Easy Singapore Company Registration A Step-by-Step Guide to Kickstart Your Global Expansion

How to Easily Register a Company in Singapore A One-Stop Guide to Kickstart Your Global Journey

In today’s increasingly integrated global economy, more entrepreneurs and investors are looking overseas for broader development opportunities. Singapore, with its stable environment, efficient services, strategic location, and highly attractive tax policies, has become a top destination for entrepreneurs setting up overseas companies. So, how can you easily register a company in Singapore? This one-stop guide will walk you through the process and help you smoothly begin your global expansion.

1. Why Choose Singapore for Business?

As one of the world’s most competitive economies, Singapore boasts a robust financial system and an efficient business environment. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Doing Business Report, Singapore consistently ranks at the top globally in terms of business-friendliness. The country welcomes foreign investors with a transparent and straightforward company registration process and highly favorable tax policies.

For example, Singapore operates a single-tier tax system, meaning corporate profits are taxed only once at a maximum rate of 17%-significantly lower than in many developed countries. Additionally, Singapore has signed more than 80 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements DTAs with countries worldwide, offering substantial tax benefits for multinational businesses.

2. Basic Requirements for Registering a Singapore Company

Registering a company in Singapore is not complicated, but there are several basic requirements

1. At least one local director According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the company must have at least one director who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid Singapore residency status. This director can be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or a foreigner holding an Employment Pass EP or S-Pass.

2. Company secretary After registration, the company must appoint a qualified company secretary, typically provided by a professional service firm.

3. Paid-up capital There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement. The capital can be in any currency, and it’s common to start with at least 1 Singapore dollar.

4. Registered office address A local Singapore address must be provided as the company’s registered office.

5. Shareholders The company can have one or more shareholders, who can be individuals or corporate entities, with no nationality restrictions.

3. Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1 Choose a Company Name

Before official registration, submit a company name application via the ACRA website to ensure the name is available. Approval is usually granted within an hour.

Step 2 Prepare Registration Documents

Documents typically include

Passport copies of directors and shareholders

Proof of residential address

Business scope using the standard industry classification code

Proof of registered office address

Step 3 Submit the Registration Application

Use ACRA’s online filing system, BizFile+, to submit the application. The entire process can be completed online without the need to visit Singapore in person.

Step 4 Receive the Business Profile

Once approved, you can download the electronic Business Profile company registration certificate. The company is now officially incorporated.

Step 5 Open a Corporate Bank Account

It is recommended to open an account with a local bank such as DBS, OCBC, or UOB. Some banks offer remote account opening services.

Step 6 Apply for Licenses and Permits

If your company operates in a regulated industry e.g., food, education, finance, you must apply for relevant licenses from the appropriate authorities.

4. Tax and Compliance Management

After incorporation, Singapore companies must comply with the following

Annual filing Submit financial statements and an Annual Return to ACRA each year, along with tax filings.

Audit requirements Companies that are large or public must engage a registered auditor to perform an annual audit.

Corporate income tax filing All companies must file their tax returns with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS by November 30 each year.

5. Professional Services to Streamline the Process

Although the registration process is straightforward, first-time entrepreneurs may face challenges such as language barriers or incomplete documentation. Many entrepreneurs opt to use professional registration agencies, which typically offer the following services

Company name reservation

Provision of a local director

Assistance with document preparation

Bank account setup

Company secretary and annual compliance services

For instance, many local service providers now offer all-inclusive packages ranging from 300 to 1,000 Singapore dollars, significantly lowering the entry barrier.

6. Case Study How Chinese Companies Successfully Enter Singapore

According to a 2025 Lianhe Zaobao report, an increasing number of Chinese tech companies are choosing Singapore as their regional headquarters to expand into Southeast Asia. For example, a Chinese cross-border e-commerce company registered a subsidiary in Singapore through a professional agency in early 2025. The entire process was completed in just two weeks, and the company successfully opened a bank account. The company’s executive stated, The process was very smooth. The professional team saved us a lot of time and effort.

7. Conclusion

Registering a company in Singapore offers low barriers to entry, an efficient process, favorable tax policies, and convenient global operations. Whether you are a startup or an established business, setting up a branch in Singapore is a significant step toward globalization. With proper planning and the help of professional services, the registration process can be completed smoothly and effortlessly.

Seize the opportunity and take your first step toward internationalization-Singapore is ready to welcome you.