Want to Start a Co. in Singapore? Read This First!

In Southeast Asia’s bustling startup landscape, Singapore stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for global entrepreneurs. Whether you're a small business owner from China, a freelancer, or a tech company scouting opportunities overseas, more and more people are turning their eyes to this city-state. It's not just because of its safety and excellent transportation-what really makes a difference is how easy it is to do business here. With a straightforward company registration process, attractive tax incentives, and a transparent business environment, Singapore truly makes entrepreneurship accessible.

Recently, Lianhe Zaobao reported that in 2025, the number of newly registered businesses in Singapore hit a record high-over 40,000 new companies were set up throughout the year, many coming from China, India, Europe, and the U.S. This surge reflects strong international confidence in Singapore’s stable economy. Especially amid growing global economic uncertainty, Singapore has maintained steady growth, making it a safe haven for many entrepreneurs.

So, how exactly can you set up a company in Singapore with ease? The truth is, it’s much simpler than most people think.

First, get clear on your business goals. Are you planning to start a trading company, a consultancy, or a tech startup? Your business type will influence some details later, but no matter what, Singapore offers flexible corporate structures to suit different needs. The most common choice is the Private Limited Company Pte Ltd. This structure limits liability, boosts credibility, and makes it easier to secure bank loans or attract investors.

Next, gather the basic requirements. You’ll need at least one local resident as a director-but this doesn’t mean you have to live in Singapore yourself. Many entrepreneurs solve this by hiring compliance service providers who offer nominee director or corporate secretary services, ensuring full adherence to local laws. You also need at least one shareholder, which can be an individual or another company, with no nationality restrictions. As for capital, the minimum required is just 1 Singapore dollar-and it doesn’t need to be fully paid up. This keeps the entry barrier low and welcoming for startups.

The registration process is handled entirely online through ACRA-the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. If you have an electronic signature like SingPass or CorpPass, you can complete everything remotely. Just submit your company name, constitution, and director/shareholder details. In most cases, approval comes within an hour. Yes, you read that right-an hour! Compared to weeks-long waits in other countries, this level of efficiency is nothing short of impressive.

In recent years, Singapore has doubled down on digital transformation. By late 2025, a new one-stop enterprise portal was launched, integrating services like tax registration, employment reporting, and license applications. Entrepreneurs can now handle nearly all setup and operational tasks on a single platform. This less paperwork, faster results mindset is exactly why so many foreign investors choose Singapore.

Of course, registering a company is just the beginning. What helps businesses grow roots are the ongoing support policies. Singapore offers generous tax breaks-for example, newly incorporated companies enjoy partial income tax exemption for their first three years. Eligible firms can also apply for grants or innovation funding. Plus, Singapore has double taxation avoidance agreements with dozens of countries, a major advantage for businesses operating across borders.

You might wonder what if I don’t speak the language? No worries. English is an official language, and all legal documents and procedures are conducted in English, making communication smooth for international users. And since over 70% of the population is ethnically Chinese, many service providers also offer Mandarin support. From registration to accounting and tax filing, you can easily find professionals who speak your language.

Another common concern office space. Today, co-working spaces are everywhere in Singapore. Brands like WeWork and JustCo have locations across the central area, where you can rent a professional office address for just a few thousand RMB per month. These spaces often include meeting rooms, reception services, and high-speed internet-perfect for early-stage founders who want to keep fixed costs low.

That said, successfully registering a company doesn’t guarantee instant profits. Success still depends on leveraging your strengths and finding the right market fit. In recent years, many Chinese entrepreneurs have chosen to establish regional headquarters in Singapore before expanding into neighboring markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. With Singapore’s mature financial system and logistics network, cross-border operations become surprisingly seamless.

Take a friend of mine from Shenzhen who runs an e-commerce business. Last year, he registered a company in Singapore and leveraged local warehousing and payment solutions. Within six months, his sales doubled.

In short, setting up a company in Singapore isn’t some distant dream reserved for big players. With proper preparation and the right support, anyone can quickly launch an international business. Far from being complicated, the whole process is designed to be transparent and efficient-making Singapore the ideal first stop for aspiring global entrepreneurs.

If you’re thinking about expanding overseas, or simply want to future-proof your career, it’s worth taking a closer look at Singapore. Sometimes, a simple step like company registration can open the door to a much bigger world. After all, in today’s interconnected era, opportunity belongs to those brave enough to take the first leap.