How to Register a Company in Singapore – 2025 Full Guide

Starting a business in Singapore can be a streamlined and efficient process, thanks to the city-state’s pro-business policies, tax incentives, and robust regulatory framework. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, understanding the key steps to register a company in Singapore will set you on the path to success.

This guide covers everything from choosing the right business structure to navigating Singapore’s company registration process in 2025.

Before Registering a Business in Singapore

Choosing the appropriate business structure is the first and most critical decision in the company registration process. The business structure you select will determine your company’s legal standing, tax obligations, and operational flexibility. Here are the common structures:

1. Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
   A Private Limited Company, or Pte Ltd, is the most common and preferred structure in Singapore due to its scalability and limited liability. It can have up to 50 shareholders and offers access to government grants and tax incentives. Shareholders can be individuals, companies, or a combination of both. This structure is ideal for startups aiming for growth.Did you know? In 2023, 72% of newly incorporated businesses in Singapore were Private Limited Companies.
2. Sole Proprietorship (SP)
   A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business entity, but it carries higher risks. The owner is personally liable for the business’s debts, meaning personal assets are at risk if the business fails. Sole proprietorships are often discouraged for entrepreneurs who wish to scale their business.
3. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
   An LLP is a mix between a partnership and a company. While it allows for limited liability for its partners, it is less scalable and doesn’t qualify for government loans. This structure is most common for professionals such as lawyers or architects who wish to operate as a joint practice.

Business Structure	Best For	Liability	Taxation
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)	Scalable startups and SMEs	Limited to shareholders’ investment	Corporate tax rates
Sole Proprietorship (SP)	Small, personal businesses	Unlimited personal liability	Personal income tax rates
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)	Professional practices (lawyers, etc.)	Limited to individual partners	Partners’ personal/corporate tax rates

What You Need to Register a Company in Singapore

To register a company in Singapore, you’ll need to meet specific requirements and prepare several documents. Here’s a checklist of essential items:

1. Company Name: The name must be approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Avoid names that are identical or similar to existing businesses, or vulgar/obscene terms.
2. Directors: A minimum of one resident director (Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or EntrePass holder) is required.
3. Shareholders: You’ll need at least one shareholder, and Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership.
4. Paid-up Capital: The minimum paid-up capital is S$1.
5. Registered Address: Your company must have a physical address in Singapore (no P.O. boxes allowed).
6. Company Secretary: A secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation to handle compliance matters.
7. Auditor: An auditor is required if your company exceeds S$10 million in revenue, assets, or has more than 50 employees.

Steps to Register a Company in Singapore

The company registration process in Singapore is straightforward, usually taking between one to three business days. Here are the steps:

1. Reserve the Company Name

• Submit your desired company name to ACRA for approval.
• Approved names are reserved for 60 days and can be extended for another 60 days.

2. Register the Company

• Once the name is approved, submit the required documents to ACRA. These include details of shareholders, directors, company constitution, and business activities.
• Registration usually takes less than a day if all documents are in order.

Quote: “The simplicity and speed of company registration in Singapore make it one of the top global destinations for entrepreneurs.” – Business Times, 2024.

Documents Needed for Company Registration

To complete the registration process, prepare the following documents:

• Company name and SSIC code (describing your business activity)
• Personal details and KYC information for directors and shareholders
• Registered Singaporean address
• Share capital details
• Constitution of the company

Costs and Timeline for Registering a Company

• Registration Fees: The basic ACRA registration fee is S$375. Additional costs may apply depending on services like corporate secretary or nominee director.
• Timeframe: Registration can take anywhere from a few hours to three business days, depending on the complexity of your documents and the speed of approvals.

Company Registration for Foreigners

Foreigners can easily register a company in Singapore, provided they meet the following criteria:

1. At least one shareholder (can be foreign)
2. Minimum paid-up capital of S$1
3. A local company secretary
4. A Singapore-based director
5. A registered address in Singapore

Foreigners have three main options:

• Employment Pass (EP): After registering a company, foreigners can apply for an EP to relocate and run the business in Singapore.
• EntrePass: This is available to foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas or venture-backed companies.
• Appoint a Local Director: If you don’t plan to relocate, you can appoint a nominee local director to fulfill the requirement.

Option	Key Features
Employment Pass (EP)	Allows foreigners to relocate and work in Singapore
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)	Ideal for venture-backed or innovative tech companies
Nominee Local Director	Appoint a local director to meet Singapore’s requirements

Post-Registration: What’s Next?

Once your company is incorporated, here’s what you’ll need to do next:

• Certificate of Incorporation: ACRA will issue this as proof of registration.
• BizFile: A business profile, which acts as the identity card of your company.
• Corporate Bank Account: Open a bank account using your incorporation documents.
• Business Licenses: Depending on your business activities, you may need additional licenses to operate.
• GST Registration: If your company expects to earn more than S$1 million in revenue, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Why Register a Company in Singapore?

Singapore offers significant advantages to companies:

1. Tax Incentives: Newly registered companies can enjoy up to 75% tax exemption on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income for the first three years.
2. Access to Capital: Singapore’s pro-business policies and venture capital ecosystem provide excellent funding opportunities.
3. Strategic Location: As a gateway to Asia, Singapore offers proximity to emerging markets, making it ideal for regional business expansion.Quote: “With a stable economy, transparent legal system, and business-friendly tax policies, Singapore remains a top choice for global entrepreneurs.” – Forbes, 2025.

Final Thoughts: Why Singapore?

Registering a company in Singapore is a strategic move for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. With its favorable tax structure, robust legal framework, and ease of doing business, Singapore provides an ideal environment for startups and established businesses alike. Whether you’re looking to scale a tech company or establish a professional practice, Singapore offers the infrastructure and support you need to succeed.

Ready to get started? Incorporating your company is a seamless process with the right partner. Vero provides expert services to ensure your business registration is smooth, efficient, and compliant with all regulations. From guiding you through every step of incorporation to offering ongoing corporate secretarial services, Vero is your trusted partner for building and growing your business in Singapore.

Begin your journey with Vero today, and set your business up for success in Singapore!