How to Start a Company in Singapore? A Step-by-Step Guide to Registration Requirements and Process!

Singapore, a small but dynamic city-state, stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for investment in Southeast Asia’s vibrant startup scene. Whether Chinese entrepreneurs are testing the waters overseas or multinational corporations are setting up regional headquarters, this compact yet powerful nation consistently wins favor with its efficient services, stable legal environment, and highly attractive tax policies. Recently, as global supply chains shift and regional economic cooperation deepens, an increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs have begun turning their attention to Singapore. So how exactly do you set up a company here? Is the process complicated? What requirements must be met? Let’s break it down.

Here’s a recent example earlier this year, a tech startup from Shenzhen announced the official launch of its subsidiary in Singapore, focusing on AI solutions tailored for the Southeast Asian market. The entire registration process took less than a week, and operations kicked off almost immediately-thanks largely to Singapore’s transparent and efficient business registration system.

Step 1 Choose the Right Company Structure

The most common type of business entity in Singapore is the Private Limited Company, often referred to as Pte Ltd. This structure offers limited liability, strong credibility, and is well-suited for fundraising and attracting foreign investment-making it the top choice for most international entrepreneurs.

To register such a company, there are several key requirements

- At least one local director The company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. If you're not based locally, you can hire a qualified Singapore citizen or permanent resident for this role. Some professional service providers even offer nominee director services, though compliance should always be carefully considered.

- A company secretary By law, every company must appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation. This person must be a resident of Singapore. Most startups rely on licensed corporate service firms to fulfill this requirement.

- Flexible paid-up capital There's no minimum capital requirement-you could technically start with just 1 Singapore dollar. In practice, however, most companies set between 10,000 and 100,000 SGD depending on their business needs.

- Registered office address You need a real physical address in Singapore-not a P.O. box or virtual mailbox. Many startups opt for co-working spaces that provide legitimate addresses while keeping costs low.

Step 2 Pick and Reserve Your Company Name

Your company name is your brand’s first impression, so choose wisely. You can submit a name application online through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA website. The system automatically checks for duplicates or prohibited terms. Names containing words like “bank” or “insurance” may require additional approval.

Once approved, your name reservation is valid for 60 days-plenty of time to complete registration. If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to reapply.

Step 3 Prepare Documents and File the Registration

With your name secured, it’s time to file the formal registration. The required documents are straightforward

- Copies of shareholders’ and directors’ passports

- Proof of residential addresses for directors and shareholders

- Company constitution Memorandum Articles of Association

- Registered office address details

All submissions are made electronically via ACRA’s BizFile+ platform-no need to visit any office in person. Typically, you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation within one to three working days, which is impressively fast.

In recent years, ACRA has further streamlined the process by introducing a “Fast Lane” option, allowing eligible businesses to complete registration in minutes. For entrepreneurs eager to hit the ground running, this is nothing short of a game-changer.

Step 4 Handle Post-Incorporation Tasks

Registering your company is just the beginning. A few critical steps follow

- Open a corporate bank account Major banks in Singapore-like DBS, OCBC, and UOB-support remote account opening, although some still require at least one director to appear in person. That said, digital banking advancements are paving the way for fully online processes.

- Obtain licenses or permits If your business operates in regulated sectors like education, finance, or food services, you’ll need specific approvals from relevant authorities.

- Complete tax registration Singapore follows a territorial taxation system, meaning only income earned locally is taxed. New companies enjoy generous tax incentives, including full exemption on the first 100,000 SGD of taxable income for the first three years-a huge advantage for early-stage ventures.

Don’t forget to file your Annual Return and hold annual general meetings on schedule. Staying compliant keeps your business in good standing.

Why So Many Entrepreneurs Choose Singapore

Beyond the ease of setup, Singapore’s overall business climate adds significant value. It has long ranked among the world’s easiest places to do business in the World Bank’s reports. Add in its bilingual workforce, strategic location, robust intellectual property protection, and pro-innovation policies-and it’s no surprise that even many Western companies base their Asia-Pacific operations here.

There’s more good news Singapore is now streamlining visa procedures for foreign entrepreneurs and rolling out new subsidy programs aimed at supporting innovation-driven startups. These moves are set to make the ecosystem even more vibrant.

Setting up a company in Singapore isn’t nearly as daunting as it might seem. As long as you understand the steps and work with reliable service providers, you could have a globally recognized legal entity up and running in just a few days. For anyone looking to expand beyond domestic markets, this might just be the first step toward a much bigger stage.