Guide to Business Registration in Singapore How to Successfully Launch Your Company into the Global Market?

How to Easily Bring Your Business to the Global Stage Insights from Singapore’s Business Registration Authority

In the context of global economic integration, an increasing number of companies are seeking international expansion. Singapore, with its highly open economy, robust legal system, and favorable tax policies, has become a preferred gateway for businesses going global. According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, new business registrations in Singapore grew by more than 12% year-on-year in 2025, with nearly 30% of these coming from overseas investors. This trend indicates that Singapore is not only a business hub in Southeast Asia but also a critical node connecting global markets.

1. Why Singapore Has Become the Top Choice for Going Global

Singapore offers a transparent and efficient business environment, political stability, a well-developed financial system, and a multicultural backdrop, making it an ideal starting point for companies expanding internationally. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Doing Business Report, Singapore continues to rank among the top globally in key indicators such as starting a business, obtaining construction permits, and getting electricity. Its efficient business registration process allows companies to complete registration and begin operations in the shortest possible time, significantly lowering the barriers to entering international markets.

Singapore has introduced a series of policies to encourage innovation and international development, such as tax incentives, RD grants, and talent attraction programs, providing strong support for businesses at different stages. Particularly for startups, Singapore offers the Startup Tax Exemption SUTE scheme, under which newly incorporated companies can enjoy tax exemption on the first SGD 125,000 of taxable income during their first three years.

2. Understanding the Business Registration Process in Singapore

Business registration in Singapore is primarily overseen and approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. ACRA is a highly digitized agency, and its online platform, BizFile+, allows the entire registration process to be completed online without the need for in-person attendance.

2.1 Choosing the Right Business Structure

Before registration, entrepreneurs need to choose a suitable corporate structure based on their business nature and future direction. Common structures include private limited companies Pte. Ltd., branches, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. Among these, private limited companies are the most popular due to their separate legal entity status, limited liability for shareholders, and greater credibility with international investors.

2.2 Company Name Approval

Before formal registration, applicants must submit a proposed company name to ACRA for approval. The review is typically completed within minutes. If the name is available and complies with regulations, it will be approved.

2.3 Submitting Registration Documents

After name approval, documents such as the company’s constitution, shareholder and director information, registered address, and appointment of a company secretary must be submitted. Singapore requires at least one local director, so many foreign investors opt to hire local registration agents or company secretarial services.

2.4 Opening a Bank Account and Tax Registration

After incorporation, companies must open a bank account in Singapore and apply for a Unique Entity Number UEN and complete tax registration with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS. Singapore operates a single-tier tax system, with a corporate income tax rate of 17%, and the first SGD 100,000 of taxable income enjoys tax exemption.

3. Leveraging Singapore as a Platform to Expand Globally

Beyond being an ideal registration location, Singapore serves as a vital bridge for companies aiming to enter global markets. It has signed Free Trade Agreements FTAs and investment protection agreements with numerous countries and regions, offering advantages in cross-border trade, investment, and intellectual property protection.

Take tech companies as an example. Many Chinese startups choose to establish regional headquarters in Singapore and then expand into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe. According to data from the Infocomm Media Development Authority IMDA, more than 200 tech companies set up operations in Singapore in the first quarter of 2025, many of them from China, India, and North America.

Singapore’s financial system is highly open, making it easy for companies to access international financing. The Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS has actively promoted fintech development in recent years, attracting numerous international venture capital funds and incubators, offering startups abundant funding and resources.

4. Professional Services Facilitate Smooth Market Entry

Although the registration process in Singapore is relatively straightforward, unfamiliarity with local laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements can still pose challenges for first-time entrants. More and more companies are choosing to seek assistance from professional service providers such as registration agents, accounting firms, and legal consultancies. These firms not only assist with the registration process but also offer comprehensive support including company secretary services, annual reporting, tax planning, and compliance management.

For example, well-known accounting firms in Singapore such as BDO and RSM offer one-stop business registration and compliance management packages to help foreign companies quickly establish a local presence.

5. Case Study How a Chinese Cross-Border E-commerce Platform Expanded via Singapore

A Chinese cross-border e-commerce platform decided to expand into the Southeast Asian market in 2025 and chose Singapore as its regional headquarters. By incorporating in Singapore, the company gained access to a local bank account and international payment channels, and used Singapore as a hub for the ASEAN market to successfully expand into Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

The company’s executive shared The incorporation process in Singapore was very smooth, taking less than two weeks from submission to completion. More importantly, through Singapore’s financial services platform, we secured investments from Southeast Asia and Europe, laying a solid foundation for our future international strategy.

Conclusion

Driven by globalization and digitalization, Singapore is emerging as an ideal starting point for companies looking to enter the global market, thanks to its efficient business registration system, open market environment, and strong financial support. Whether startups or established enterprises, by leveraging Singapore’s policy advantages and professional resources, businesses can seamlessly bring their operations to the global stage and unlock broader growth opportunities.