Singapore Company Registration Guide

How to Successfully Register a Company in Singapore? Everything You Need to Know!

In recent years, with the continuous changes in the global business environment, more and more companies 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 destination for entrepreneurs and investors due to its stable environment, efficient services, and sound legal system. According to data released by Enterprise Singapore in 2025, as of June 2025, the number of foreign companies in Singapore increased by 8.3% year-on-year, showing strong attractiveness.

So, how should business owners or entrepreneurs register a company in Singapore? This article will provide a detailed explanation of the process, required documents, key considerations, and the latest policy updates to help you complete your company registration smoothly.

I. Understand the Types of Companies in Singapore

Before 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

1. Private Limited Company This is the most common type, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. It can have a maximum of 50 shareholders and cannot issue shares publicly.

2. Public Limited Company Suitable for large enterprises that can issue shares publicly, but with higher establishment requirements.

3. Branch Office A branch of a foreign company in Singapore, which must have a legitimate business operation in its home country.

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

Among these, the Private Limited Company is the most popular choice due to its simple establishment process, flexible management, and tax benefits.

II. Prepare Required Documents for Registration

Before submitting the registration application, the following basic documents need to be prepared

The company name must be approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA

Shareholder information, including name, nationality, ID number/passport number

Director information At least one director must be a Singapore resident

Registered address Can use a virtual office or a physical office address

Memorandum and Articles of Association

A company registration form Form C-1 must also be submitted, along with the corresponding registration fee.

III. Detailed Registration Process

1. Company Name Approval

First, submit the company name for approval through the ACRA website to ensure it is not taken and complies with regulations. If approved, proceed to the next step.

2. Submit the Registration Application

Use the online platform BizFile+ from ACRA to fill in the company registration details, upload relevant documents, and pay the registration fee. Currently, the registration fee for a private limited company is approximately 150 SGD about 750 RMB.

3. Wait for Approval

ACRA usually completes the review within 1-3 working days. Once approved, the company will receive a Certificate of Incorporation.

4. Open a Bank Account

After registration, it is recommended to open a company bank account as soon as possible. Common banks in Singapore include DBS, OCBC, and UOB.

5. Complete Other Necessary Procedures

Depending on the nature of the business, it may be necessary to apply for specific industry licenses, such as food operating permits, import and export licenses, etc.

IV. Latest Policies and Trends

In 2025, Singapore continues to promote policies to simplify the company registration process. For example, ACRA introduced a one-stop service for business registration, allowing companies to complete registration, bank account opening, and tax registration through a single platform. To attract more international talents, Singapore has also relaxed some requirements for the Employment Pass EP in certain professional fields, making it easier for companies to hire high-level talents.

Additionally, according to the 2025 Singapore Economic Policy Report, the government plans to further optimize the business environment over the next three years, including reducing corporate compliance costs and improving digital service levels. This undoubtedly brings more opportunities for companies looking to develop in Singapore.

V. Common Questions and Notes

Is it necessary to hire a local director?

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

Does the company need to file taxes after registration?

Yes, all companies registered in Singapore must file annual taxes and generally pay a corporate income tax rate of 17%.

Can a company be registered remotely?

Yes, many registration agents and lawyers offer remote registration services, but all documents must be genuine and valid.

Is it necessary to hire an accountant?

It is recommended to hire a professional accountant to handle financial and tax matters to ensure compliance.

VI. Conclusion

Registering a company in Singapore, although relatively simple, still requires careful planning and preparation. With Singapore continuously optimizing its business environment, it will become an even more attractive destination for more companies in the future. Whether you are a startup or a multinational corporation, as long as you fully understand the policies and plan reasonably, you can successfully operate your business in Singapore and achieve long-term growth.

If you are considering setting up a company in Singapore, it is advisable to take action early and seize this golden opportunity.