singapore has emerged as a popular destination for businesses seeking to expand their operations into Southeast Asia. Its strategic location, stable economy, transparent business environment, and strong intellectual property protection make it an attractive option.
How to Register a Company in the Singapore ?
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your business goals and determine the most suitable company structure for your needs.
- Choose a Company Name: Select a unique and available name for your Singapore company. We can assist you in finding suitable options.
- Appoint a Local Director and Secretary: A local Singapore resident must be appointed as a director and company secretary. We can help you find qualified individuals.
- Prepare the Incorporation Documents: Our team will prepare the necessary documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Submit the Application: We will submit the application to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) on your behalf.
- Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation: Upon approval, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation, officially establishing your Singapore company.
Eligibility for Registering a Company in Singapore as a Non-Resident
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Legal Entity: You can register as an individual or a legal entity (such as a company or trust).
Registered Office: A registered office address within Singapore is required.
Local Director and Secretary: You must appoint a local Singapore resident as a director and company secretary.
Business Plan: A basic business plan outlining your company’s activities and objectives is generally recommended, but not always mandatory.
Key Points
No Residency Requirement: You do not need to be a Singapore resident to register a company.
Local Representation: The requirement for a local director and secretary ensures compliance with local regulations.
Business Plan: A well-structured business plan can demonstrate your commitment and viability.
Why Choose Bookmyllc?
Expert Guidance: Our experienced team provides personalized advice and support throughout the process.
Efficiency: We streamline the registration process, ensuring a timely and hassle-free experience.
Compliance: We ensure strict adherence to Singapore’s corporate laws and regulations.
Post-Incorporation Services
We offer ongoing support for company maintenance, accounting, and tax compliance.
Documents Required for Company Registration in Singapore
To get started, you’ll need the following
- All ID/passport and proof of address documents of ultimate beneficial owner/shareholders/directors of the proposed company.
- Certificate of incorporation/establishment if using a corporate name as shareholder.
- Propose name of company (to provide 2 names for us to check availability).
- Propose activities of the company.
- Name of shareholders and proportion of shareholding.
- Share capital amount.
- Propose directors’ names.
- Other documents required such as CV of director/shareholder/background of previous business.
Company Registration Process
BookmyLLC offers a comprehensive service to help you establish a legal presence in Singapore. Our expert team guides you through the entire registration process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing personalized support.
Here’s a step-by-step overview
Consultation: Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your business goals and determine the most suitable company structure for your needs.
Choose a Company Name: Select a unique and available name for your Singapore company. We can assist you in finding suitable options.
Appoint a Local Director and Secretary: A local Singapore resident must be appointed as a director and company secretary. We can help you find qualified individuals.
Prepare the Incorporation Documents: Our team will prepare the necessary documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Submit the Application: We will submit the application to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) on your behalf.
Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation: Upon approval, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation, officially establishing your Singapore company.
How we can help you?
BookmyLLC offers a comprehensive range of services to support your company registration and ongoing operations in Singapore:
Expert Guidance: Our experienced team provides personalized advice and support throughout the entire registration process.
Efficiency: We streamline the registration process, ensuring a timely and hassle-free experience.
Compliance: We ensure strict adherence to Singapore’s corporate laws and regulations.
Post-Incorporation Services: We offer ongoing support for company maintenance, accounting, tax compliance, and other administrative tasks.
Tailored Solutions: We provide customized solutions to meet your specific business needs and goals.
Simplified Registration Process: We handle all the paperwork and formalities, saving you time and effort.
Local Expertise: Our team has in-depth knowledge of Singapore’s business environment and regulations.
Personalized Support: We provide dedicated support throughout the registration process and beyond.
Cost-Effective Solutions: We offer competitive pricing and transparent fees.
Live Process Updates: We offer real-time updates on the progress of your company registration, so you’re always in the loop.
CPA Assistance: We provide Certified Public Accountant (CPA) assistance during the process, ensuring your business meets all financial and tax compliance requirements.
Affordable Pricing: Our transparent pricing ensures no hidden costs, and we offer a range of packages to suit businesses of all sizes.
Singapore company at a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Common form | A private company limited by shares. |
| Regulator | The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). |
| Directors | At least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. |
| Shareholders | At least one, who can be foreign. |
| Company secretary | To be appointed within the period set by law. |
| Registered address | A physical address in Singapore. |
Resident director options
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Move a founder to Singapore | Needs a suitable work pass |
| Appoint a local nominee director | A common route for non-residents; the nominee has duties and liability |
| Hire a resident manager | If the business needs one anyway |
A nominee director is a real appointment with legal responsibility, so choose a provider carefully.
Yearly duties
| Duty | Notes |
|---|---|
| Annual general meeting and accounts | As the Companies Act requires |
| Annual return with ACRA | Filed each year |
| Corporate income tax filing | Singapore taxes company profits; exemptions and rebates may apply |
| GST registration | Required once turnover passes the threshold |
The rules are clear but strict about deadlines. Late filing carries fines.
Thresholds, fees and form numbers are set by the authorities and change from time to time. We confirm the current position when we start your filing.
Why choose Singapore
Singapore offers a stable legal system, a reputation for strong governance, and a network of tax treaties. It is often chosen by founders who want a base in Southeast Asia, access to Asian banking or credibility with international customers. Corporate tax is a single rate with exemptions and rebates available for qualifying companies, and capital gains are generally not taxed, though the rules depend on the facts.
The requirement that catches most foreign founders is the local resident director. Plan for that from the start, because it affects who can sign for the company and who the authorities contact.
Documents we typically need
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| Passport and address proof for each director and shareholder | Each person |
| Proposed company names | You |
| Description of the business activity | You |
| Registered address in Singapore | We can arrange |
| Details of the resident director | You or a nominee |
Comparing Singapore with other locations
| Singapore | Hong Kong | UAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident director | Required | Not required, but a local company secretary is | Depends on the licence |
| Tax approach | Corporate tax with exemptions | Territorial | Corporate tax above a threshold |
| Best known for | Governance and treaties | Trade and finance | Free zones and fast set-up |
