Setting Up a Company in Singapore New Opportunities for Mainland Entrepreneurs!

Registering a Company in Singapore A New Frontier for Mainland Entrepreneurs!

In recent years, as the global economic landscape continues to evolve and domestic market competition in China intensifies, more and more mainland entrepreneurs are turning their attention to overseas markets. Singapore, a financial hub located at the heart of Southeast Asia, is increasingly becoming one of the top destinations for mainland entrepreneurs seeking international expansion. With its stable political and economic environment, efficient business services, and cultural affinity with China, Singapore offers an ideal platform for mainland entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses overseas.

Why Singapore Has Become a New Frontier for Mainland Entrepreneurs

First and foremost, Singapore boasts one of the world’s best business environments. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Doing Business Report, Singapore has consistently ranked among the top countries globally for ease of doing business. Its regulatory framework is efficient and transparent, and the company registration process is straightforward-often completed within 1-3 days. Additionally, Singapore maintains a low corporate tax rate, with a maximum of 17%. Companies also enjoy tax exemption on the first 100,000 Singapore dollars of taxable income, making it particularly attractive for startups.

Secondly, as a global financial center and trade hub, Singapore offers strong regional connectivity. It serves not only as a gateway to Southeast Asia but also as a bridge between East and West. For mainland companies looking to expand into Southeast Asia, Singapore is an ideal launchpad. Establishing a presence in Singapore enables businesses to access ASEAN markets more easily and manage overseas assets and operations more effectively.

Moreover, the language and cultural environment in Singapore are relatively welcoming for mainland entrepreneurs. Ethnic Chinese make up more than 74% of the population, and Mandarin is widely spoken in daily life. This significantly reduces language and cultural barriers. Singapore also offers a safe living environment, convenient lifestyle, and high-quality education and healthcare systems-providing entrepreneurs and their families with a stable and secure foundation.

Recent Trends Accelerated Mainland Investment in Singapore

Since 2025, mainland companies have shown growing interest in the Singapore market. According to the latest data from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the number of new companies registered by Chinese investors in the first half of 2025 increased by more than 25% year-on-year. Particularly in the tech, cross-border e-commerce, and fintech sectors, mainland capital has become increasingly active. For instance, several electronics and tech firms from Shenzhen and Guangzhou have chosen Singapore as the location for their regional headquarters to better serve the broader Southeast Asian market. Meanwhile, some mainland education-tech firms have leveraged Singapore’s multicultural environment and English-language advantage as a stepping stone into international education markets.

Notably, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative continues to gain momentum, Singapore-strategically positioned along the Maritime Silk Road-is playing an increasingly important role. Many mainland companies are using Singapore as a platform to build stronger trade and investment ties with Belt and Road partner countries.

Key Procedures and Considerations for Registering a Singapore Company

For mainland entrepreneurs, registering a company in Singapore is not overly complicated, but certain key procedures and requirements must be understood. First, selecting the appropriate company structure is essential. The most common is a Private Limited Company, which has separate legal status, limited liability for shareholders, and suits most startups.

Second, there are basic registration requirements. At least one local director is required-this can be fulfilled by hiring a professional service provider. The minimum paid-up capital is just one Singapore dollar, with no upper limit. A registered office address and a company secretary-responsible for compliance-are also required.

Third, the registration process is fast and efficient. Entrepreneurs can complete the entire process online through professional service providers, including company registration, bank account opening, and applying for work visas such as the EntrePass. The entire process typically takes about a week.

Finally, entrepreneurs should also pay attention to tax compliance and local operations. Singapore follows a territorial tax system, meaning only income sourced in Singapore is taxed. Companies must submit annual financial statements and tax filings on time, while also complying with local labor laws and business regulations.

Success Story An Entrepreneur’s Leap from Shenzhen to Singapore

Ms. Li, a Shenzhen-based entrepreneur, is one of many riding the wave of Singapore’s startup boom. In late 2025, she registered an e-commerce solutions company in Singapore, specializing in digital marketing services for small and medium-sized enterprises across Southeast Asia.

We initially considered other Southeast Asian countries, but ultimately chose Singapore because of its mature legal system, advanced financial infrastructure, and the ease of finding local talent who understand both Mandarin and the Chinese market, Ms. Li explained in an interview.

Within six months of launching, her company successfully secured investment from a Southeast Asian venture capital firm and established partnerships with several local businesses in Indonesia and Malaysia. Ms. Li believes that Singapore not only provided a solid foundation for her company’s initial growth but also laid the groundwork for future expansion across Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

Singapore is emerging as a new frontier for increasing numbers of mainland entrepreneurs seeking to realize their global ambitions. It offers a mature business ecosystem, a strategic geographic location, and an open, inclusive environment that welcomes global capital. For mainland companies aiming to expand overseas, registering a company in Singapore represents not only the first step in global expansion but also the beginning of a journey toward broader business opportunities.