How to Register a Singapore Company as a Hangzhou Resident: A Step-by-Step Guide + How to Look Up a Singapore Company Registration Number

Friends in Hangzhou who wish to register a company in Singapore will find the process clearer and more actionable than they might expect. There is no need to travel to Singapore in person or reside there long-term-provided all required documents are complete and procedures followed correctly, the entire process can be efficiently completed remotely.

Core Requirements for Singapore Company Registration

Singapore permits foreign individuals and enterprises to register companies, but three fundamental conditions must be met: First, the company must have at least one shareholder, with no restrictions on nationality or place of residence. Second, it must appoint at least one local resident director-a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or foreigner holding a valid Employment Pass. Third, a licensed local registered filing agent must be engaged to submit the application and complete statutory filings on behalf of the company.

Documents Required from Applicants in Hangzhou

1. Valid identification documents (e.g., scanned copy of passport bio-page) for all shareholders and directors

2. Proof of residential address for each shareholder and director (issued within the last three months-utility bills or bank statements are acceptable)

3. Proposed company name(s) (we recommend preparing two to three alternatives to avoid duplication or restricted terms)

4. Description of business activities (must specify industry subcategories; vague terms such as “trading” or “consulting” are not acceptable)

5. Registered office address (provided by the registered filing agent; a physical office is not required)

6. Shareholding structure (clearly stating each shareholder’s equity percentage and contribution method)

Step-by-Step Standard Registration Process

1. Name Reservation: Submit the proposed company name to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA); results are typically available within one hour.

2. Formal Registration: Once the name is approved, the registered filing agent submits the ACRA incorporation forms online-including the company constitution and directors’ declarations.

3. Review and Approval: ACRA’s system automatically verifies key information; if no discrepancies are found, a Unique Entity Number (UEN) is issued immediately. The entire process usually takes about one business day.

4. Electronic Certificate Issuance: Upon successful registration, ACRA issues an electronic Certificate of Incorporation, which can be downloaded instantly.

5. Bank Account Opening: Using the Certificate of Incorporation, directors’ identification documents, and other supporting materials, schedule a bank account opening appointment with a local Singapore bank.

6. Post-Incorporation Compliance: Appoint a qualified company secretary, file tax returns, and submit annual returns-statutory obligations that commence immediately after incorporation.

How to Look Up a Singapore Company’s UEN

All legally registered companies in Singapore are assigned a unique, lifelong Enterprise Number (UEN), publicly accessible and permanently unchanged.

1. Visit the official BizFile+ portal-the Singapore government’s one-stop business filing platform

2. Enter the full company name-or partial keywords-in the search bar

3. Click on the desired company name from the results list

4. On the detailed company profile page, the UEN appears prominently at the top

5. You may also view real-time company status (e.g., “Active,” “Dormant,” or “Struck Off”), registration date, registered address, and names of current directors

Practical Considerations for Applicants from Hangzhou

1. The registered filing agent must hold a valid license issued by ACRA.

2. The proposed company name must not duplicate any existing entity’s name and must avoid restricted words (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” etc.).

3. All directors must be at least 18 years old and have no history of bankruptcy or criminal conviction.

4. The registered office address must be a verifiable physical address located in Singapore-not a P.O. Box.

5. A qualified company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation-and the secretary cannot be the sole director.

The above outlines the primary pathway and critical milestones for applicants from Hangzhou seeking to register a company in Singapore and verify its UEN. Should you have further questions-or wish to explore details tailored to your specific business model and long-term strategy-we recommend carefully selecting a service provider with proven hands-on experience, and proactively organizing shareholder background information and business objectives before initiating the process.