Setting up a company in Singapore as a foreigner does not require you to be physically present. You must engage a company registration consultant to start the process.
Registration takes 2 to 3 business days once due diligence is conducted and proper documents are submitted. The process is efficient, but compliance with the Companies Act and the Corporate Service Providers (CSP) Act 2024 is non-negotiable.
Statutory Requirements Under the Companies Act
Under Section 145(1) of the Companies Act, when a foreign company is registered in Singapore, the company needs to have a local resident director, i.e. a nominee director.
The director must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. This applies whether you’re running operations from Singapore or managing everything remotely from overseas.
Only ACRA-registered corporate service providers can make these appointments, and they’re required to assess each nominee director as “fit and proper” before putting them forward.
As your company registration consultant, HC Consultancy handles this as part of the setup.
A registered office address. You need a physical Singapore address where ACRA and other authorities can send official correspondence. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
Appoint a company secretary within 6 months. This is a regulatory requirement. The secretary handles statutory filings and ensures your company stays compliant with Singapore’s regulations.
Share capital: There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement in Singapore. Most foreign entrepreneurs register with SGD 1 as initial capital, with the flexibility to increase this amount as business needs evolve.
Choosing Your Business Structure
1. Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
Most foreign businesses choose this structure. Your liability stays limited to your shareholding, and it works whether you’re a startup or an SME expanding into Singapore.
2. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
This structure is better suited for professional services firms that want partnership flexibility with limited liability.
3. Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
For non-profits and charity organisations that don’t distribute profits to members.
Also Read: AI in Corporate Law: Should Your Business Use It?
The Company Registration Process
We begin by conducting KYC (Know Your Customer) checks on all ultimate beneficial owners and shareholders. This requires passport copies and proof of address.
For the ACRA registration itself, we’ll file your proposed company name, business activities (SSIC codes), and share structure. The incorporation completes within 2 to 3 business days.
Once incorporated, the Companies Act requires us to establish and maintain several statutory registers for your company: the Register of Members, Register of Directors, Register of Controllers (under Part 11A), and Register of Nominee Directors.
We handle the setup and ongoing maintenance of these registers as part of our service.
Post-Incorporation Requirements
After incorporation, ACRA issues your business profile. This is the official record of your company’s existence.
You’ll then need to open a corporate bank account, apply for necessary business licenses, and, if you plan to operate from Singapore, arrange appropriate work passes.
Also Read: Types of Companies You Can Register in Singapore: Private Limited, Partnerships, and Other Business Structures
Register from Anywhere, Relocate When Ready
You don’t need to be in Singapore to set up your company. HC Consultancy registers companies for clients remotely, whether you’re in London, New York, Mumbai, or anywhere else.
Many of our clients take this approach. They establish their Singapore entity first to access regional markets, set up banking relationships, or build credibility with Southeast Asian partners.
When you’re ready to move, you’ll typically apply for an Employment Pass (if you’re employed by your company and meet Ministry of Manpower salary thresholds) or an EntrePass (for entrepreneurs actively running a Singapore business).
Having an established company strengthens these applications because it shows legitimate business activity and commitment to the market.
Work Passes for Foreign Business Owners
If you want to work from Singapore, you need the right authorisation from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
An Employment Pass (EP) lets you work for your own company, subject to salary and qualification requirements. The EntrePass gives entrepreneurs more flexibility to manage their operations directly from here.
These applications are separate from company registration, but most entrepreneurs who plan to be Singapore-based apply soon after incorporation. We can point you toward the right option based on your business setup.
Ready to Register Your Company?
If you’re ready to register your company in Singapore or have questions about your specific situation, whether setting up a holding company, trading entity, or regional headquarters, contact HC Consultancy.
We’re an ACRA-registered corporate service provider compliant with the CSP Act 2024.
Call us at (65) 6222 8880 or email us at enquiry@helencampos.com. We respond within 1-2 business days.
Also Read: Tax Strategies for Businesses in Singapore
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
The ACRA filing fee is S$315 for a standard private limited company. Contact us for a detailed quotation that includes company registration, nominee director service, registered address for the first year, and company secretary services.
2. Can foreigners own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. Singapore allows full foreign ownership of private limited companies. You can be the sole shareholder and own 100% of the shares without needing a local partner. The only requirement is having a local resident director (nominee director), which we provide as part of our service.
3. Do I need to open a Singapore bank account?
Most businesses need a Singapore corporate bank account to operate effectively, especially for receiving payments, paying suppliers, and managing operational expenses. We can introduce you to banks and help prepare the documentation they require, though approval remains at the bank’s discretion.
4. What are the ongoing compliance requirements after incorporation?
Your company must file an Annual Return with ACRA within one month of your Annual General Meeting (AGM). You’ll also need to prepare annual financial statements and file corporate tax returns with IRAS. As your corporate secretary, we handle these statutory filings and send you reminders well in advance of deadlines.
