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Company Incorporation in Singapore

All companies in Singapore must be registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and abide by the Companies Act. Incorporate a new company involves a lengthy and detailed process, we are here to help you in fulfilling all the requirements needed for registration and approval from the ACRA. Company Directors and shareholders are given timely advice and cost-effective support according to their business needs.

Types of company and criteria to setup

Singapore offers a variety of business structures to accommodate the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and businesses. Here are the main types of companies and entities that can be set up in Singapore, along with the criteria for setting up each: 

1. Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

Criteria for Setting Up:

  • Shareholders: Minimum of 1 and maximum of 50 shareholders, who can be individuals or corporate entities.
  • Directors: At least one director must be a Singaporean resident (citizen, permanent resident, or holder of an EntrePass/Employment Pass with a residential address in Singapore).
  • Company Secretary: Must be appointed within six months of incorporation; must be a natural person residing in Singapore.
  • Paid-up Capital: Minimum of SGD 1.
  • Registered Address: Must have a physical address in Singapore.

2. Sole Proprietorship

Criteria for Setting Up:

  • Business Owner: Must be a Singaporean citizen, permanent resident, or EntrePass holder.
  • Business Activity: Needs to be legal and permissible.
  • Registered Address: Must have a local business address.
  • Personal Liability: The owner has unlimited liability, meaning personal assets are at risk if the business incurs debt or losses.

3. Partnership

Criteria for Setting Up:

  • Partners: Between 2 and 20 partners; can be individuals or companies.
  • Residency: At least one managing partner must be a Singaporean resident.
  • Liability: Partners have unlimited liability, similar to a sole proprietorship.
  • Registered Address: Requires a local business address.

4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Criteria for Setting Up:

  • Partners: Can have two or more partners, which can include individuals or corporate entities.
  • Residency: If the LLP has individual partners, at least one must be a Singapore resident.
  • Liability: Partners are not personally liable for business debts incurred by other partners, offering protection of personal assets.
  • Registered Address: Must have a physical business address in Singapore.

5. Limited Partnership (LP)

Criteria for Setting Up:

  • Partners: Must have at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one limited partner whose liability is limited to their investment.
  • Residency: The general partner must be a Singaporean resident if an individual.
  • Registered Address: Needs a registered address in Singapore.

6. Public Limited Company

Criteria for Setting Up:

  • Shareholders: Minimum of one shareholder; no upper limit on the number of shareholders.
  • Directors: At least one director must be a Singapore resident.
  • Company Secretary: Must be appointed within six months of incorporation; must be a qualified individual residing in Singapore.
  • Paid-up Capital: Minimum usually starts higher than for private limited companies, often required for listing on a stock exchange.
  • Registered Address: Requires a local address in Singapore.

Each type of business entity in Singapore has specific advantages, obligations, and regulatory requirements, designed to suit different business needs and scales. Entrepreneurs should choose the structure that best fits their business strategy, industry practices, and long-term goals, often with the help of legal and financial advice.

What do you need for Incorporation?

  • Name of the Company
  • Registered Local Address of the Company
  • Company’s principal activities (up to a maximum of 2)
  • Details of the Director(s) (Minimum of 1 Singapore local director and must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident or someone who holds the employment pass in Singapore)
  • Details about the Shareholders
  • Initial Paid-Up Capital (minimum $1)
  • Appointment of Company Secretary

What is the estimated timeline for successful incorporation?

Estimated 1 to 2 business days, following receipt of all required documents and information.

Our Service Package includes

  • Incorporation services
  • Nominee directorships
  • Registered office address
  • Bank account opening assistance
  • Share certificate and first directors’ meeting resolution preparation
  • Company kit preparation (including BizFile, COI, Constitution, Company stamp etc)
  • Business licenses application assistance
  • Management Consulting
  • Business support services
  • Post registration consultancy
  • Corporate Secretarial services