Singapore Quick Company Registration Guide Process and Key Points Analysis

How to Register a Company Quickly in Singapore A Complete Guide from Process to Key Points to Note

In recent years, with the changes in the global economic landscape, more and more entrepreneurs and businesses have turned their attention to the Southeast Asian market. Among them, Singapore has become a preferred destination for many companies to set up overseas operations, thanks to its stable environment, open economic policies, and efficient business climate. According to data from Enterprise Singapore in 2025, the number of new registered companies in Singapore increased by about 12% in the second quarter of 2025, showing strong entrepreneurial vitality.

So, what steps do entrepreneurs need to take to quickly register a company in Singapore? What should they pay attention to? This article will provide a detailed explanation.

I. Basic Process for Registering a Company in Singapore

1. Determine the Company Type

Before registering a company, it is necessary to first clarify the type of company. Common company types in Singapore include Private Limited Company, Branch Office, and Representative Office. Among these, the Private Limited Company is the most common and suitable for most small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to regulations from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, a Private Limited Company must have at least one director and one shareholder, and the shareholder can be an individual or a corporate entity.

2. Choose a Company Name

The company name must comply with ACRA's regulations and cannot be the same as existing company names, nor can it contain sensitive words. It is recommended to check the availability of the name in advance through the ACRA website. The company name can include Pte Ltd or Private Limited to indicate the nature of the company.

3. Prepare Registration Documents

The following documents are required when registering a company

Constitution

Identity proof of directors and shareholders

The company's registered office address must be a real office address

Contact information of directors and shareholders

4. Submit the Registration Application

The application can be submitted through ACRA's online system BizFile+, or through a professional agency. In most cases, the registration process can be completed within one working day.

5. Obtain the Company Registration Certificate

Once the registration is successful, ACRA will issue a company registration certificate and publish the company information in the official gazette. At this point, the company is officially established.

II. Costs of Registering a Company in Singapore

The main costs involved in registering a company in Singapore include

Registration fee approximately 150 SGD about 750 RMB

Agency service fee if using an agency, the cost ranges from 300 to 800 SGD

Annual filing fee each company needs to pay around 300 SGD per year for annual filings

Additional costs may also include company secretary services, bank account opening, and tax registration.

III. Important Matters After Company Registration

1. Open a Company Bank Account

After registration, it is essential to open a company bank account as soon as possible. Singapore's banks have strict requirements for account opening, usually requiring company registration documents, director identity proof, and proof of company address. It is recommended to choose major commercial banks such as DBS, OCBC, or Standard Chartered.

2. Apply for a Tax Number ABN

Although Singapore does not have a unified ABN system, companies need to register with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS and obtain a Company Tax File Number. This step is the basis for subsequent tax reporting and financial compliance.

3. Hire a Company Secretary

According to Singapore law, all private limited companies must hire a company secretary. The secretary is responsible for handling administrative affairs, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and assisting with annual filings.

4. Submit Annual Returns

Each company must submit an Annual Return to ACRA within a specific time each year and pay the corresponding fees. Failure to file on time may result in fines or even forced deregistration.

IV. Notes and Common Questions

1. Avoid Using Sensitive Words

When choosing a company name, avoid words that may cause misunderstanding or violate public order, such as bank, trust, etc.

2. Ensure the Address Is Real and Valid

The company's registered address must be a real office address and cannot be a virtual address or post office box. Otherwise, it may be considered false registration and face legal risks.

3. Pay Attention to Shareholder and Director Qualifications

There are no nationality restrictions for shareholders and directors in Singapore, but they must have full civil capacity. Additionally, at least one director must be a Singapore resident.

4. Plan the Business Scope Reasonably

When registering a company, the business scope must be clearly defined and adjusted according to actual business needs. If there are plans to expand the business in the future, space should be reserved in advance.

V. Conclusion

Although the process of registering a company in Singapore is relatively simple, it involves multiple steps and details. Entrepreneurs should fully understand the relevant regulations, plan the company structure reasonably, and seek the help of professional institutions to improve efficiency and reduce risks.

With Singapore continuously improving its business environment, more and more companies are choosing to establish branches or headquarters here. If you are considering starting a business in Singapore, it is advisable to start the registration process as early as possible and seize the opportunities in this promising market.