Quick Answer — June 2026
Singapore Company Incorporation: What You Need to Know
Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership — no local partner required. Government fees total S$315 (S$15 name reservation + S$300 registration). Most companies are incorporated within 1-3 days, and your UEN (Unique Entity Number) is issued the same day ACRA approves your application.
Cost
S$315 mandatory government fees. Professional fees quoted separately based on your actual needs — no fixed packages.
Timeline
Name approval: ~1-2 hours. Document prep: 1-3 days. ACRA filing: same day. UEN issued immediately upon approval.
Foreign Ownership
100% allowed. No local shareholder required. You can be the sole owner of your Singapore company.
Key Takeaways
- One resident director required — Under Section 145 of the Companies Act, every Singapore company needs at least one director who lives in Singapore. If you don't reside here, a nominee director service fulfills this requirement.
- You keep 100% ownership — The nominee director requirement does not affect your ownership or control. You remain the sole shareholder and director of operations.
- S$1 minimum paid-up capital — No large upfront capital required. You can start with S$1 and increase later when needed.
- Flat 17% corporate tax — New companies enjoy the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE), which significantly reduces effective tax rate in the first three years.
- Your UEN is your business ID — Issued same day. Works across ACRA, IRAS, MOM, and all banks. One number for everything.
Fast Facts
Government Fees
S$315 total
Paid-Up Capital
S$1 minimum
Corporate Tax
17% flat with exemptions
Foreign Ownership
100% allowed
Resident Director
Required (nominee available)
Typical Timeline
1-3 business days
Important tax note — click to expand
Singapore's headline corporate tax rate is 17%, but the actual tax outcome depends on tax residency, company structure, and eligibility for exemptions. Budget 2026 announced a 50% Corporate Income Tax rebate for YA 2026, capped at S$40,000, for active companies that employed at least one local employee in the previous year. New companies also benefit from the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE).
ACRA Registered Filing Agent — FA20122913
For Local Founders
- Approved company name
- At least 1 resident director
- Local registered address
- Company secretary within 6 months
- Minimum capital from S$1
For Foreign Founders
- Approved company name
- Nominee director available
- Local registered address
- Company secretary within 6 months
- Minimum capital from S$1
Government Fees
- Name application: S$15
- Incorporation fee: S$300
- Total mandatory: S$315
- Professional fees quoted separately
Timeline
- Name approval: ~1-2 hours
- Document prep: 1-3 days
- BizFile+ filing: same day
- UEN issued: same day
Our Approach
What We Don't Do
At Terra Advisory Services, we believe in genuine, personal service—not automated online solutions. Whether you're starting a company, handling corporate tax, or outsourcing your accounting, you'll always have clear answers and reliable guidance from us. We ensure you understand every step, addressing your questions and concerns so you feel confident moving forward—your assurance is our highest priority.
We keep things straightforward—no unnecessary add-ons or hidden extras. We offer only the services you truly need, embracing a traditional, client-focused approach that builds trust and delivers real assurance.
If a service is unnecessary for your specific situation, we will recommend against it.
Important Singapore Compliance Requirement: All ACRA-registered filing agents must complete identity verification and compliance checks before incorporating a company. This is a mandatory Singapore regulatory requirement, not a provider-specific policy.
Verify with ACRA.
The Team Behind Terra Advisory Services
Managing Director · Singapore
David Chang
ACRA Registered Filing Agent · FA20122913 · 14+ Years Experience
For over 14 years, I have worked directly with entrepreneurs navigating Singapore's business environment. My goal has always been the same — make company formation straightforward, keep compliance clean, and give every founder a clear path forward from day one.
We are not a faceless platform. Every incorporation is reviewed by our senior team. Every filing is submitted accurately and on time.
- ACRA Registered Filing Agent since 2012 (FA20122913)
- Singapore company formation and compliance
- Corporate secretarial, nominee director, and immigration
Connect on LinkedIn →
Malaysia Affiliate
Sim Chong Yen
FCCA · MIA · Founder & CEO, JT & CY Advisory
Sim Chong Yen leads JT & CY Advisory, Terra Advisory's affiliated firm for Malaysia company registration and compliance. With FCCA and MIA qualifications, he brings professional-grade expertise to every cross-border engagement.
- FCCA (Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant)
- MIA (Member, Malaysian Institute of Accountants)
- Malaysia company formation — Sdn Bhd and PLT
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll management
Explore the Malaysia Hub →
"We were impressed by how quickly the team understood our needs and provided practical, effective solutions. Their service is reliable, efficient, and always client-focused."
— Trustwell Far Wast Pte. Ltd.
"Terra Advisory Services consistently delivers beyond expectations. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality make them a trusted partner we rely on."
— Nanyang Phu Leng Hui Kuan
"What stands out most is their commitment to quality. Every project is handled with care, precision, and professionalism. We highly recommend their services."
— Dover Food Enterprise Pte. Ltd.
Why Choose Terra Advisory Services?
Terra Advisory Services is an ACRA Registered Filing Agent in Singapore, supporting businesses with company incorporation, corporate secretarial compliance, accounting, bookkeeping, corporate tax filing, and work pass support.
Since 2012, we have helped local SMEs, foreign founders, Malaysian entrepreneurs, and regional business owners set up and maintain Singapore companies with clear guidance, practical compliance support, and responsive service.
Singapore Immigration and Work Passes
Company registration and the right to work in Singapore are two separate processes. Once your company is registered, you may apply for a work pass to relocate. Most founders complete registration first, then apply for an Employment Pass or EntrePass through their newly registered company.
Employment Pass
For foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Minimum salary S$5,000 (financial services: S$5,500).
Full guide →
EntrePass
For foreign entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea. Requires business plan and track record.
Full guide →
S Pass
For mid-skilled workers. Minimum salary S$3,600. Subject to levy and quota.
Full guide →
Work Permit
For semi-skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, marine, process, or services sectors.
Full guide →
Dependant's Pass
For legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of EP/S Pass holders.
Full guide →
Permanent Residence
For long-term residents. Considered after 6 months of EP. Subject to ICA assessment.
Full guide →
Singapore–Malaysia Business Expansion
Why Singapore as your base
- Trusted legal system and political stability
- 17% flat corporate tax with startup exemptions
- 100% foreign ownership with no local partner
- Gateway to ASEAN's 650 million consumers
- Fast incorporation — UEN issued same day
Why add Malaysia to your structure
- Lower operating and labour costs than Singapore
- JSSEZ: 5% corporate tax for 15 years (vs standard 24%)
- Central location for Southeast Asian logistics
- Strong manufacturing and professional services sector
- Sdn Bhd registration handled by JT & CY Advisory
Professional Guidance Built on Real Trust and Absolute Clarity
Whether you are a local entrepreneur launching your first entity, a foreign founder setting up your corporate base, or an established company expanding across the Singapore-Malaysia corridor, your foundation deserves dedicated, personal care. We don't believe in rigid, automated packages. We believe in absolute clarity — if you have questions, we take the time to answer them completely. If there is any aspect of your setup or regulatory filing you do not fully understand, we will pause and will not move forward until you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer fixed incorporation packages?
No. We do not have fixed packages because every business is different. We scope what your company actually needs. If a service is not required for your specific situation, we will tell you and you do not pay for it.
Can a foreigner register a company in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a company with no local partner required. However, under Section 145 of the Companies Act 1967, you must appoint at least one Singapore-resident director. If you do not live in Singapore, a nominee director service fulfils this requirement.
How much does registration cost?
The mandatory government fees total S$315 — S$15 for name reservation and S$300 for registration. Professional service fees are quoted separately based on your actual requirements.
How long does registration take?
The process typically takes 1–3 business days end-to-end. Most clients receive their Certificate of Incorporation and UEN within 24–48 hours of submitting all required documents.
Do I need a nominee director?
Yes, if you are a foreign entrepreneur without Singapore residency. Section 145 of the Companies Act 1967 requires every Singapore company to have at least one director who is "ordinarily resident" in Singapore. A nominee director fulfils this statutory requirement. You retain 100% ownership and operational control.
What is the corporate tax rate?
Singapore's corporate tax rate is a flat 17%. Newly formed companies benefit from the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE), which reduces the effective rate significantly in the first three years.
Incorporating or restructuring a business in Singapore is a major legal and financial decision. We provide dedicated, personal service from our first conversation to your ongoing annual filings.
If you do not fully understand any aspect of the process, we will pause and will not move forward until you are ready.
We quote and design only the specific services your business actually requires.
Company Incorporation
Accounting Services
Corporate Tax Advisory
Financial Reporting
Immigration Services
Work Pass Support
