Singapore Company Registration Guide Step-by-Step to Complete Successfully!

How to Register a Company Successfully in Singapore? A Step-by-Step Guide!

In recent years, with the continuous changes in the global economic landscape, more and more entrepreneurs and businesses have turned their attention to the Southeast Asian market. As one of the most dynamic and open economies in Asia, Singapore has become a preferred location for business registration due to its stable political environment, sound legal system, and convenient business environment. According to data released by Enterprise Singapore in 2025, the number of new companies in Singapore increased by 8.3% in the second quarter of 2025, showing strong entrepreneurial momentum.

So, how should entrepreneurs register a company in Singapore? This article will guide you through the entire process from preparation to completion, helping you efficiently and smoothly establish your company.

Step 1 Determine the Company Type

Before officially registering a company, it is essential to clarify your business needs and choose the appropriate company type. The main types of companies in Singapore include

Private Limited Company This is the most common form of business, suitable for most small and medium-sized enterprises. It has a maximum of 20 shareholders, and liability is limited.

Public Limited Company Suitable for large companies, with no limit on the number of shareholders, but requires higher financial disclosure.

Branch Office A branch of a foreign company in Singapore, which does not have independent legal status.

Representative Office Used mainly for market research and business development, and cannot engage in profit-making activities directly.

For most start-ups and small and medium enterprises, the Private Limited Company is the most recommended option, as it offers low costs, flexible management, and limited liability.

Step 2 Prepare the Company Name

Choosing an appropriate company name is a key step in the registration process. You need to ensure that the chosen name is not already registered and complies with the regulations of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. You can check the availability of the name through ACRA's online system, BizFile+.

The company name usually needs to include Pte Ltd or Private Limited to indicate its legal status. At the same time, avoid using sensitive words or names that may cause confusion.

Step 3 Determine the Company Registered Address

A Singapore company must have a valid registered address. This address can be a physical office or a virtual office service. Many start-ups choose to use professional business centers or virtual office services to reduce costs and enhance their professional image.

It is important to note that the registered address must be located in Singapore and must be able to receive official documents and letters.

Step 4 Prepare Director and Shareholder Information

According to Singapore law, a private limited company must have at least one director and one shareholder, and the director and shareholder can be the same person. Directors must be natural persons aged 18 or older, and can be Singapore citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals.

The company also needs to appoint a secretary to handle daily administrative tasks. Although the law has been relaxed and allows companies to act as their own secretary, it is still recommended to hire a professional agency to provide secretarial services to ensure compliance.

Step 5 Submit the Registration Application

Once all necessary documents are prepared, you can submit the company registration application through ACRA's BizFile+ platform. The required documents include

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Identification documents of directors and shareholders

Proof of registered address

Confirmation of company name

After submitting the application, ACRA will complete the review within 1 working day. If everything goes smoothly, you will receive a confirmation email and can check the company registration status on the ACRA website.

Step 6 Open a Bank Account

After the company is registered, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Most major Singapore banks offer business account services, such as DBS, OCBC, and UOB. When opening a business account, you typically need to provide the following documents

Company registration certificate

Identification documents of directors and shareholders

Proof of registered address

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Some banks may also require a business plan or explanation of the business background.

Step 7 Apply for Tax Registration

To operate a business in Singapore, you also need to apply for tax registration. The company must apply for a Tax File Number TFN with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS and choose the applicable taxes based on the nature of the business, such as Goods and Services Tax GST.

The company must also file and pay taxes on time to comply with Singapore's tax regulations.

Step 8 Apply for Relevant Licenses and Qualifications

Depending on the industry, the company may need to apply for specific licenses or qualifications. For example, the food industry requires a food operating license, and import and export companies need customs registration. It is recommended to consult relevant departments or professional advisors in advance to ensure the legality and compliance of the business.

Summary

In summary, although registering a company in Singapore involves multiple steps, it can be completed smoothly by following the process step by step. In recent years, with Singapore continuously improving its business environment, company registration has become more efficient and convenient. According to a report by The Straits Times in July 2025, ACRA has launched several digital services to further simplify the company registration process, attracting more international companies to set up operations in Singapore.

For entrepreneurs looking to expand into the Southeast Asian market, Singapore is undoubtedly an ideal choice. As long as you are well-prepared and follow the proper procedures, you can easily start your entrepreneurial journey in Singapore.