Thinking of starting a business in Singapore? You’re in good company — literally.
Known for its pro-business policies, low taxes, and strategic location, Singapore consistently ranks as one of the easiest places in the world to start and run a company. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand what you’ll need to successfully register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Here’s a clear breakdown of the key requirements to register a company in Singapore.
🏢 1. Company Name
You’ll need to reserve a unique company name with ACRA before registration. The name:
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Cannot be identical to an existing business
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Must not be offensive or prohibited
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Typically gets approved within 1-2 hours, unless it needs further review
👉 Tip: Choose a name that reflects your business and is easy to remember.
👥 2. At Least One Resident Director
Every Singapore company must have at least one director who is “ordinarily resident” in Singapore, which means:
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A Singapore Citizen, PR, or
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A holder of an EntrePass, EP, S Pass, or Dependent Pass with a Letter of Consent
Foreigners can own 100% of the company, but you’ll need a local director to register.
🧑💼 3. Shareholder(s)
You need at least one shareholder, who can be:
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An individual or a corporate entity
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A local or foreigner
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The same person as the director (if qualified)
Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of companies.
💰 4. Paid-Up Capital
Minimum paid-up capital is just SGD 1 — no heavy financial burden to get started. You can increase it later as your business grows.
📍 5. Registered Business Address
You must provide a local Singapore address to serve as the company’s official registered address. This:
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Must be a physical address (P.O. boxes not allowed)
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Can be a residential address under the HDB Home Office Scheme (if approved)
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Can be a virtual office provided by a registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP)
📄 6. Company Constitution
The constitution outlines your company’s rules and structure. You can:
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Use a standard model constitution provided by ACRA, or
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Submit a custom version if needed
🧾 7. Appoint a Company Secretary
You must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation. The secretary must:
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Be a natural person
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Be a resident of Singapore
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Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (AGMs, filings, etc.)
🧮 8. Accounting and Compliance Setup
Although not needed for registration, you’ll also need:
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A proper bookkeeping and accounting system
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GST registration if your revenue exceeds SGD 1 million
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Annual filings with ACRA and IRAS
⚙️ Bonus: Registering Through a CSP
If you’re a foreigner or prefer a hassle-free process, consider engaging a Corporate Service Provider (CSP). A CSP can:
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Provide a nominee director
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Offer a registered office address
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Handle ACRA filings and compliance on your behalf
✅ Final Step: Register with ACRA
Once all documents are ready, your CSP (or you, if doing it yourself) can submit the incorporation application via BizFile+, ACRA’s online portal.
Approval usually takes a few hours to one day, unless manual review is required.
Final Thoughts
Registering a company in Singapore is fast, efficient, and entrepreneur-friendly. With the right documents and local support, you can get started in as little as 1–2 days.
Whether you’re launching a local startup or expanding your global footprint, Singapore gives your business a strong and stable foundation from day one. Check out our website at https://ebos-sg.com/ to explore more articles and discover how our Cloud Accountant Services can support you on your business.
