Want to start a company in Singapore? Here's everything you need to know about registration requirements and procedures-seize global opportunities with ease!

Recently, a piece of news quietly spread through China’s startup circles a small tech company from China secured orders across multiple Southeast Asian markets within just three months-by setting up a subsidiary in Singapore. Even better, they qualified for local startup subsidies. This caught the attention of many entrepreneurs exploring overseas expansion. It turns out that registering a company in Singapore might just be the golden key to unlocking international markets.

Singapore, though small in size, is anything but insignificant economically. No longer seen merely as a tourist hotspot or financial hub, this island nation has become a top destination for global entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand abroad. Thanks to its political stability, efficient bureaucracy, low tax rates, and strategic location, it's increasingly attractive-especially now, as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP takes effect and Southeast Asia’s digital economy booms. More and more small and medium-sized enterprises are turning their eyes to this vibrant region.

So what does it actually take to register a company in Singapore? Is the process complicated? The truth is, once you understand the steps, it’s much smoother than most people expect.

First, the basic requirements aren’t strict. According to Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, any individual aged 18 or above-regardless of nationality-can serve as a shareholder or director. That means Chinese citizens can register a company remotely without even leaving home. One catch, though the company must have at least one resident director who’s a local Singaporean. But this isn’t a dealbreaker. Many compliance service providers offer nominee director services for a few hundred Singapore dollars per month-an affordable and straightforward solution.

Next, you’ll need a physical registered address in Singapore; PO boxes don’t count. While that sounds tricky, numerous virtual office providers offer fully compliant addresses along with mail-forwarding services-making it both easy and practical.

You’ll also need to appoint a company secretary, who must be a Singapore resident. Again, most third-party registration agencies include this in their packages, so founders don’t have to handle it themselves.

When it comes to capital, Singapore keeps things simple. You can start with as little as 1 Singapore dollar, and there’s no requirement for paid-up capital. You can increase funding anytime, with no verification needed-giving startups maximum flexibility in managing cash flow.

As for the registration process itself, it’s fast and transparent. Typically, it involves a few clear steps choosing a company name, preparing shareholder and director information, signing documents, and submitting the application. With all documents ready, registration usually takes just 1-3 working days, after which you’ll receive your unique entity number UEN. From there, you can apply for business licenses, open a corporate bank account, register for GST Goods and Services Tax, and begin operations.

Here’s another big plus Singapore is incredibly supportive of small businesses. New companies enjoy partial tax exemptions for their first three years-up to 100,000 SGD of taxable income is fully exempt, and the next 200,000 SGD is taxed at half rate. On top of that, the standard corporate tax rate is a flat 17%, meaning actual tax burdens are often far lower than in many other countries. Plus, Singapore has double taxation avoidance agreements with over 80 countries-huge news for anyone planning cross-border operations.

Another trend worth noting an increasing number of Chinese sellers, SaaS providers, and digital creators are using Singapore as a launchpad into Southeast Asia. Not only does the country boast excellent internet infrastructure and mature payment systems, but its English-speaking environment and clear legal framework significantly reduce communication and compliance costs. For example, a Shenzhen-based e-commerce team registered a Singapore entity last year and quickly gained access to major regional platforms. With localized operations, they rapidly expanded into Malaysia and Indonesia.

Of course, registering a company is only step one. Long-term success still depends on product strength and the ability to adapt locally. But let’s not downplay the advantages of having a well-structured, compliant Singapore entity-it builds trust with clients, makes fundraising easier, and even opens doors to work visas.

If you’re thinking about going global or expanding your business footprint, it’s worth taking a serious look at Singapore’s company setup policies. Unlike some offshore havens with shaky compliance reputations, or Western countries with complex procedures and high costs, Singapore strikes a perfect balance. It’s like a carefully built bridge-connecting you not just to Asia, but to global opportunities.

And the best part? Crossing that bridge is easier than you might think.