Easily Register a Company in Singapore to Help Shanghai Enterprises Expand Internationally

How to Easily Register a Singapore Company in Shanghai and Start a New Chapter of International Business

In today's increasingly globalized world, more and more Chinese companies are choosing to expand overseas. As one of Asia’s most competitive business hubs, Singapore has become the top destination for companies seeking international growth. Thanks to its strategic location, stable environment, efficient financial services, and strong trade ties with China, Singapore offers an ideal gateway to global markets. For entrepreneurs and business owners in Shanghai, the question now is how can one register a Singaporean company without leaving the city, and use it as a springboard for international expansion?

1. Why Choose Singapore?

Singapore is not only one of the world’s freest economies but also a key trade hub between China, ASEAN, Europe, and the U.S. According to the 2025 Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum, Singapore ranks among the top globally in infrastructure, efficiency, and financial market maturity.

The country maintains an open policy toward foreign investment, and its tax regime is highly attractive the corporate income tax cap is 17%, with the first SGD 500,000 of annual profits either tax-exempt or taxed at a reduced rate. This tax advantage makes Singapore especially appealing to startups and companies planning overseas expansion.

For entrepreneurs in Shanghai, registering a company in Singapore means not only benefiting from low taxes and a streamlined regulatory system, but also gaining access to Southeast Asia and beyond through Singapore’s strategic position along the Belt and Road Initiative.

2. Overview of the Process for Registering a Singapore Company from Shanghai

Despite being registered in Singapore, the entire process can be completed remotely from Shanghai thanks to digital tools and professional services. Here is a general outline of the steps involved

1. Determine Company Type and Structure

The most common type of company in Singapore is the Private Limited Company Pte Ltd, which has a separate legal identity and offers limited liability to shareholders. Choosing the right structure depends on the business nature and long-term goals.

2. Company Name Approval

Submit a company name application via the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA online system to ensure the name is available and complies with local regulations.

3. Prepare Registration Documents

Required documents typically include a Singapore-based registered address, at least one resident director aged 18 or above, which can be provided by a professional agent, shareholder information, and a company constitution. Chinese investors usually need to provide passport scans, business plans, and proof of fund sources.

4. Engage a Professional Service Provider

Due to local legal and procedural requirements, it is recommended to work with a registration agent, law firm, or business services company. These firms often offer one-stop services including company incorporation, bank account opening, and secretary services, significantly simplifying the process.

5. Open a Corporate Bank Account in Singapore

After registration, a company bank account can be opened in Singapore. Some banks offer remote account opening via video conferencing and document submission.

6. Ongoing Compliance and Maintenance

This includes annual financial audits, tax filings, and annual returns. As long as businesses work with professional accounting or secretary service providers, these requirements can be easily managed.

3. Leveraging Local Resources in Shanghai

Although the registration process is based in Singapore, Shanghai, as China’s most international city, is home to numerous professional service firms with expertise in international business.

In recent years, as part of China’s Going Global strategy, many local firms specializing in overseas company registration and cross-border financial services have emerged in Shanghai. These firms not only understand Singapore’s legal and business environment, but also offer multilingual and multi-time zone communication support to streamline the registration process.

Moreover, the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and Lingang New Area offer favorable policies for cross-border enterprises. Some service providers in these zones offer one-stop overseas registration services and can even help connect clients with Singaporean banks and law firms, significantly reducing processing time.

4. Recent Policy and Market Developments Supporting Overseas Expansion

In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and Singapore continues to deepen. According to data released by Enterprise Singapore, Chinese investment into Singapore grew by more than 20% year-on-year in 2025, with technology, finance, and green energy emerging as key sectors.

At the same time, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS is actively promoting digital banking and fintech innovation, offering SMEs more flexible fund management and cross-border payment solutions.

Notably, Singapore launched an upgraded version of its Global Trader Programme GTP in 2025, aimed at attracting more international companies. The program offers qualified trading companies up to 10 years of tax incentives, further enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a global business hub.

5. Conclusion

For entrepreneurs in Shanghai, registering a Singaporean company is no longer a distant dream. With the support of professional service providers, efficient digital tools, and increasingly close economic ties between China and Singapore, the entire registration process can be completed smoothly and efficiently.

Whether the goal is tax optimization, brand enhancement, or market entry into Southeast Asia, Singapore remains a trusted and strategic choice. Now is the ideal time to seize the opportunity and embark on a new chapter of international business.