Company Registration in Singapore for Foreigners
Let us help you set up your business in Singapore, from anywhere in the world.
Requirements for Foreigners to Start a Company in Singapore
Resident Director
All Singaporean companies must have at least one local resident director (Singaporean Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder).
HC Consultancy Services offers Nominee Director services to fulfill this requirement. Nominee Directors have a non-executive role solely for compliance purposes and are not involved in day-to-day business operations, opening bank accounts, attending board meetings, or voting.
Identify the Company Structure
Consult HC Consultancy Services if you decide between a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) or a Sole Proprietorship. Consider factors such as tax implications, compliance requirements, liability, and the number of members allowed when deciding.
Register Your Company Name
Choose a unique name for your business and check its availability on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Ensure the name represents your brand and does not infringe on any existing trademarks or business names.
Identify Your Company Directors and Shareholders
You need at least one shareholder (of any nationality, individual, or corporate) and one local director (a Singaporean Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass.
Allocate Your Paid-up Capital
Incorporation requires a minimum paid-up capital of S$1, which can be increased anytime after foreign company registration, and a bank account must also be opened.
Get a Registered Address in Singapore
You need a physical office address in Singapore that is accessible during business hours. P.O. boxes are not acceptable.
Appoint a Company Secretary
Every company must appoint a company secretary who resides in Singapore within six months of incorporation. We can assist you with company secretary service.
Your Company Registration service includes:
- CorpPass Admin Account Creation (CorpPass fees are separate)
- Name check and reservation
- Preparation of registration forms
- Our Professional fees (excluding ACRA fees: Name reservation & approval – S$15; Company registration – S$300)
- Resolution to open a bank account
- First Board Meeting Minutes
- Preparation of Model Constitution (M&AA)
- Statutory Registers
- Preparation of Share Certificate
- Purchase of Common Seal
“HC Consultancy has provided exceptional support for our corporate secretarial needs. They helped establish our Company Limited by Guarantee, facilitated our charity status application, and ensured compliance during board meetings. We highly recommend their expert and reliable services.”
Tan Swee Hoon Geraldine Marie, Chairman, Canossa Mission Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended business structure for foreigners in Singapore?
Foreigners typically incorporate their business as a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore. However, it’s important to consider factors like ownership, taxation, liability, and compliance. HC Consultancy Services provides expert advice to help you choose the best structure for your business needs.
What tax benefits do companies get when starting a company in Singapore?
- New companies can enjoy tax exemptions on their first few years of chargeable income.
- Shareholders benefit from 0% tax on dividends and capital gains.
- Singapore has Double Tax Agreements with up to 100 countries, reducing tax liabilities for international businesses.
Can I register a company in Singapore if I am based overseas?
Yes, you can register a company in Singapore even if you are not physically present. We can assist you with the entire process, including company registration, nominee director and company secretary services, registered address, and visa applications.
Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Singapore Company?
Yes! Singapore allows full foreign ownership in most industries. HCCS simplifies foreign company registration by fulfilling local requirements (e.g., resident director) on your behalf. |
Do Foreign Companies Need a Physical Office in Singapore?
No, but a registered local address is mandatory. HCCS provides compliant addresses as part of its foreign company registration services. |