Starting a Company in Singapore A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Documents and Navigating the Process

Singapore, a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia, stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for global founders. Whether you're launching a startup or an established business looking to expand overseas, Singapore offers a stable environment, efficient services, a transparent legal system, and a strategic location-making it an ideal place to set up a company. With the region’s digital economy rapidly accelerating, more and more Chinese entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises SMEs are now turning their attention here. So, what documents do you actually need to register a company in Singapore? And what does the process look like? Let’s break it down clearly.

First things first registering a company in Singapore isn’t complicated. The entire process is done online and typically takes just three days to receive your Certificate of Incorporation-if your paperwork is complete and accurate. Most people choose to register a private limited company Pte Ltd, as required by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, because it has independent legal status, limited liability for shareholders, and is well-suited for fundraising and tax planning.

Step 1 Finalize Key Company Details

Before submitting your application, you’ll need to lock in several key elements. Start with the company name. It must be unique-not identical or too similar to existing names-and can’t include restricted terms like “bank” or “insurance,” which require special approval. You can check availability for free on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days, giving you plenty of time to move forward.

Next comes corporate structure. A Singapore company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore-meaning they’re at least 18 years old, not bankrupt, and have no criminal record. Many foreign founders don’t have local contacts, so they opt for a nominee director service offered by compliance providers. Just remember this person fulfills only the legal requirement; operational control remains fully yours.

You’ll also need to appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation, and this role must be filled by a licensed corporate service firm-individuals can’t serve unless they’re qualified professionals. The secretary ensures compliance, such as filing annual returns and updating shareholder information.

Lastly, you need a physical local address in Singapore for registration purposes-no PO boxes or virtual offices allowed. That said, many co-working spaces and business centers offer affordable registered office services that work perfectly for startups.

Step 2 Prepare Required Documents

Even though everything is handled online, document preparation is crucial. You’ll need valid ID documents-like passport copies-for every shareholder and director. If a shareholder is a corporate entity, you must provide its certificate of incorporation and articles of association. Any non-English documents must be officially translated and notarized.

Additionally, proof of residential address-such as utility bills or bank statements-for each director and shareholder is required, and these should generally be dated within the last three months. For those not residing in Singapore, immigration documents like visas or entry passes may also be needed.

When it comes to paid-up capital, Singapore uses a “paid-up” system with no minimum requirement-it can be as low as S$1. There's no need to deposit the amount upfront; contributions can come in the form of cash, assets, or even services rendered. Most startups set their capital between S$10,000 and S$50,000-a figure that signals credibility without triggering additional tax liabilities.

Step 3 Submit Application Wait for Approval

Once all materials are ready, you can submit your application through an ACRA-authorized filing agent or directly via the BizFile+ platform. Most foreign investors prefer working with local compliance agencies-they know the ropes and help avoid rejections due to formatting errors or missing info.

After submission, processing usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours. Upon approval, you’ll receive an electronic Certificate of Incorporation, essentially your company’s “birth certificate.” At the same time, ACRA will assign your business a unique Unique Entity Number UEN-a vital identifier for taxes, banking, contracts, and official communications.

Step 4 Don’t Skip Post-Registration Steps

Company registration is just the beginning. Your next step is opening a local corporate bank account. Major banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB have improved remote onboarding options-some even allow directors to complete video interviews without traveling. But scrutiny remains high; banks want clarity on your business model, funding sources, and ultimate beneficial owners.

Within six months of incorporation, you must register for Goods and Services Tax GST with IRAS if your projected annual revenue exceeds S$1 million. Even if it doesn’t, voluntary GST registration can boost credibility and make collaboration with local partners smoother.

It’s worth noting that Singapore continues to refine its business climate. By late 2025, a new “Green Lane” pilot program will offer faster approvals and enhanced tax support for qualifying tech startups. At the same time, regulators are tightening oversight of corporate service providers to curb misleading promises and hidden fees-better protecting international investors.

Setting up a company in Singapore is straightforward and fast-the real challenge lies in careful planning and attention to detail. As long as you partner wisely, prepare thoroughly, and understand each step, whether you're building an e-commerce brand, establishing a regional HQ, or developing technology, your venture can take root and thrive here. For any entrepreneur aiming to go global, this is a step worth getting right.