Singapore Company Registration | Hassle Free Incorporation
Are you looking to register your company in Singapore or run an existing company?
Our expert team can simplify the Singapore company registration process for you and will lead you through the Singapore company registration process and will help you manage and run a company in Singapore.
How to Register your Company in Singapore?
- Understand the requirements for Singapore company registration.
- Decide a business name and confirm the availability of the chosen name.
- We will confirm the availability of the company name you are interested in.
- Sign incorporation documents - 100% remote process.
- We will create a bank account for your business operations in Singapore.
Table of Contents
Why to register your company in Singapore?
Singapore is situated in Asia and is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies making it a perfect center for companies looking to develop their operations in Asia. Singapore is positioned second in the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) index and has a welcoming environment for investment and trade in addition to having a good business climate. There are numerous reasons why you should consider registering your business in Singapore.
Strong economy
The country has experienced rapid growth and development. Singapore has a strong economy because it has used its resources wisely. A strong economy will give your company a better opportunity to develop and thrive.
Attractive taxation scheme
Singapore company corporate tax rates range from 0% to 17%, which is very low compared to other developed countries.
Double Taxation Avoidance
Singapore has bilateral double tax avoidance treaties with over 50 nations. Double taxation avoidance agreements guarantee that transactions between Singapore and treaty countries don’t include double taxes.
Seamless Incorporation & Operation
The procedure for registering a Singaporean corporation is relatively simple. With the assistance of our professionals, the entire business registration process can be completed remotely without the need to complete any difficult paperwork.
Pro-start-up environment
Singapore has adopted a number of tax incentives and in-kind assistance schemes to encourage growth and innovation.
World-class infrastructure
Singapore boasts a world-class infrastructure which is a boom for businesses. It has helped to increase productivity by facilitating trade and transactions between the nations.
Register A Company In Singapore in 8 Steps
Decide on a business name and reserve it
The first step for company registration in Singapore is to choose a name for the business.
The chosen name must be original, significant, simple to read, and free of rude or offensive words.
To verify with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) if a business name is available, a minimum of three names must be submitted. Upon approval and availability of the business name, it will be reserved for a period of 60 days from the date of application.
If you choose to register your business with us, we will choose the business name for you and make sure that the name aligns with the guidelines established by ACRA. We shall submit an application for approval of your preferred name. In the case your preferred name is not available, our experts will apply for alternate names.
Decide the corporate structure
The next step for company incorporation in Singapore involves deciding the form of business you wish to incorporate. In company registration Singapore, you have the option of setting up a Private Limited Company, a Sole proprietorship, or any other form of business. A private limited company in Singapore is the most commonly used business structure.
We will examine your firm’s needs and recommend the best business structure for registering your company.
Prepare the necessary paperwork
You must prepare the necessary paperwork to register a company in Singapore, such as the articles and memorandum of association, information about the business address, information about the stockholders, etc.
We will inform you of the documents needed, including those for the KYC due diligence mandated by Singapore regulations. We will gather the required documentation from you and double-check it with the appropriate authorities to ensure that it is authentic and complies with all requirements.
Proceed with business registration
We will assist you in registering your business in Singapore by submitting a business registration application to ACRA and uploading the required documentation via the Bizfile+ platform.
We can expedite the business registration process for you. With us, you don’t need to be physically present to incorporate your company. We will help you register your company in Singapore remotely from any part of the world.
Acquire a Certificate of Incorporation
We will promptly collect your incorporation documentation, including the company profile and certificate of incorporation after your firm has been registered in Singapore. Afterward, we will deliver the documents to you.
The certificate of incorporation will include the business’s name, establishment date, and an identification number called the Unique Identification Number (UEN).
The business’s profile includes information about the firm, including its name, registration number, formation date, primary business activities, and other details.
Obtain licenses and permits
Once the company has been incorporated, it will have to obtain different business licenses and certificates to engage in business activities.
Depending on your business activity, we will apply for various licenses and permissions after verifying the requirements with the relevant government agencies.
Register for GST
Only businesses in Singapore that have yearly revenues of more than S$1 million are obliged to register for GST.
When a firm’s taxable revenue during the previous year exceeded S$1 million or when it anticipated exceeding S$1 million in taxable revenue in the following twelve months, it is mandated to register and collect GST.
On your behalf, we shall submit an application to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for GST registration.
Open a business bank account
After the firm has been established, you can establish a business bank account in Singapore.
We’ll choose the best bank for you based on the requirements of your company. With us, you can open a bank account 100% remotely and you don’t need to travel to Singapore to open a bank account.
Types of Business Entities in Singapore
Private Limited Company
The Private Limited Corporation (PLC) is an option that allows the participation of up to 50 investors. It provides tax deductions as well as incentives which makes it the most sought-after option.
The majority of businesses incorporate as private limited companies for the following reasons:
- A private limited corporation has a distinct legal identity from its stockholders and directors, enabling it to sign contracts, and file and respond to lawsuits under its own name.
- By selling shares, it is simple to change ownership of the business.
Limited Liability Company
The LLP is a flexible choice for business owners who want to create a partnership but retain their legal identities distinctly.
Advantages of a limited liability company:
- Provides limited liability.
- A limited liability company is regarded as a separate legal entity.
Disadvantages of a limited liability company:
- The biggest disadvantage of an LLC is the substantial amount of compliance obligations.
Subsidiary Company
A subsidiary is an affiliate of the parent corporation with its own legal entity. The board of directors oversees the subsidiary. The operations of a subsidiary may be similar to or distinct from those of its parent company. It must have a minimum of one Singaporean local representative.
Advantages of a subsidiary company:
- Because the subsidiary is a distinct legal entity, the parent company is shielded from its obligations.
- An overseas business may own all of the stock in the subsidiary.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is a type of business that is managed by just one person. In this case, there is only one owner and the business is not a distinct legal entity. All debts and obligations associated with the business are the responsibility of the proprietor alone.
Advantages of a Sole Proprietorship:
- Easy and quick to set up.
- The sole proprietor will receive all of the company’s profits.
Disadvantages of a Sole Proprietorship:
- A sole proprietor has unlimited liability.
- A sole proprietorship doesn’t have perpetual existence.
Branch Office
Foreign companies can open an office branch in Singapore and be non-residents. The branch office is an extension of the parent company and is not a separate entity. A branch office must have a minimum of one Singaporean local representative.
Advantages of Branch Office:
- The branch office’s operations are entirely under the authority of the foreign corporation.
- Singapore provides a range of tax benefits for branch offices.
Disadvantages of Branch Office:
- The branch office’s obligations are shared by the parent firm because it is not a separate legal entity.
- A branch office is only permitted to conduct the same kind of operations as an overseas corporation.
Representative Office
A representative office is able to be established for a maximum period of three years, so it is an indefinite structure. Foreign firms are only allowed to study the Singapore market in this manner and are not permitted to offer products or services in order to earn money.
Advantages of Representative Office:
- Compared to other forms of legal organization, a representative office has affordable operational expenses.
- A representative office can help a foreign business build its reputation and create its presence in Singapore.
Disadvantages of Representative Office:
- A representative office is not allowed to carry on operations, sign agreements, transport goods, provide services
- An RO is only intended to be used for promotional purposes or research on markets.
Variable Capital Company
The VCC is an exciting financial vehicle that is a great investment for Singapore. The VCC is an anticipated vehicle to register due to its incredible versatility.
Company Setup
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Documents Required for Singapore Company Registration
1. Company Constitution- In Singapore, a firm’s constitution lays forth the fundamental principles by which the corporation will be governed. It defines the corporation’s objectives and specifies the rights, responsibilities, authority, and tasks entrusted to the business, its board of directors, and its stockholders.
It contains information like:
- Business name
- An overview of business operations
- About the share capital and issued shares
- Details of the shareholders and directors
- Information about the corporate secretary
- Details of the registered address
2. Memorandum of Association
3. Articles of Association
4. Foreigners are required to produce copies of their passports and documentation of their residential addresses.
5. Completed KYC form (If you are engaging for nominee director service).
6. Bank statement / Bank reference letter
We will compile all necessary documentation and submit it to ACRA on behalf of your company.
Eligibility criteria for Singapore company formation
| CRITERIA | REQUIREMENTS |
| Paid Up Capital | Minimum SGD 1 |
| Shareholder | Minimum 1 |
| Foreign Director | Minimum 1 |
| Local Director | Mandatory |
| Local Company Secretary | Mandatory |
| Local Registered Address | Mandatory (Virtual/Physical) |
| Preferable Type of Company | PTE Limited |
Minimum 1 shareholder
You need to have at least one shareholder in order to register your business in Singapore. A stakeholder can be a person or another business. A private limited company in Singapore may have up to 50 shareholders.
Note: Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership, as such, 100% of the corporation may be owned by a foreign national.
Minimum Paid-up Capital is SGD 1
Minimum paid-up capital of only 1 Singapore Dollar you can incorporate a company in Singapore.
Singapore has at least one director
At least one director who is a Singapore resident, to be entitled to the post of business director, a candidate should be at least 18 years old. A corporate director is in charge of overseeing the business affairs and determining the business’s strategic course.
In the case you do not have a Singaporean director, you can use our service for appointing a nominee director.
Singaporean Company Secretary
A Singapore company must appoint a company secretary, who is a Singapore resident. The company secretary ensures compliance with company filings and regulatory obligations.
If you establish your business in Singapore with us, we’ll appoint an experienced company secretary for your company.
Singapore Registered Address
A registered address must be provided for the company in Singapore. It can’t be a PO Box.
When you incorporate your business with us, we’ll designate our address as the registered address for your business.
Auditor
You must choose an auditor within three months of your Singapore company formation, except if the pertinent parts of the Companies Act exclude your business from audit requirements.
Tax Structure In Singapore
The tax system of Singapore is renowned for its favourable business and individual tax rates, tax relief initiatives, and lack of a capital gains tax.
An entrepreneur in Singapore who runs a business there is required to pay the following business taxes:
- Corporate income tax: Business income is subject to a fixed tax at a rate of 17%.
- Goods and services tax (GST): For supplies of goods and services made in Singapore by taxable individuals in the advancement of their businesses, as well as, for imports entering Singapore, GST is levied at 8%.
- Property tax: Owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied residential structures are subject to progressive property taxation rates. The tax rate for all additional real estate is 10% of the yearly value.
- Stamp duty: Stamp Duty is charged on business and legal papers pertaining to stocks, shares, and real estate.
Opening A Corporate Bank Account In Singapore
Singapore businesses have a wide range of options for opening corporate bank accounts. The majority of banks in Singapore offer enticing options like international money transfers, online banking, card payments, and trade finance.
Before selecting a business bank for your Singapore company, there are a number of things to take into consideration, including service charges, interest rates, accessibility to customer service, data security, the efficiency and scope of financial support, and a number of other things.
All banking organizations in Singapore are governed centrally by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which is Singapore’s central bank.
With your Singapore company, you can receive & send hassle-free payments globally.
Registering a business with us will make it easier for you to open a bank account as we will complete the whole process electronically.
Additionally, you won’t need to travel to Singapore to open a bank account, which will save you time.
Advantages of Singapore company registration
| ASPECT | FEATURES |
| Tax Advantages | 0% Tax Captial Gain |
| Payment Options | Send and Receive Instant Payments |
| Internationally Recognized | International Reputation |
| Timeline | 3 – 5 Working days |
| Ease of incorporation | 100% Remote Process |
The owners of the company
Shareholders can own a company in Singapore. They invest in it to get a return on their investment in dividends and growth in the company’s value.
Note: Foreigners can own 100% of the Singapore company.
Vibrant Startup Ecosystem
Singapore is a city that was called as the World’s Freest Economy in 2020 and has been a consistent with an economic freedom score of 83.9 in the 2023 index, as a business hub for a variety of companies and startups.
Beginning an enterprise in Singapore provides an additional benefit from government assistance, making the process easier.
Special Tax Benefits
While the high rates of corporation tax in other parts of the world may be an issue for some companies, Singapore has created an attractive tax structure for corporations with tax rates that range between 0% and 17 percent.
There are many other benefits aside from the tax rate for corporations that is low like:
- Tax-free dividends
- Capital gains are not tax-free.
- Tax credit pooling
- Tax credit for Unilateral
- Tax withholding reductions on income from foreign sources
How much times it takes to start a company in Singapore
The process of registering a Singaporean company involves several stages, each with its own timeframe. It’s important to note that certain timelines can be influenced by your actions; for instance, if you take more time to gather required information, the duration of specific steps might be extended.
- Providing corporate structure information and associated documents: It hardly takes 1hour to 1 day (totally depends upon client)
- Company Name Reservation with ACRA: Fewer than 1 hour
- “Know Your Client” (KYC) checking by Odint Consulting’s service provider of client as required by law: 1-2 days
- Client approval and signatures on the document set: It takes 1 hour to 1 day
- Preparation of a set of incorporation documents: 60mins to 90 mins
- Affiliation with ACRA: 60mins to 90mins
How ODINT Will Simplify this for you!
- We will help you choose the company name and submit it to ACRA for approval.
- Based on your business needs, we’ll pick the most appropriate organizational structure for you.
- We will compile the paperwork needed for business registration, and then verify it with the appropriate government.
- We will register your company with ACRA and submit the necessary documentation.
- We will choose a director and a company secretary for your business.
- Additionally, we will set up a bank account and register your company with the tax authorities.
Company Setup
Book end-to-end experts consultation with Odint company formation experts
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ASSISTANCE
Conclusion
With a good working class mass of its population and cheap rate of corporate taxes Singapore is one of the most favorable areas for people of the subcontinent to set up their businesses both remotely and physically.
With its largest port facility, the country is considered as a cheap gold mine for exporters.
This is where the experts of OnDemand International come along and help you not just with a blueprint but also with incorporation laws and ideas for setting up your business in that particular geography.
What our clients say about us:
FAQ’s
In Singapore, establishing a business is simple as a Singapore corporation can be established with just S$1 as the required share capital and a minimum of 1 director and 1 shareholder.
Singapore is not a country with no taxes. It imposes taxes gradually, ranging from 0% to 22% (for earnings over S$320,000). Additionally, a fixed rate of 17% of tax is applied to company income. However, neither capital gains nor inheritance is taxed.
Yes, foreigners can establish a company in Singapore. Foreign nationals can establish a company in Singapore in one of three ways:
- You can register for an EntrePass from the MOM.
- You can register for an Employment Pass.
- You can designate a resident local as the firm’s director to oversee the organization.
No, with our business registration service, you can complete the entire company registration process online. All tasks that are required will be done remotely by our experts.
As per the Singapore Companies Act, anyone over 18 years may incorporate a company in Singapore.
The government does not see a reason to permit home-based food companies because of the tiny amounts of food they offer according to Singapore’s Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
Opening a bank account for your company is quite easy because it can be done remotely with the aid of our services.
Timeline for incorporating a company in Singapore with ACRA takes 1 day. Depending upon the complexity of your business it might take a few weeks. Get in touch with our experts for detailed consultation.
In Singapore, the usual GST rate is 8%.
Only when a Singaporean company’s yearly revenue surpasses S$1 million are they required to register for GST.
In Singapore, only specific business operations are restricted and need a company license. Examples include legal services, employment agency services, and financial services. If you’re unsure, check with us so we can direct you.
Certainly, an individual has the ability to possess both ownership and control over a company, meaning they can be the exclusive shareholder and director of the said company.
The modes of payment available to start a company in Singapore are credit card, Debit card, Cash, and Bank Transfer
