Singapore Company Registration Complete Guide Essential Startup Handbook

Singapore Company Registration A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs

In recent years, with the continuous changes in the global business environment, more and more companies have chosen to expand their operations into the Southeast Asian market. Among them, Singapore has become a preferred destination for entrepreneurs and businesses due to its stable economic environment, superior geographical location, and open business policies. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the basic procedures, required documents, cost structure, and tax system for registering a company in Singapore, helping you fully understand how to successfully register and operate a company in Singapore.

1. Basic Procedures for Registering a Company in Singapore

According to the regulations of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA of Singapore, registering a company usually involves the following steps

1. Company Name Approval First, you need to confirm through ACRA's company name search system whether the intended company name is already registered. If it is available, you can submit your application.

2. Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association MAA The MAA is the foundational document for establishing a company, which should clearly define the company's business scope, shareholder rights, and board structure.

3. Submit the Registration Application Apply through ACRA's online platform BizFile+ and pay the relevant fees. The standard registration fee is currently 150 SGD, approximately 750 RMB.

4. Obtain the Company Registration Certificate Once the application is approved, ACRA will issue a Company Incorporation Certificate, marking the official establishment of the company.

5. Open a Bank Account After registration, it is recommended to open a company bank account as soon as possible for subsequent financial management.

6. Apply for a Business License Depending on the type of business, you may need to apply for a specific business license from the Economic Development Board EDB of Singapore or relevant industry regulatory authorities.

2. Required Documents for Company Registration

The following documents are typically required during the registration process

Company name

Company address must be an actual office address

Identification documents of shareholders and directors, such as copies of passports

Proof of residence for directors, such as utility bills

Memorandum and Articles of Association MAA

Appointment letter for a company secretary, if the company is a private limited company

Singapore requires that every company has at least one local director, and the company secretary must be a Singapore resident.

3. Cost Structure Analysis

The costs involved in registering a company in Singapore mainly include the following parts

Registration fee Approximately 150 SGD

Company secretary service fee Generally between 500-1000 SGD per year

Accounting and tax filing service fee Varies by company size, ranging from 300-1000 SGD per month

Bank account opening fee Some banks offer free account opening services, but certain conditions must be met

Overall, the initial investment for setting up a small company is approximately 2000-5000 SGD, with the exact cost varying depending on the service provider.

4. Tax System and Preferential Policies

Singapore implements a low-tax policy, attracting a large number of foreign enterprises. Here are the main tax policies

Corporate Income Tax Currently 17%, but eligible small and medium-sized enterprises can enjoy tax relief. For example, the first 300,000 SGD of taxable profits are taxed at 17%, and the remaining portion is also taxed at 17%.

Goods and Services Tax GST The standard rate is 7%, but some industries such as healthcare, education, and finance may be exempt or subject to reduced rates.

Double Taxation Agreements Singapore has signed agreements with many countries to avoid double taxation, helping to reduce tax burdens on cross-border operations.

Singapore has also introduced a series of policies to encourage innovation and technological development, such as technology enterprise subsidy programs and startup incubation support plans, providing more convenience for entrepreneurs.

5. Recent News and Trends

According to a report by The Straits Times in May 2025, Singapore is accelerating the development of its digital economy and plans to invest 100 million SGD over the next five years to support cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and green technology. This policy direction has attracted a large number of tech startups to register companies in Singapore.

Meanwhile, according to data released by ACRA in the first quarter of 2025, as of the end of March, the number of new companies in Singapore increased by 8% year-on-year, with about 30% of them being established by foreign investors. This indicates that Singapore's appeal in the global business arena continues to grow.

In April 2025, Singapore announced that it would simplify the visa approval process for foreign talents, allowing more overseas professionals to work and live in Singapore long-term. This measure will further promote the development of multinational companies in Singapore.

6. Conclusion

As one of the most competitive business centers in the world, Singapore has become an ideal choice for more and more entrepreneurs, thanks to its stable legal system, efficient administrative efficiency, and open business environment. Whether in traditional industries or emerging technology sectors, Singapore provides a favorable ground for development.

For entrepreneurs who are considering registering a company in Singapore, understanding the registration process, familiarizing themselves with tax policies, and reasonably planning the company structure are essential. At the same time, keeping track of the latest policy developments and seizing market opportunities will lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the business.

If you are considering starting a business in Singapore, it is advisable to start preparing now and seize this opportunity-rich market.