Quick Answer: To register a company in Singapore, you need to reserve a company name with ACRA, prepare your constitution, and submit your incorporation application via BizFile+. The process can be completed in as little as 1 day with a registered filing agent like Assembly Works. Here’s the full step-by-step process.

Quick facts: Registration takes less than a day and costs S$315 in government fees. You can complete everything online through ACRA‘s BizFile+ portal.

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, there are two important preliminary decisions: choosing your business structure and understanding requirements if you’re a foreigner. For detailed guidance on these topics, see our guide on choosing the right business structure and our foreigner’s guide to starting a business in Singapore.

Why Register a Company in Singapore?

Singapore transformed from a trading post in 1965 into one of the world’s most sophisticated business hubs. This didn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of deliberate policy choices that make it genuinely easier to do business here.

Regulatory Efficiency

Singapore consistently ranks first or second globally in the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” index. Government agencies respond predictably, paperwork is standardized, and bureaucratic friction is minimal. You get reliable processing times and clear rules.

Attractive Tax Structure

The corporate tax rate is 17%. New companies receive partial tax exemptions on the first S$200,000 of chargeable income for three consecutive years, which means meaningful cash savings during your critical early years.

Beyond the low rate, the tax structure is predictable. You won’t face the complexity and frequent changes that characterize many other countries.

Geographic Advantage

Singapore sits at the intersection of major Asian trade routes. Over 600 million consumers live within a four-hour flight radius. Changi Airport connects directly to every major Asian city, making Singapore a natural hub for Southeast Asian operations.

Legal Framework

The legal system is based on English common law, giving businesses the predictability they need for long-term planning. Contracts are enforceable, intellectual property protections are robust, and commercial disputes are resolved through functioning courts.

These may seem like basics, but they’re basics many jurisdictions struggle to provide consistently.

Infrastructure Quality

Singapore’s telecom and logistics infrastructure operates at a level that eliminates infrastructure as a business consideration. This sounds trivial until you’ve operated in markets where unreliable power or internet creates daily friction.

Choosing Your Business Structure

Selecting the right structure is your first critical decision. Here are the two most common options:

Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

A Pte Ltd is a separate legal entity from its owners. Your personal assets stay protected from business liabilities—the company’s debts are the company’s debts, not yours personally.

This structure dominates Singapore’s business landscape because it offers:

Limited liability protection for shareholders
Credibility with banks and partners
Flexibility for raising capital through share issuance
Easier ownership transfers through share sales

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is simpler to establish and maintain. The business and owner are legally the same entity, which means fewer compliance requirements and lower costs.

The trade-off: your personal assets are exposed to business risks. If the business can’t pay its debts, creditors can pursue your personal assets.

This structure makes sense for small, low-risk ventures—a consulting practice or small retail operation—where exposure is manageable and administrative simplicity provides real value.

For detailed guidance on choosing between these structures, see our comprehensive comparison guide.

Pre-Registration Requirements

Company Name Approval

Your company name must be approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) before registration. Check name availability on the ACRA BizFile+ portal. Reserved names are valid for 120 days.

Requirements are straightforward:

The name must be unique (not identical or too similar to existing companies)
It cannot be offensive or objectionable
It cannot infringe on existing trademarks

What You’ll Need

Company Details

Company name (approved by ACRA)
Business activities (using Singapore Standard Industrial Classification codes)
Registered office address (physical Singapore address—P.O. boxes not accepted)
Share capital (minimum S$1 paid-up capital)

People Details

Shareholders: Full names, identification numbers, addresses, and contact details
Directors: Complete particulars for at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, permanent resident, or EntrePass holder)
Company Secretary: Must appoint within six months of incorporation

Note for foreign entrepreneurs: You’ll need a local director. This can be a nominee director or you can apply for an EntrePass. See our foreigner’s guide for details.

The Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Using the ACRA BizFile+ Portal

The entire process runs through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. The system is straightforward and guides you through each step.

Have all required information ready before you start:

Approved company name
Director and shareholder details
Registered office address
Business activity codes

Step 1: Reserve Your Company Name

Apply through the BizFile+ portal. The reservation fee is S$15. Approval is usually instant if the name is available and doesn’t require further review.

Step 2: Prepare Your Constitution

Your company needs a constitution (formerly called Memorandum and Articles of Association). This document outlines the rules governing your company’s internal management. You can use ACRA’s model constitution or create a custom one.

Step 3: Submit Your Registration

Register through the BizFile+ portal with all documents ready. The registration fee is S$300. Most applications are processed within a few hours.

Total government fees: S$315 (S$15 name reservation + S$300 registration)

Professional service fees typically range from S$500 to S$2,000 depending on complexity. You’ll likely want professional help if you’re a foreign entrepreneur, need nominee director services, or want customized constitutional documents.

Step 4: Post-Registration

After approval, you’ll receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and business profile from ACRA. Then you can:

Open a corporate bank account
Obtain necessary licenses and permits for your industry
Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual turnover exceeds S$1 million
Set up your accounting system
Share capital structure

Most applications are processed the same day, making Singapore one of the fastest places in the world to register a company.

Foreign Entrepreneurs: What You Need to Know

Foreign entrepreneurs can own 100% of a Singapore company. The requirement is a local director—someone who is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or EntrePass holder.

Your options:

Appoint a nominee local director (a service we can help with)
Apply for an EntrePass if you’re an entrepreneur
Partner with a local resident

For detailed requirements and visa considerations, see our foreigner’s guide to starting a business in Singapore.

Next Steps

Registering your company is straightforward when you understand the requirements and have your documents ready. The entire process can be completed in a day through ACRA’s online portal.

If you need help:

We provide corporate services including company registration, nominee director services, and ongoing compliance
Professional fees range from S$500 to S$2,000 depending on your needs
Foreign entrepreneurs may benefit from professional guidance on local director requirements and visa options

Frequently asked questions about registering a company in Singapore

What are the most common mistakes during registration that cause delays?

The most frequent errors include submitting incomplete director details, choosing a company name too similar to an existing one, and providing a P.O. box instead of a physical address. Incorrectly specifying business activities (SSIC codes) can also lead to rejection.

What is a realistic timeline from incorporation to being fully operational?

While the company can be registered in less than a day, opening a corporate bank account takes 1 to 3 weeks. Factoring in time for potential license applications, a practical timeline to be fully ready is 1 to 2 months.

Do I have to use a professional service to register my company?

No, local residents can register directly via the ACRA BizFile+ portal. However, it is highly recommended for foreign entrepreneurs to use a corporate service provider due to the local director requirement and document preparation.

Can I use my home address as the company’s registered address?

Yes, but you must first seek approval from the HDB (for public housing) or URA (for private property). The address must be a physical location in Singapore and cannot be a P.O. Box.

What are the first three things I must do after my company is incorporated?

First, open a corporate bank account. Second, appoint a qualified Company Secretary within six months. Third, ensure you have any necessary licences or permits required for your specific industry.

How to Register a Company in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide [2026]