14 Years of Expertise as a Registered ACRA Filing Agent (FA20122913). Your Singapore business setup, simplified.
INCORPORATE. COMPLY. GROW
YOUR TRUSTED CORPORATE SERVICES PARTNER SINCE 2012
Singapore Company Incorporation, Corporate Tax and Immigration Services
How to Register a Company in Singapore as a Foreigner (2026)
What You Need
- 1 Singapore-resident director
- Local registered address
- Company secretary (within 6 months)
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Minimum paid-up capital: S$1
Government Fees
- Name application: S$15
- Incorporation fee: S$300
- Total mandatory: S$315
- Source: ACRA fees schedule
Timeline
- Name approval: ~1–2 hours
- Document prep: 1–3 days
- BizFile+ filing: same day
- UEN issued: same day
Key facts
- 17% flat corporate tax rate
- 58,077 companies formed in 2025
- 467,229 active companies (Dec 2025)
- No minimum capital beyond S$1
Companies incorporated in Singapore (2025 full year)
Minimum government fees to incorporate
Typical end-to-end timeline with professional services
Flat corporate tax rate — one of Asia's lowest
Terra Advisory Services — ACRA registered since 2012
Company Formation Singapore: Why It Matters
Company formation in Singapore offers the world's most accessible business registration process for foreign entrepreneurs. You can own 100% of your company from day one, pay a flat 17% corporate tax, and receive your Certificate of Incorporation the same day you file. In 2025, 58,077 companies were incorporated — the highest figure on record. Find out why founders choose Singapore as their regional base.
Our Integrated Service Approach
Terra Advisory Services has been an ACRA-registered filing agent since 2012. We handle company formation, corporate secretarial services, compliance, and immigration — all from one team. Not sure which structure fits your business? Our guide on foreign business registration options explains every route available to non-residents.
Years as ACRA registered filing agent
ACRA filing agent registration number
Average incorporation turnaround
Singapore and Malaysia coverage
The Team Behind Terra Advisory Services
Every incorporation and filing is handled by experienced professionals — not automated platforms. You deal with people who know the Singapore and Malaysia business environment inside out.
Managing Director · Singapore
David Chang
ACRA Registered Filing Agent · FA20122913 · 14 Years Regional Experience
For the past 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. Whether you are registering your first company or expanding a regional group, you deal with people who know the process inside out.
- ACRA Registered Filing Agent since 2012 (FA20122913)
- Singapore company formation and compliance
- Corporate secretarial, nominee director, and immigration
- Regional expansion — Singapore and Malaysia
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.
For clients expanding from Singapore into Malaysia — or setting up a dual-market structure from the start — Sim's team manages Sdn Bhd registration, accounting, payroll, and secretarial requirements to the same standard we apply in Singapore.
- FCCA (Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant)
- MIA (Member, Malaysian Institute of Accountants)
- Malaysia company formation — Sdn Bhd and PLT
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll management
- Audit exemption advisory
Note: JT & CY Advisory does not provide licensed corporate tax services. Corporate tax matters are referred to a licensed tax agent.
Explore the Malaysia Hub →Real Client. Real Problem. Real Result.
Rebuilding Control When Communication Broke Down
A Singapore company with overseas owners was trapped. Its nominee director and company secretary communicated only through an external agent — causing delays, no transparency, and serious governance risks.
The Problem
- ❌ Indirect communication – Officers unreachable, everything went through an overseas intermediary
- ❌ Multi-country approvals – Parent company, shareholder, and Singapore resolutions needed
- ❌ Strict legal process – Removal (not resignation) had to follow the constitution exactly
- ❌ Statutory deadlines – Could not leave director or secretary positions vacant
The Solution
We stepped in and coordinated a clean, compliant transition:
- Verified the legal basis – Confirmed removal required a shareholder resolution under the constitution
- Secured cross-border approvals – Coordinated formal consent from the foreign parent and overseas shareholder
- Prepared all statutory documents – Removal resolutions and replacement appointments
- Filed with ACRA – Within statutory timelines, fully compliant
The Result
- ✓Direct communication restored — no more middleman
- ✓Governance risk eliminated — full transparency and accountability reinstated
- ✓Three levels of approval secured — parent company, shareholder, and Singapore
- ✓100% control returned to the client
What Our Clients Say
Singapore — Client Testimonials"Terra Advisory Services is a company you can trust. They deliver consistently, communicate openly, and treat every client relationship with respect and integrity."
SBITC Pte. Ltd.
Singapore Client
"Working with Terra Advisory Services has been a smooth and positive experience. They respond promptly, communicate clearly, and always deliver on their promises."
Recycle Box Pte. Ltd.
Singapore Client
"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 East Pte. Ltd.
Singapore Client
"As a new company, we are very appreciative towards Mr. Sim for being very professional and responsive to our queries. Mr. Sim also takes the initiative to update us on any government changes in regulations affecting companies."
GMDESIGN (M) SDN BHD
Malaysia Client — JT & CY Advisory
"They provide practical advice that helps us meet regulatory obligations without unnecessary complexity."
MAAS MANAGEMENT (M) PLT
Malaysia Client — JT & CY Advisory
"Professional, dependable, and easy to work with. We value their consistency and commitment, and after many years of working together, they continue to provide valuable knowledge."
QUEENIE BEAUTY 86 PLT
Malaysia Client — JT & CY Advisory
Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company — registered in 1–3 days
No local partner required. No minimum capital beyond S$1. Company formation in Singapore gives foreign founders complete ownership from day one, backed by one of the world's most business-friendly legal systems. In 2025, 58,077 companies were incorporated — the highest annual figure on record.
Foreign ownership — no local partner needed
Mandatory government fees — fixed by ACRA
End-to-end with professional services
Flat corporate tax — one of Asia's lowest
Companies incorporated in Singapore 2025
Our Singapore Corporate Services
From day-one registration through to ongoing compliance, secretarial, and immigration support — one team handles everything. Indeed, our integrated approach means you never need to coordinate between multiple providers.
Company Formation & Registration
Our service covers every step: name reservation, document preparation, ACRA filing, and UEN issuance — completed in 1–3 days. Foreigners can own 100% with no local partner required. Also, we handle nominee director arrangements for clients who are not yet based in Singapore.
Nominee Director & Corporate Secretarial
If you cannot appoint a Singapore-resident director yourself, our nominee director service fulfils this statutory requirement. This is a common and fully legal arrangement. So, you retain 100% ownership and operational control while we handle the legal requirement.
Compliance & Immigration Support
After your company is registered, we manage your company secretary requirements, statutory registers, AGM preparation, and all ACRA filings year-round. Then, we support your work pass applications — Employment Pass, EntrePass, S Pass, Work Permit, Dependant's Pass, and Permanent Residence.
Company Formation
Name reservation, document preparation, ACRA filing, and UEN issuance — completed in 1–3 days. Foreigners can own 100% with no local partner required.
Full incorporation guide →Nominee Director
Singapore-resident director service for foreign founders who cannot fulfil the local director requirement personally.
Nominee director service →Corporate Secretarial
Qualified company secretary, statutory registers, AGM preparation, and ACRA filings managed for you year-round.
Secretarial services →Corporate Compliance
Annual Returns, AGM, and all statutory deadlines managed. Never miss an ACRA filing again.
Compliance guide 2026 →Immigration & Visas
Employment Pass, EntrePass, S Pass, Work Permit, Dependant's Pass, and Permanent Residence applications.
Immigration services →Malaysia Expansion
Sdn Bhd registration and cross-border compliance via our affiliated firm JT & CY Advisory.
Malaysia hub →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. So, most founders complete their registration first, then apply for an Employment Pass or EntrePass through their newly registered company.
How Work Passes Fit Into Your Timeline
Many foreign entrepreneurs assume they need a work pass before registering. Yet the opposite is true — you register first, then apply for a pass through your company. This gives you full control of the application process and ensures your company is legally registered before you apply for residency.
Work Permit
For semi-skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, and services.
Work Permit guide →Why Choose Terra Advisory Services
There is no shortage of registration platforms in Singapore. Yet Terra Advisory Services offers something different — personalized service from named professionals who have handled company registration for over 14 years.
What Sets Us Apart
You deal directly with David Chang and his team — not a ticketing system or an offshore processing centre. As an ACRA-registered filing agent since 2012 (FA20122913), we have over 14 years of verified registrations, filings, and compliance work on record. Moreover, we register foreign-owned companies every week, so there is never any confusion about what is permitted under Singapore law.
Named professionals, not a platform
You deal with David Chang and his team directly — not a ticketing system or an offshore processing centre.
ACRA-registered since 2012
Filing Agent FA20122913. Over 14 years of verified registrations, filings, and compliance work on record.
100% foreign ownership — handled daily
We incorporate foreign-owned companies every week. No local partner required. No confusion about what is allowed.
One team for SG and MY
Singapore and Malaysia handled through one integrated relationship — no hand-offs, no gaps.
Transparent and responsive
Every filing confirmed. Every deadline tracked. You are never left wondering what is happening with your company.
Complex cases handled
Multi-jurisdiction ownership, cross-border approvals, governance restructuring — we have done it and documented it.
Singapore–Malaysia Business Expansion
Expand into Malaysia Next
Malaysia offers lower operating costs, a population of 34 million, and the new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) — launched January 2025 — with a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying businesses over 15 years. Through our affiliate JT & CY Advisory, led by Sim Chong Yen (FCCA, MIA), we support Malaysia company registration and cross-border compliance from one integrated team.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Company Formation
Below are the most common questions about company formation in Singapore. For a comprehensive set of 30+ questions covering company formation, immigration, and compliance in one place, see our full company formation, immigration & business compliance FAQ.
Can a foreigner register a company in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a company with no local partner required. However, 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 — comprising S$15 for name reservation and S$300 for registration, both fixed by ACRA. Additionally, professional service fees for a registered filing agent, nominee director, and company secretary typically bring the first-year total to S$2,000–S$5,000 depending on your requirements.
How long does registration take?
The process typically takes 1–3 business days end-to-end. Name approval through BizFile+ takes approximately 1–2 hours for straightforward names. Next, document preparation and ACRA filing can be completed the same day. So, most clients receive their Certificate of Incorporation and UEN within 24–48 hours of submitting all required documents.
Do I need a nominee director for company formation?
If you are a foreign entrepreneur without Singapore residency, you will need a nominee director to fulfil the statutory resident director requirement. This is a common and fully legal arrangement. The nominee director does not interfere with your ownership or operational control — you retain 100% of both.
What is the corporate tax rate after company formation?
Singapore's corporate tax rate is a flat 17%. Moreover, newly formed companies benefit from the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE), which reduces the effective rate significantly in the first three years. Furthermore, the Singapore Budget 2026 includes a 40% corporate income tax rebate for YA 2026, capped at S$30,000 — making the first year of operation even more affordable.
What happens after company formation?
After company formation, several post-incorporation steps are required. Start by appointing a qualified company secretary within 6 months. Next, open a corporate bank account. Then, register for GST if your annual turnover is expected to exceed S$1 million. Also, set up your accounting system and ensure you meet IRAS and ACRA filing deadlines. For a complete post-incorporation checklist, see our Singapore incorporation page.
Important Notice
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, immigration, financial, or professional advice. While Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. endeavours to keep the content accurate and current, Singapore government policies, regulations, fees, and procedures may change at any time without prior notice.
For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, please refer directly to official government sources, including the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and other relevant agencies.
Any reliance you place on the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from the use of this content. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact a Terra Advisory Services professional.