How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Singapore? Find Out Here!

How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Singapore? You’ll Understand After Reading This

In recent years, with the deepening of global economic integration, more and more entrepreneurs and investors have turned their eyes overseas, seeking more competitive business environments. As one of the world’s most attractive business hubs, Singapore has attracted a large amount of international capital and entrepreneurs with its efficient services, stable legal environment, and strategic geographical location. For Chinese companies looking to expand into the Asian market, Singapore has become one of the top choices for setting up overseas operations.

So, how long does it really take to register a company in Singapore? This question may seem simple on the surface, but the answer involves multiple steps and factors. This article will walk you through the actual registration process, recent news, and key considerations to help you complete the process efficiently.

1. Basic Steps for Registering a Company in Singapore

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, registering a private limited company Private Limited Company in Singapore typically includes the following steps

1. Company Name Approval

First, you must submit a proposed company name to ACRA. If the name is available and complies with regulations, it can usually be approved within 1 hour. However, names containing sensitive words like bank or finance may require additional review.

2. Preparing Registration Documents

This includes identity proof for shareholders and directors, the company’s registered address, articles of association, and business scope. These documents are usually prepared by a registration agent, and the time required depends on how complete the materials are.

3. Submitting the Registration Application

The application is submitted online through ACRA’s BizFile+ system. If all documents are in order, the registration can be completed in 15 minutes to 1 hour, and the company will receive its Unique Entity Number UEN.

4. Opening a Corporate Bank Account

After registration, you need to open a bank account in Singapore. This usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the bank’s review process and the applicant’s cooperation.

5. Applying for Licenses or Visas if needed

If the company operates in certain industries like food beverage, education, or healthcare, additional licenses may be required. If the founder plans to live and work in Singapore long-term, they may also need to apply for an Employment Pass EP or self-employed visa.

2. Key Factors Affecting Registration Time

While it’s technically possible to complete a company registration within a few hours, the actual timeline is often influenced by several factors

Completeness of Documents

Missing documents like identity proof or address verification can delay the process.

Use of a Professional Agent

Many entrepreneurs choose to work with a professional registration agent or accounting firm, which can speed up the process and reduce errors.

Industry-Specific Requirements

Certain sectors, such as education, may require additional approvals from authorities like the Committee for Private Education CPE, which can extend the timeline.

Bank Account Opening Time

While the company registration itself is fast, opening a bank account-especially for international clients-can take significantly longer.

According to 2025 feedback from local Singapore registration agencies, the average time from name approval to official registration is about 1-3 working days. Including bank account setup and license applications, the full process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

3. Recent News Singapore Continues to Improve Its Business Environment

According to a 2025 report from Enterprise Singapore, the country continues to streamline its business registration process with new digital reforms. For example, ACRA has fully digitized the registration system, allowing entrepreneurs to complete most steps from a phone or computer without visiting an office.

To attract more foreign businesses, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS is also simplifying the registration process for fintech companies. In Q1 2025, MAS partnered with several banks to launch an all-in-one corporate banking platform, helping newly registered companies open accounts faster.

These policy changes have further shortened the overall registration time and boosted Singapore’s global business competitiveness ranking.

4. Real-Life Case Study

Take Mr. Zhang from Guangdong, China, as an example. In 2025, he planned to set up an e-commerce company in Singapore targeting Southeast Asia. With the help of a professional agent, he completed the company name approval and registration in just two days. Opening a bank account took about 10 days, and the entire process was completed smoothly within three weeks.

Mr. Zhang said in an interview I originally thought setting up an overseas company would be complicated, but I was surprised by how efficient Singapore’s process was-especially the online submission and approval system, which saved a lot of time and effort.

5. Tips to Speed Up the Registration Process

If you’re planning to register a company in Singapore, here are some suggestions to help you move faster

1. Prepare All Documents in Advance

This includes passport copies, address proof, shareholder information, etc.

2. Choose a Reliable Registration Agent

They know the process well and can help avoid common pitfalls.

3. Use Electronic Services First

Platforms like ACRA’s BizFile+ save time and eliminate the need for in-person visits.

4. Understand Industry Requirements Early

Knowing what licenses or approvals you need in advance can prevent delays.

5. Start the Bank Account Process Early

Some banks require appointments, so early communication can save time.

Conclusion

Registering a company in Singapore isn’t complicated. With proper preparation and the right support, the core registration process can be completed in as little as 24 hours. Combined with Singapore’s ongoing digital reforms, the entire process is becoming increasingly efficient and user-friendly.

For entrepreneurs looking to expand overseas, understanding these timelines and procedures will help you better plan your business or investment strategy.