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:

  • Cannot be identical to an existing business

  • Must not be offensive or prohibited

  • 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:

  • A Singapore Citizen, PR, or

  • 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:

  • An individual or a corporate entity

  • A local or foreigner

  • 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:

  • Must be a physical address (P.O. boxes not allowed)

  • Can be a residential address under the HDB Home Office Scheme (if approved)

  • 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:

  • Use a standard model constitution provided by ACRA, or

  • 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:

  • Be a natural person

  • Be a resident of Singapore

  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (AGMs, filings, etc.)

🧮 8. Accounting and Compliance Setup

Although not needed for registration, you’ll also need:

  • A proper bookkeeping and accounting system

  • GST registration if your revenue exceeds SGD 1 million

  • 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:

  • Provide a nominee director

  • Offer a registered office address

  • 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.

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