Singapore Company Setup: Fast and Compliant with Helvetios
Singapore continues to shine as a premier global business hub. For entrepreneurs, startups, and established corporations aiming for strategic growth in Asia, registering a company in Singapore offers unparalleled advantages. Its stable economy, pro-business policies, and strategic location make it an ideal gateway to the vast Asian markets.
This ultimate guide by Helvetios.eu provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to setting up a company in Singapore in 2025. From choosing the right business structure and understanding legal requirements to handling practical steps, costs, timelines, and post-incorporation formalities—this guide has you covered. Whether you’re a local or a foreign entrepreneur, get ready to launch your Singaporean venture with confidence.
Why Register a Company in Singapore? Key Advantages in 2025
Singapore’s reputation as a world-class business destination is backed by a consistent track record of regulatory transparency, innovation, and global connectivity. Though the World Bank discontinued its “Doing Business” rankings in 2021, Singapore has historically ranked among the top countries for ease of doing business.
Here’s why entrepreneurs continue to choose Singapore in 2025:
Exceptional Tax Benefits
Often dubbed the “Delaware of Asia,” Singapore offers one of the most attractive corporate tax regimes worldwide.
- Corporate Income Tax: Flat 17% on chargeable income.
- Partial Tax Exemption: Up to 75% exemption on the first S$100,000 and 50% on the next S$100,000 for qualifying new companies during their first three Years of Assessment (YAs).
- No Capital Gains Tax: Asset and share sales are not taxed.
- No Dividend Tax: Dividends are tax-exempt in the hands of shareholders.
- Over 90 Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs): Reduce withholding taxes and prevent double taxation.
(Source: IRAS – Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)
Pro-Business Government Policies
Initiatives like the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) and Startup SG provide financial support, R&D incentives, and access to growth capital. The regulatory environment is transparent and highly digitized.
Strategic Gateway to Asia
Singapore’s location in Southeast Asia provides direct access to ASEAN and regional trade blocs. Its world-class logistics via Changi Airport and the Port of Singapore facilitate global trade with ease.
Political and Economic Stability
Singapore offers a robust legal system, consistent policy environment, and sound governance—critical for long-term business planning.
Skilled, Multilingual Workforce
A well-educated, productive, and globally competitive labor force, fluent in English and other major Asian languages.
Fast & Transparent Incorporation
With efficient online systems, company setup can be completed in 1–3 working days if all documents are ready.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register a Company in Singapore (2025)
The process of company registration in Singapore is streamlined, primarily managed through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)’s online portal, BizFile+.
1. Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Singapore Company
Selecting the appropriate legal entity is the foundational step. The most common types include:
Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
- Description: The most popular and recommended structure for foreign investors and SMEs due to its separate legal personality, limited liability for shareholders, and high credibility. Profits are taxed at the corporate level.
- Key Feature: Liability of shareholders is limited to their share capital contribution.
- Suitability: Ideal for startups, SMEs, and larger businesses seeking growth, fundraising, and a professional image.
Sole Proprietorship (SP)
- Description: Owned and operated by a single individual. No separate legal entity from its owner.
- Key Feature: Unlimited personal liability for the owner.
- Suitability: Best for very small, low-risk businesses or freelancers. Not recommended for foreign entrepreneurs without a valid work pass.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Description: Combines features of a partnership and a company. Partners have limited liability, but the entity itself has perpetual succession like a company.
- Key Feature: Partners’ liability is limited, but at least two partners are required.
- Suitability: Suitable for professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants) or joint ventures were partners desire limited liability.
Branch Office
- Description: An extension of a foreign parent company, not a separate legal entity.
- Key Feature: Parent company is fully liable for the branch’s debts and obligations.
- Suitability: For foreign companies wanting to test the Singapore market without full incorporation, or those whose operations are closely tied to the parent.
Representative Office (RO)
- Description: A temporary administrative and liaison office for a foreign company, not allowed to engage in any commercial or revenue-generating activities.
- Key Feature: Purely for market research, feasibility studies, or promotional activities. Limited to a maximum of 3 years.
- Suitability: For foreign companies exploring the Singapore market before committing to full setup.
2. Understand Key Company Registration Requirements
Before proceeding, ensure you meet the fundamental requirements for a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), the most common choice:
- Company Name: Must be unique and approved by ACRA.
- Shareholders: Minimum of one (individual or corporate). 100% foreign shareholding is permitted.
- Directors: Minimum of one resident director (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or person holding a valid Employment Pass/EntrePass). There’s no limit on the number of additional foreign or local directors.
- Company Secretary: Must appoint a qualified resident company secretary within six months of incorporation. The sole director cannot also be the company secretary.
- Initial Paid-Up Capital: Minimum of S$1. No maximum limit.
- Registered Office Address: A physical street address in Singapore (P.O. Box is not allowed). This is where all official communications will be sent. Virtual office solutions are acceptable.
- Auditor (if applicable): Companies are generally required to appoint an auditor within 3 months of incorporation, unless they are “exempt private companies.”
3. Prepare Essential Documents and Information
Gathering the necessary information and documents upfront will expedite the registration process:
- Proposed company name.
- Clearance of company name from ACRA.
- Shareholders’ details (name, address, ID/passport number).
- Directors’ details (name, address, ID/passport number, contact information).
- Company Secretary’s details.
- Registered office address.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA) – standard templates are usually sufficient.
- Initial share capital amount.
- Proposed business activities (SSIC codes).
4. Reserve Your Company Name with ACRA
This is a quick online step via ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. The name must be unique, not offensive, and not like existing names. Approval typically takes less than an hour if no issues are encountered. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.
5. Appoint a Registered Filing Agent (Recommended for Foreigners)
While direct incorporation is possible, foreign individuals and entities are legally required to appoint a qualified corporate service provider (like Helvetios.eu) to register a company in Singapore. This ensures compliance and efficiency. Your filing agent will:
- Conduct name search and reservation.
- Prepare all necessary incorporation documents.
- Liaise with ACRA on your behalf.
- Assist with appointing a resident director (if needed).
- Submit the application via BizFile+.
6. Incorporate Your Company and Receive UEN & BizFile
Once all documents are prepared and requirements are met, your filing agent will submit the application to ACRA.
- Processing Time: If all documents are in order, incorporation can be completed within 1-3 working days, sometimes even within hours.
- Upon Approval: You will receive your Unique Entity Number (UEN), which is your company’s official identification number, and a BizFile extract, which is the official incorporation certificate containing key company details.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
This is a crucial post-incorporation step. Most major banks in Singapore (DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Citibank) offer corporate accounts.
- Requirements: Typically include the BizFile extract, company resolution to open the account, proof of directors’/shareholders’ identities, and a business plan.
- Challenges for Foreigners: Some banks may require directors/signatories to be physically present in Singapore for identity verification, or they might accept video calls or certified documents. Helvetios.eu can guide you through bank selection and application to find the best fit.
What is Needed to Register a Company in Singapore? (Detailed Checklist)
Beyond the step-by-step process, understanding the core components required for a Singapore company is key:
- Company Name: Unique, approved by ACRA.
- Directors:
- Minimum one Resident Director.
- Must be at least 18 years old and not disqualified.
- Can be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or holder of a valid Employment Pass/EntrePass (for foreigners relocating).
- Foreigners not relocating will need to engage a nominee resident director service.
- Shareholders:
- Minimum one, individual or corporate.
- Can be 100% foreign-owned.
- Company Secretary:
- Must be a natural person ordinarily resident in Singapore.
- Must be qualified under the Companies Act (e.g., a member of ISCA, ICSA, or other prescribed bodies).
- To be appointed within 6 months of incorporation.
- Registered Office Address: A physical address in Singapore. P.O. Box is not allowed. Virtual offices are common and acceptable.
- Initial Paid-up Capital: Minimum S$1.
- Business Activities (SSIC Codes): Defined by Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) codes. You can select up to two primary activities.
How to Open a Company in Singapore as a Foreigner
Singapore welcomes foreign entrepreneurs. You have primarily two routes:
- Engage a Professional Corporate Service Provider (Recommended):
- This is the most common and efficient method for foreigners.
- You do not need to physically relocate to Singapore to incorporate your company.
- A professional firm like Helvetios.eu will fulfill the resident director and company secretary requirements via their nominee services.
- You manage your company remotely.
- Helvetios.eu specializes in remote company setup for foreigners, ensuring a smooth and compliant process from anywhere in the world.
- Relocate to Singapore & Obtain a Work Pass:
- If you plan to live and work in Singapore, you can apply for a relevant work pass and then act as your company’s resident director.
- Employment Pass (EP): For foreign professionals, managers, or executives. Requires a minimum qualifying salary (currently S$5,000 for younger candidates, rising with age, and higher for financial services – Source: MOM – Employment Pass Eligibility).
- EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass): For eligible foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a new business in Singapore. Requires a strong business plan and specific innovative criteria.
What Happens After Company Incorporation in Singapore?
Company registration is just the first step. Post-incorporation, several crucial formalities ensure your company remains compliant and operational. Helvetios.eu offers comprehensive post-incorporation support to keep your business on track.
- Appoint First Auditor (if not exempt): Within 3 months of incorporation, unless the company is an exempt private company.
- Open Corporate Bank Account: As detailed above, Helvetios.eu assists with this vital step.
- Apply for Business Licenses/Permits: Depending on your industry (e.g., F&B, education, financial services), you may need specific licenses from relevant government agencies.
- Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST): If your projected annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million.
- Set Up Accounting System & Bookkeeping: Maintain proper financial records from day one. Helvetios.eu provides expert accounting services to ensure compliance and financial clarity.
- EP/EntrePass Application (if applicable): If foreign directors/employees will be relocating.
- CPF Registration: If you hire local employees, you must register with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and make mandatory contributions.
Helvetios offers end-to-end post-incorporation support, including accounting, payroll, nominee services, and compliance management.
Ongoing Formalities & Filing Requirements in Singapore
Maintaining good standing with ACRA and IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) is critical. Helvetios.eu provides ongoing administration and compliance services to ensure your Singaporean company meets all its obligations.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Held annually (typically within 6 months of financial year-end for listed companies, 7 months for others).
- Annual Return Filing: Filed with ACRA after the AGM.
- Tax Filing (Corporate Income Tax): Filed with IRAS annually by November 30 for paper filing or December 15 for e-filing.
- GST Filing: Filed quarterly, monthly, or half-yearly depending on turnover.
- Maintaining Statutory Registers: Keep records of directors, shareholders, secretaries, and charges up to date.
- Economic Substance Requirements: Ensure ongoing compliance, especially if operating in specific low-tax regimes or within certain free zones.
How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Singapore?
The actual incorporation process via ACRA is remarkably fast:
- Name Approval: Typically, within an hour, unless referred for manual review (e.g., sensitive words, similar names), which can take up to 14 days.
- Company Incorporation: Once the name is approved and all documents are properly submitted, it takes 1 to 3 working days. In some cases, it can be approved within hours.
Overall Timeline: Including preparation of documents and opening a bank account, the entire process can often be completed within 1 to 2 weeks with efficient service from a firm like Helvetios.eu. We pride ourselves on our swift and reliable company formation services, getting your business ready to operate faster.
Ready to Start Your Singapore Company?
Helvetios makes it fast, secure, and fully compliant to register a company in Singapore—wherever you are in the world. From setup and banking to ongoing compliance, our experts handle it all.
👉 Contact us now to book your free consultation and launch your Singapore venture in days, not weeks.
FAQs
Why should I register a company in Singapore?
Singapore offers exceptional advantages including a flat 17% corporate tax rate, no capital gains or dividend taxes, over 90 double taxation agreements, political stability, strategic location as a gateway to Asia, and a skilled multilingual workforce. The country provides a transparent regulatory environment with fast incorporation processes.
What are the main tax benefits of incorporating in Singapore?
- Corporate Income Tax: Flat 17% rate
- Partial Tax Exemption: Up to 75% exemption on first S$100,000 and 50% on next S$100,000 for qualifying new companies during first three years
- No Capital Gains Tax: Asset and share sales are not taxed
- No Dividend Tax: Dividends are tax-exempt for shareholders
- Double Taxation Agreements: Over 90 DTAs to reduce withholding taxes
What is the most popular business structure for foreign investors?
The Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.) is the most recommended structure. It offers separate legal personality, limited liability for shareholders, high credibility, and is ideal for startups, SMEs, and businesses seeking growth and fundraising opportunities.
What other business structures are available?
- Sole Proprietorship (SP): For single-owner, low-risk businesses
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): For professionals or joint ventures
- Branch Office: Extension of foreign parent company
- Representative Office (RO): Temporary administrative office for market research (max 3 years)
Can foreigners own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes, Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of Private Limited Companies with no restrictions.
What are the minimum requirements to incorporate a Pte. Ltd.?
- Company Name: Must be unique and ACRA-approved
- Shareholders: Minimum one (individual or corporate)
- Directors: Minimum one resident director
- Company Secretary: Must appoint qualified resident secretary within 6 months
- Initial Paid-Up Capital: Minimum S$1 (no maximum limit)
- Registered Office: Physical Singapore address required
What is a resident director and do I need one?
A resident director must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or holder of a valid Employment Pass/EntrePass. Every company needs at least one resident director. Foreign entrepreneurs can use nominee director services if they don’t relocate to Singapore.
Do I need a company secretary?
Yes, you must appoint a qualified resident company secretary within 6 months of incorporation. The company secretary cannot be the same person as the sole director and must be ordinarily resident in Singapore.
How long does company registration take?
- Name Approval: Typically within 1 hour (up to 14 days if manual review needed)
- Company Incorporation: 1-3 working days once documents are submitted
- Overall Process: 1-2 weeks including document preparation and bank account opening
Can I register a company without visiting Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can incorporate a Singapore company remotely by engaging a professional corporate service provider who will handle resident director and company secretary requirements through nominee services.
What documents do I need for registration?
- Proposed company name and ACRA clearance
- Shareholders’ and directors’ details (names, addresses, ID/passport numbers)
- Company secretary details
- Registered office address
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Initial share capital amount
- Business activities (SSIC codes)
What is the minimum capital required?
The minimum initial paid-up capital is only S$1, with no maximum limit. You can increase capital as your business grows.
How do I open a corporate bank account?
Major banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Citibank) offer corporate accounts. Requirements typically include BizFile extract, company resolution, directors’/shareholders’ identity proof, and business plan.
Some banks may require physical presence or accept video verification.
What challenges might foreigners face with banking?
Some banks require directors/signatories to be physically present in Singapore for identity verification, though alternatives like video calls or certified documents may be accepted.
Professional service providers can guide you through bank selection.
What are my options as a foreign entrepreneur?
- Remote Setup: Engage a corporate service provider and use nominee services while managing remotely
- Relocate to Singapore: Obtain an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass and act as your own resident director
What is an EntrePass?
The EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) is for eligible foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate innovative businesses in Singapore. It requires a strong business plan and meeting specific innovation criteria.
What are Employment Pass requirements?
Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers, or executives. Current minimum qualifying salary is S$5,000 for younger candidates (increases with age and is higher for financial services).
What must I do after incorporation?
- Appoint first auditor within 3 months (unless exempt)
- Open corporate bank account
- Apply for relevant business licenses/permits
- Register for GST if annual turnover exceeds S$1 million
- Set up accounting system and bookkeeping
- Apply for work passes if applicable
- Register for CPF if hiring local employees
What are the ongoing compliance requirements?
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Held annually
- Annual Return Filing: Filed with ACRA after AGM
- Corporate Income Tax Filing: By November 30 (paper) or December 15 (e-filing)
- GST Filing: Quarterly, monthly, or half-yearly depending on turnover
- Maintain Statutory Registers: Keep director, shareholder, and company records updated
Do I need an auditor?
Companies must generally appoint an auditor within 3 months of incorporation, unless they qualify as “exempt private companies.”
When do I need to register for GST?
GST registration is required if your projected annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million.
Can I use a virtual office address?
Yes, virtual office solutions are acceptable for the registered office address, as long as it’s a physical street address in Singapore (P.O. Box addresses are not allowed).
How many business activities can I register?
You can select up to two primary business activities using Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) codes.
What makes Singapore incorporation so fast?
Singapore’s digitized system through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal, streamlined processes, and transparent regulatory environment enable rapid incorporation. Most approvals are automated unless manual review is required.
Can incorporation be completed in one day?
While possible in some cases, it’s more realistic to expect 1-3 working days for incorporation after name approval and document submission. The entire process including preparation typically takes 1-2 weeks.
What could delay my incorporation?
Delays typically occur due to:
- Name approval issues (similar existing names, sensitive words)
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Manual review requirements
- Banking procedures for account opening
