• info@kaizencpa.com
  • Our Office: USA - Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Shanghai - Beijing - Taiwan - Singapore - Japan - UK

+852 2341 1444(Hong Kong)
+86 755 8268 4483(Shenzhen)
+65 6438 0116(Singapore)

Search for anything.

Knowledge

  • Home
  • Knowledge
  • Guide to Singapore Company Registration

Guide to Singapore Company Registration

2025-12-12
In today's increasingly fierce global business competition, enterprises are constantly seeking more favourable development environments. Singapore, with its stable political environment, low-tax policies, sound legal system, and highly internationalized financial system, has become one of the most attractive destinations for company registration in Asia. This article will systematically introduce the core advantages, registration requirements, and procedures of Singapore companies, providing a reference for enterprises intending to enter the international market.

  1. Core Advantages of Singapore Companies

    (1)
    		 Low Tax Rates and International Tax Treaties

    Singapore implements a territorial taxation system, where only profits derived from Singapore are taxed. Overseas profits can enjoy tax exemption or preferential treatment if they meet the relevant criteria. The corporate income tax rate is only 17%, and Singapore has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with more than 80 countries worldwide, effectively reducing the cross-border tax costs for enterprises.
    (2)
    		 100% Foreign Ownership Freedom

    Singapore allows foreign investors to hold 100% of the shares of a company, with no requirement for local shareholders' participation. In addition, there are no foreign exchange control restrictions on profit repatriation, enabling enterprises to freely conduct international fund dispatches, which greatly facilitates the fund management of multinational corporations.

    (3)
    		 Tax and Investment Incentive Policies

    The Singapore government provides partial tax exemption benefits for the first three years to start-up enterprises. It also establishes a variety of government-supported innovation and technology development funds (such as EDB, Enterprise SG, etc.) to support the growth and technological innovation of enterprises.

  2. Singapore Company Registration Requirements

    (1)
    		 Company Name

    The company name must be in English and end with "PTE. LTD.". It also needs to pass the name verification conducted by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore.

    (2)
    		 Registered Address

    A valid local physical address in Singapore must be provided; a post office box cannot be used.

    (3)
    		 Director Requirements

    The company must have at least 1 local director, who can be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or a person holding an Employment Pass.

    (4)
    		 Shareholder Requirements

    The company must have at least 1 shareholder, with no nationality restrictions. Shareholders can be either natural persons or corporate entities.

    (5)
    		 Company Secretary

    Within 6 months of the company's establishment, a Singapore resident must be appointed as the company secretary.

    (6)
    		 Paid-Up Capital

    The minimum paid-up capital is SGD 1, with no requirement for actual contribution. However, if the capital exceeds SGD 1,000, actual contribution is required during the transfer process.

  3. Detailed Registration Procedures

    (1)
    		 Company Name Pre-Verification

    Apply for the English company name to ACRA for review. The result is usually available within 1 working day. Once the name is approved, it remains valid for 120 days.

    (2)
    		 Preparation of Registration Documents

    The following documents need to be prepared:
    (a) Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A)
    (b) Identity documents of directors and shareholders
    (c) Proof of registered address
    (3)
    		 Formal Submission of Registration Application

    Submit the registration application to ACRA through a licensed corporate secretarial firm. The registration process is usually completed within 1-3 working days, and the Company Registration Certificate will be issued upon completion.

    (4)
    		 Bank Account Opening

    After the registration is completed, the enterprise can choose to open a corporate account with local banks in Singapore (such as DBS, OCBC, UOB) or international banks (such as HSBC, Standard Chartered). Some banks support remote account opening, providing convenience for overseas investors.

    (5)
    		 Tax Registration and Compliance

    Companies are required to submit financial statements and corporate income tax returns annually. If the annual turnover of an enterprise exceeds SGD 1 million, it is required to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  4. Conclusion

    The registration process for Singapore companies is clear and efficient, and adequate preparation of registration materials is the key to success. It is recommended that enterprises utilize the services of professional agency institutions, reasonably plan the company name, business scope, and registered capital to successfully complete the Singapore company registration and lay a solid foundation for expanding international business.

    With its superior business environment, transparent legal system, and open financial policies, Singapore continues to provide an efficient and convenient international platform for global enterprises, making it an ideal springboard for enterprises to enter the Asian and even global markets.

See also:
Singapore Company Incorporation Standard Package
 Singapore Company and Bank Account Package
Singapore Company and Employment Pass Package
 Singapore Branch Office Registration Procedures and Fees

Disclaimer

All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage.

WhatsApp/Line/Wechat: +852 5616 4140

Related Posts

Guide to Singapore Company Registration

In today's increasingly fierce global business competition, enterprises are constantly seeking more favourable development environments. Singapore, with its stable political environment, low-tax policies, sound legal system, and highly internationalized financial system, has become one of the most attractive destinations for company registration in Asia.

Choosing a Singapore Company Name

Choosing the right company name is important. The name of your company will define its image, and will also be what your customers identify your business and company with. Marketing considerations aside, you also have to ensure that your chosen company name will be approved for registration by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (“ACRA”) in the first place.

Dissolution of Singapore Company

A company may apply to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to strike its name off the Companies Register if it is no longer carrying on business. This process is known as "striking off" a company. Please do not close the company's bank accounts until all outstanding matters are settled. Once the company's bank account is closed and there is a tax credit owing to the company

Singapore Company’s Registrable Controller Guideline Note

With effect from 31 March 2017, companies, foreign companies and LLPs (unless exempted) registered in Singapore are required to maintain beneficial ownership information in the form of a register of registrable controllers (RRC), and to make the information available to public agencies upon request.