Singapore Company Registration Guide Easily Start Your Investment Journey

Singapore, one of Asia's most attractive business centers, has drawn a large number of international investors thanks to its stable political environment, open economic policies, and well-established legal system. In recent years, with the continuous growth of the Southeast Asian market and strong support for innovative enterprises, more and more companies are choosing to register their businesses in Singapore. This article will provide a detailed explanation of how to register a company in Singapore, covering the process, required documents, costs, and the latest policy updates.

1. Basic Process for Registering a Company in Singapore

In Singapore, company registration is usually handled through an accounting or law firm, or it can be submitted online via the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. The overall process generally includes the following steps

1. Determine the company type Common types of companies in Singapore include Private Limited Company, Branch Office, and Representative Office. Among these, the Private Limited Company is the most popular choice due to its limited liability and flexible management structure.

2. Choose a company name The company name must comply with ACRA regulations, cannot be the same as existing companies, and should not contain sensitive words. It is recommended to check the name availability on the ACRA official website in advance.

3. Prepare registration documents These include the Memorandum and Articles of Association, information about directors and shareholders, and the company's registered address. It should be noted that a Singapore company must have at least one local director and one shareholder.

4. Submit the registration application Files can be submitted through ACRA’s electronic registration system, BizFile+. The approval is usually completed within 24 hours.

5. Open a bank account After the company is registered, it is necessary to open a corporate bank account with a local Singapore bank for future financial transactions.

6. Apply for tax registration Depending on the nature of the business, apply for a Tax File Number TFN with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS, and understand the relevant tax reporting requirements.

2. Latest Policy Updates and Investment Trends

In recent years, Singapore has continuously improved its business environment to attract more foreign investment. According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao in May 2025, Singapore’s Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat stated during a parliamentary budget debate that the country will continue to promote the development of key areas such as the digital economy, green technology, and biomedicine, while providing tax incentives and subsidies to support startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS is also actively promoting the development of financial technology. In March 2025, MAS announced the expansion of the Innovation Lab Program, offering testing environments and regulatory support for fintech companies, further solidifying Singapore’s position as a global fintech hub.

For overseas investors, Singapore's Double Taxation Agreement DTA is another major advantage. As of now, Singapore has signed DTAs with over 70 countries and regions, effectively reducing the tax burden of cross-border investments and improving capital mobility.

3. Costs and Time Required for Company Registration

According to data from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the minimum cost to register a private limited company is approximately 200 Singapore dollars about 1,000 Chinese yuan. The actual cost may vary depending on the agency used. Additional fees include annual filing fees, company secretary service charges, and bank account opening costs.

From a time perspective, if all documents are complete, the company registration can typically be completed within 1 to 3 working days. However, in practice, due to the need to review the company name and confirm shareholder information, the process may sometimes take up to 5 working days.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Is it necessary to hire a local director?

Yes. According to Singapore company law, each private limited company must have at least one local director, who must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.

Q2 Can shares be entirely owned by foreigners?

Yes, but there must be at least one local director. Certain industries, such as financial services, healthcare, and education, may be subject to stricter regulations.

Q3 Must the business start operating immediately after registration?

No. A company can remain inactive after registration, meaning no business activities are conducted, but it must submit annual reports and financial statements on time.

5. Conclusion

With the changes in the global economic landscape, Singapore, with its superior geographical location, mature business environment, and friendly investment policies, is becoming a preferred destination for more entrepreneurs. Whether it is a startup or a multinational corporation, companies can find suitable space for their development in Singapore.

If you are considering registering a company in Singapore, it is recommended to conduct market research in advance, choose an appropriate business model, and use professional agency services to ensure a smooth and efficient process. In the future, Singapore will remain an important destination for investment in Asia and around the world. Seizing opportunities will give you a competitive edge.