How to Register a Company in Singapore 2026
Want to register a company in Singapore in 2026? This guide explains the exact steps, ACRA fees, documents, resident director rules, and compliance requirements you need to know before incorporating a Singapore company.
How to Register a Company in Singapore
File online via ACRA's BizFile. Total government fees: S$315 (S$15 name reservation + S$300 registration). Most companies are approved within 1-3 days, and your UEN is issued the same day.
S$315 mandatory government fees. Professional fees quoted separately based on your actual needs.
Name approval: ~1-2 hours. Filing: same day. UEN issued immediately upon approval.
At least one Singapore-resident director (under Section 145 of the Companies Act).
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.
- 100% foreign ownership allowed — No local partner or shareholder required. You retain full ownership and control.
- S$1 minimum paid-up capital — No large upfront capital required. 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.
- UEN issued same day — Your Unique Entity Number works across ACRA, IRAS, MOM, and all banks. One number for everything.
Our Approach
We know one size doesn't fit all. A SaaS startup with 50 employees has very different compliance needs than a solo consultant. That's why we start with a discovery call to really understand your business model, transaction volume, and growth plans. From there, we tailor a service scope that fits you—no cookie-cutter packages here.
You only pay for what you actually need. If your business has low transaction volume and no employees, we won't charge you for full-service payroll or CFO advisory. We focus on what keeps you compliant, nothing more.
🔒 Mandatory KYC & Compliance Checks: All ACRA-registered Corporate Service Providers (CSPs) must complete identity verification and customer due diligence checks before incorporating a company. This is a strict statutory requirement under Singapore's Corporate Service Providers Act 2024, not just a provider policy. You can verify this directly with ACRA.
Pricing is personalized after we review your specific needs. We quote only the services you require—no hidden fees, no surprises.
Ready to start? View our Singapore incorporation services →
Fast Facts
On this page
Why Register a Company in Singapore
Singapore is consistently ranked among the world's top destinations for company registration — not because of marketing, but because of what it actually delivers: a stable legal system, a territorial tax regime with a 17% corporate tax rate, full access to ASEAN markets, and a registration process that can be completed in under 24 hours once your documents are ready. In 2025 alone, 58,077 companies were incorporated — the highest figure on record.
For foreign founders specifically, Singapore offers something rare: 100% foreign ownership is permitted — no local partner, no minimum capital beyond S$1, and no restriction on the nationality of shareholders. The main practical requirement is a Singapore-resident director. If you are not relocating, this is typically solved through a nominee director arrangement.
This guide covers the exact steps to register your company, the documents you need, the fees you will pay, and your ongoing compliance obligations after incorporation.
Key Requirements for Company Registration
| Requirement | Details | Notes for Foreign Founders |
|---|---|---|
| Resident director | At least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore | Section 145 of the Companies Act – nominee director available |
| Registered address | Physical Singapore address for official correspondence | Virtual office services are widely accepted |
| Company secretary | Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation | Must be a Singapore resident; cannot be the sole director. See company secretary and compliance support |
| Shareholders | At least one shareholder (individual or corporate) | 100% foreign ownership allowed. Minimum paid-up capital: S$1 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration
Follow these steps for a smooth, compliant company setup in Singapore. Most founders register a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.) via ACRA's BizFile system. For detailed requirements, see our Singapore company incorporation requirements guide.
Reserve your company name
Submit a name application via BizFile. Cost: S$15. Approval typically takes 1–2 hours for straightforward names. Approved names are reserved for 120 days.
ACRA name guidelines →Prepare documents and officers
Gather details for shareholders and directors: full name, nationality, identification number, residential address, and shareholding percentage.
File incorporation via BizFile
Submit your application through a registered filing agent or directly via BizFile. Incorporation fee: S$300. UEN issued same day upon approval.
Appoint company secretary
Appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months. Must be a Singapore resident. Learn about company secretary and compliance support.
Register CorpPass
Register for CorpPass, your company's digital identity for government services.
Register for tax with IRAS
Register with IRAS for corporate tax within 3 months of incorporation.
Register for GST (if required)
Register for GST if taxable turnover exceeds or is expected to exceed S$1 million.
IRAS GST registration →Get business licences
Some industries require licences before operating. Check GoBusiness Licences.
Open a corporate bank account
Open a corporate bank account. See our business account guide for Aspire, Airwallex and ANEXT.
Plan for work passes
If hiring foreign employees, understand Singapore Employment Pass requirements.
What You Need to Prepare: Identity Verification Requirements
Legally required for every Singapore company incorporation
Under Singapore's corporate service provider regulations, all ACRA-registered filing agents must complete Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and identity verification checks before incorporating a company.
You will typically need to provide:
- Passport copy for each director, shareholder, and ultimate beneficial owner
- Proof of residential address (bank statement or utility bill dated within last 3 months)
- Beneficial ownership declaration
- Remote identity verification for overseas clients, where required
These checks are mandatory under the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 and related regulations.
Post-Incorporation Compliance Obligations
Company registration is just the beginning. After registering, your business must meet ongoing compliance requirements with ACRA and IRAS. For a complete 2026 compliance framework, see our Singapore Corporate Compliance 2026 guide.
| Obligation | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Return filing | Within 7 months of financial year end | File via BizFile. Late filing penalties start at S$300. |
| AGM requirement | First AGM within 18 months; subsequent AGMs within 6 months of FYE | Private companies can dispense with AGM by shareholder resolution. |
| Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | Within 3 months of financial year end | File with IRAS. Zero or estimated tax payable still requires filing. |
| Corporate Tax filing (Form C-S/C) | 30 November each year | Full financial statements and tax computation required. |
| Maintain statutory registers | Ongoing | Registers of members, directors, secretaries, and controllers must be kept up to date. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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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.