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How to register a company in SINGAPORE in 2024

pay fee by instalmentsbusiness setup without travelGuaranteed solutions

Since 2003, Healy Consultants Group assists multinational Clients with doing business in Singapore. Our services include i) company registration in Singapore and ii) securing government licences and iii) corporate bank account opening services in Singapore and overseas iv) accounting and tax considerations and v) office rental solutions in Singapore.

01

Popular business entities in Singapore

Compare different Singapore entities Tax resident LLC Tax exempt LLC Free zone LLC LLP Representative Office
Best use of company? All purposes Trading/holding Global trading Professional services Marketing & research
How soon to invoice Clients? 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week Not allowed
How soon can you hire staff? 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week
How soon can you sign a lease agreement? 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week
How long to supply co. reg / tax numbers? 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week
How long to supply corporate bank a/c? 8 weeks 3 months 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks
Corporate tax rate on annual net profits? 17% 0% 17% 0% 0%
Effective tax rate on US$500,000? 13% 0% 14% 0% (click link) Not allowed to trade
Limited liability entity? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Res. director/partner/ legal rep. required? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Min. paid up share capital? US$1 US$1 US$1 US$1 None
Corporate bank account location? DBS Switzerland UOB DBS SBI
Can secure trade finance? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
GST payable on sales to local customers 9% No local sales allowed 9% 9% 0%
Average total engagement costs? US$13,223 US$12,246 US$13,340 US$11,530 US$12,361
Average total engagement period? 2 months 3 months 2 months 2 months 2 months
Subject to i) new start up and ii) partial tax exemptions? Yes No No Yes No

See full table

Accounting and tax considerations Tax resident LLC Tax exempt LLC Free zone LLC LLP Representative Office
Statutory corporate tax payable? 17% 0% 17% (Disregarded) No income allowed
Legally tax exempt if properly structured? No Yes No Yes Yes
Must file an annual company tax return? Yes Yes Yes No No
Must file annual financial statements? Yes Yes Yes No No
Access to double taxation treaties? Yes No Yes No No
Government grants available? Yes No Yes Yes No
Group HQ tax incentives? Yes No Yes Yes No
Company Registration Tax resident LLC Tax exempt LLC Free zone LLC LLP Representative Office
Minimum number of directors/managers? 1 1 1 1 1
Minimum number of shareholders/partners? 1 1 1 2 Parent company
Shelf companies available? Yes Yes No No No
Time to incorporate a new entity? 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week
Can easily convert to a PLC? Yes Yes Yes No No
Public register of shareholders and directors? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Can have preference shareholders? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
This entity will likely be regulated by? ACRA ACRA ACRA ACRA ACRA
Business Considerations Tax resident LLC Tax exempt LLC Free zone LLC LLP Representative Office
Good entity for trademark registration? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Can secure an import and export license? Yes No Yes Yes No
Can bid for Government contracts? Yes No Yes Yes No
Can secure residence visa for business owner? Yes No Yes Yes Yes

Maximum number of staff allowed? No maximum limit
Our Client must travel to Singapore? No
Can be wholly foreign owned? Yes
Maximum shareholding for foreigners? 100%
Govt. approval required for foreign owners? No
Temp. physical office solutions available? Yes
You need local resident as bank signatory? No
Withholding tax on payments to shareholders? 0%
Must appoint an auditor? No
Dividends received are legally tax exempt? Yes provided certain conditions are met
Security deposit to be kept with Government? No
Must sign an office lease agreement? No
S/holder/director docs attested? Yes
Foreign non-resident director needs a work permit? No
S/holder/director docs translated? No
Expatriate to local staff ratio? Depends on business activity
Other useful information
What will be included in my customer sales invoice? Read more
Singapore has signed free trade agreements? Yes
Singapore is a member of WIPO/TRIPS? Yes
Singapore is a member of the ICSID? Yes
Average customs duties suffered? ≤0.50%
Average monthly office rent? (US$/sq m) 37
Minimum statutory annual salary? None
Average US$ salary for local skilled staff? US$3,800
S$ deposit interest rate? (1 year average) 0.05%
US$ deposit interest rate (year average)? 0.10%
Overseas remittance currency controls? None
Banking considerations
Multi-currency bank accounts available? Yes
Corporate visa debit cards available? No
Quality of e-banking platform? Excellent
Crypto-friendly banks available? No
Crowd funding available in this country? Yes

Choose your Singapore business entity

  • 02

    Advantages and disadvantages of doing business in Singapore

    Advantages

    1. Singapore is perceived as a stable, well-functioning, modern and honest country; with . This positive perception of the Singapore brand signals professionalism and quality to your customers, partners, suppliers, banks and international governments. Singapore is a quality country in which to do business because:
      1. High standards, including a robust regulatory framework, efficient courts and very low corruption;
      2. Foreign investment into Singapore is protected by i) a high standard regulatory environment ii) strong intellectual property (IP) protection laws and iii) a fast and efficient court system.
      3. Singapore has for the last two decades been consistently ranked by the World Bank as one of the world’s best countries in which to do business;
      4. For many years it is considered to have the world’s freest economy;
      5. The World Economic Forum rates Singapore’s economy as the world’s most competitive;
      6. Based on per-capita GDP, Singapore one of the world’s top 10 richest countries, according to the IMF and World Bank.
      7. English is the primary language of business, including all government documents and communications;
      8. It is the most westernised city in Asia, thus familiar to multi-national companies;
      9. It has well-developed capital markets and financial system, supported by excellent technological infrastructure.
    2. Singapore is a AAA-rated country with zero national debt and government savings of approximately US$327.5 billion. During a global depression, we expect little to no Singaporean bank bankruptcies. We encourage our multinational Clients to house their funds with Singaporean banks; and
    3. International top-tier banks welcome multi-currency corporate bank account applications from a Singapore LLC, because it is considered a reputable zero tax entity. Singapore banks welcome multi-currency corporate bank account opening applications from overseas companies registered in developed countries like UK and USA and Australia etc.
    4. The Singaporean Government offers a simple, rational, practical, low tax system. For example:
      1. Because of government tax exemptions, annual net profits of S$300,000 only suffer corporation tax of 8.5%; and
      2. Singapore LLC dividends are free of all local taxes, including withholding tax;
      3. There is no capital gains tax in Singapore. Consequently, company shares and assets can be bought and sold free of all local taxes;
      4. A tax-resident Singapore LLC has access to 101 double tax treaties, minimising withholding tax on repatriation of profits to overseas parent companies;
      5. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is only 9%;
      6. After 12 months from the accounting year-end, corporation tax can be paid by instalments over the following 12 months;
      7. A tax-resident Singapore LLC enjoys a corporation tax rate of 15% if it qualifies for Asian Headquarters Status;
      8. A tax-resident Singapore LLC enjoys a corporation tax rate of 10% if it qualifies for Global Headquarters Status;
      9. An employee earning S$150,000 annual income only suffers 9% personal income tax liability.
      10. If properly structured, a Singapore LLC can trade global crypto-currencies i) without requiring a local regulatory licence and ii) without suffering local taxes.
      11. Generous government grants are available to tax-resident Singapore LLCs. For example, to encourage companies to improve their digitalisation and productivity, the Singapore government (through the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) offers subsidies of up to 80% for companies engaging IMDA-approved vendors of HR, accounting and payroll services.
    5. Singapore recruits its ‘best and brightest’ citizens into its civil service and pays them extremely well so that there is little temptation for corruption. If any official misconduct is discovered, Singapore has meted out harsh punishment. As a result of these policies, the country now ranks as one of the world’s least corrupt. Furthermore, a modern regulatory framework provides strong protections for intellectual property. There is no expropriation of country’s wealth by its elites, and commercial courts function well to ensure that contracts are enforced.

    See more benefits

    Disadvantages

    1. Singaporean banks are difficult because i) multi-currency corporate bank account opening is slow ii) closure of bank accounts without explanation is common iii) customer service phone call lines only available during Singapore business hours iv) CRS reporting obligations are in place and v) USA customers are unwelcome because of FATCA; and
    2. Singapore dollar savings, current and deposit bank accounts are Government insured up to S$75,000, providing comfort for depositors. However, deposits in other currencies (US$, EUR etc) are not covered; and
    3. Hiring quality employees is difficult because i) priority recruitment is given to Singaporean citizens and ii) unreasonable high minimum salary thresholds for expatriates to secure employment visa approvals iii) low choice of quality candidates in a small labour pool because of low unemployment of 3.5% at the height of the 2020 global economic crisis iv) the government’s strict employment limits on foreign workers can make it difficult to bring in manpower from other countries; and
    4. High operating costs in Singapore because of i) excessive monthly office rentals and ii) excessive labour costs and benefits iii) high utility costs and iv) high cost of living (rentals, schooling, healthcare etc) for employees; and
    5. Most banks will request for proof of business address in Singapore such as a utility bill in the company’s name. Since this is a non-resident entity, such proof cannot be provided as the entity will not have a physical office premise in Singapore; and
    6. Singaporean banks do not welcome crypto-currency customers since 2017. Therefore, we recommended crypto friendly banks outside of Singapore to our client. Most banks do not provide SWIFT facilities to crypto related entities because they are considered high risk. As an alternative, we recommend top tier banks located in jurisdictions that are signatories to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) global information exchange system, as well as Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) reporting protocols, whether traditional banks or online banks or PSPs.

    See more challenges

  • 03

    Typical Singapore engagement steps and timeline

    Typical Singapore engagement steps

    1. Consultation with Healy Consultants Group experts, including i) discussing business goals and ii) agreeing the optimum corporate structure and iii) potential licensing requirements and iv) our fees; and
    2. Our Client confirms ownership structure, including i) shareholders, ii) directors, iii) bank signatories and iv) UBOs. Healy Consultants Group reserves the company name in BizFile; and
    3. Our team drafts a detailed engagement project plan mapping out the entire process from i) company incorporation ii) tax registration iii) corporate bank account opening and iv) obtaining applicable licences; and
    4. Our Client appoints us as company secretary to manage the company’s statutory administration and annual returns. Healy Consultants Group drafts the company constitution, which includes the company’s i) share capital ii) registered address and iii) shareholders and directors; and
    5. Our Singapore Incorporation Team submits the incorporation package to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) via Bizfile. Within three days of submission, the entity is incorporated. Our Firm immediately emails our Client with the certificate of incorporation and company extract (view sample of a business profile); and
    6. We apply for a corporate bank account for our Client. Our team helps prepare a quality business plan for the bank to optimise the probability of corporate bank account approval; and
    7. The company registers for GST, applies for employee visas and obtain government grants and incentives, if required. If required, we assist our Clients obtaining licenses for their Singapore companies; and
    8. Healy Consultants Group couriers a full company kit to our Client, including i) original corporate documents ii) unopened bank correspondence and iii) Client feedback survey.

    View all steps

    Typical Singapore engagement timeline

    Start
    Engagement Planning

    1 week

    Company incorporation

    1 week

    Corporate bank account approval

    2 months

    Corporate internet banking approval

    2 weeks

    Engagement completion

    1 week

    3 months

    Compare timelines with other type of businesses in Singapore

  • 04

    Additional support services

    Opening a corporate bank account in Singapore

    Singapore is a global financial centre home to top tier international banks. It is not necessary for our Clients to travel to Singapore to open a local multi-currency bank account. Healy Consultants Group can complete formalities on your behalf. Foreign companies can open a Singapore business account without having to register a local company.

    Learn more

    Singapore accounting & tax considerations

    17%

    Corporate tax

    9%

    Goods & Services Tax

    2 to 22%

    Personal Income Tax

    15 December

    Deadline for e-filing corporate tax return

    Learn more

    Singapore visas

    All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid pass before they start work.

    From September 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) introduces a points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) for EP applications and the qualifying salaries will be raised.

    1. Employment Pass (EP): For foreign professionals, managers and executives.
    2. S Pass: For skilled workers.
    3. Dependent’s Pass: For family members of i) EP holders ii) S-Pass holders iii) ONE Pass holders and iv) EntrePass holders.
    4. Work Permit: For semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or services sector.
    5. EntrePass: For foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies.
    6. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass: For top talent in business, arts and culture, academia and research and sports sectors.

    Learn more

  • 05

    Frequently asked questions

    Business setup

    • How do I set up a company in Singapore?

      To set up a company in Singapore, the process is as follows:

      • After setting our fees, our Client returns us scans of the KYC documents required from each shareholder, director and beneficial owner;
      • Thereafter, our Firm will email pre-filled incorporation forms to our Client for signature;
      • Upon receipt of the documents, our Firm registers the company, usually within three business days or less. Our Client mails us hard copies of all KYC documents and signed forms over the following month.
    • How can a foreigner register a company in Singapore?

      A foreigner can register a company in Singapore by following the below checklist for company registration:

      • Submit a list of three names, in the order of preference, through a Singapore resident to reserve the preferred one;
      • Determine the company structure, including the share allotment;
      • Appoint the directors, where at least one director is resident;
      • Appoint a resident company secretary;
      • Provide a local address for registration;
      • Draft and sign the company constitution and incorporation forms;
      • Submit the documents above to ACRA for their review and company registration approval;
      • Secure the official company registration documents, including Certificate of Incorporation and the company extract, Bizfile;
      • Order a company stamp;
      • Apply for bank account opening;
      • Apply for GST registration and government grants, if required;
      • Apply for specific business licenses, if required.

      The rules might vary for different entities; however the basic incorporation steps apply.

    • Why incorporate a company in Singapore?

      Singapore is a low-tax jurisdiction with government incentives to benefit foreign entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it is possible to engage in offshore company incorporation in Singapore, which can be legally 100% tax-exempt.

    • How do I form a Singapore entity?

      Healy Consultants will register your firm with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and then courier you the certificate of incorporation. We will also open the corporate bank account for your company.

    • Am I required to travel to incorporate a Singapore company?

      No. Our Clients will not be required to travel to complete the incorporation process.

    • What is the cost to register a company in Singapore with a corporate bank account without travel?

      To register a company in Singapore for a foreigner, according to the ACRA guidelines, the costs of name application and company registration amount to around SG$315. To this you need to add the costs of ordering the Certificate of Incorporation and the company stamp, which will amount to an additional fee of approximate SG$80. Once the company is registered and depending on the business activity, there will be several banks that will be ready to onboard the company. However, each bank has different deposit and maintenance requirements.

      A standard package is offered by Healy Consultants Group for Singapore company registration services without travel. The package is inclusive of everything from company formation, multi-currency corporate bank account opening, resident director services, corporate secretary and local registration address and the government fees.

    • Can a foreigner set up a private limited company in Singapore?

      Yes, a foreigner can set up a private limited company in Singapore easily. In fact, Singapore laws allow 100% foreign ownership of a private limited company. However, there are a few mandatory requirements to fulfil:

      • One resident director in Singapore (the foreign owners can apply for an Entre Pass if they want to be the resident director);
      • A Singapore-based company secretary;
      • A valid local address.

      More information on the procedure and required documents from a foreigner setting up a business in Singapore can be found on our website.

    • Can a foreigner set up a sole proprietorship in Singapore?

      Yes, foreigners can register a sole proprietorship in Singapore, if there is an authorized resident representative of the business. The foreign owner can either appoint a Singapore citizen to be the resident representative, or they can become a resident in Singapore by becoming an Entre Pass holder.

    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of a limited private company in Singapore?

      Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages of a limited private company in Singapore.

      Advantages

      • Tax incentives and exemptions are available to newly incorporated companies;
      • Profits are taxed at corporate tax rates;
      • Separate legal status of the companies means that the owners are not personally liable for the debts and losses of the company;
      • There is no explicit lifetime of a Pte Ltd and the company does not cease to exist if one or more shareholders die;
      • Ownership of the company is transferrable;
      • Additional owners can be included up to a total of 50 shareholders;
      • Higher likelihood of availing loans from banks.

      Disadvantages

      • i) Resident director and ii) company secretary and iii) local address requirement;
      • Directors need to disclose their interests in the company’s shares, contracts, and debentures;
      • High costs of starting and running a new business;
      • Stringent regulations to hire foreign workers;
      • Mandatory compliance with ACRA and IRAS;
    • What are the options for foreign companies to register in Singapore?

      There are four options for foreign companies to register in Singapore: they can set up a branch office, a subsidiary, a representative office and re-domiciliate.

      • Subsidiary
        Subsidiaries are locally incorporated and privately limited companies set up under the umbrella of a parent company. Subsidiaries are legally separate from the parent company and can enjoy tax exemptions like local tax-residents.
      • Branch office
        A branch office is an ideal option for companies aiming at shorter-term market expansion. The parent company is responsible for the activities of the branch office. Please note that a branch office is not a resident entity and cannot avail any tax exemptions. The registration can be done online by the parent company.
      • Representative office
        Representative offices are suitable for companies which want to test the market. The only activities that Representative Offices can conduct is market research and marketing activities, before taking on a full-fledged market presence in Singapore. They cannot enter into contracts or trading activities; and are not taxed as they cannot and do not earn profits.
      • Redomiciliation
        The last option is to change the existing jurisdiction of your business and relocate to Singapore to become a local company instead, as per this relocation guide from ACRA.
    • How to set up a branch of a foreign company in Singapore?

      The parent company can set up a branch in if it has at least one authorized representative ordinarily resident in Singapore.

      • The first step is to apply for the name of the office – which must be the same as the parent company. The applicable fee is $15;
      • After the name is approved, the next step is to register with ACRA and paying the registration fee of $300;
      • The branch can start operations once it is approved by ACRA.
    • Are there any additional requirements for some foreign nationals to start a business in Singapore?

      No, the requirements to register a company in Singapore for a foreigner do not differ from nationality to nationality.

    • Is there a direct Government conversion tool from SP/ Partnership to LLC?

      No. Singapore Government does not provide a direct conversion tool for this process. However, Healy Consultants can negate this with our complete transition solution, including: i) securing limited liability company status; ii) complete asset transfer and iii) proprietorship or partnership deregistration.

    • Is limited liability beneficial for my business?

      Yes, Limited liability companies minimize financial and legal risks for their owners against creditor claims over their personal assets.

    • Can my new LLC have the same name as my old partnership?

      Yes. Healy Consultants will secure the same name for your new limited liability business, as part of our complete transition solution.

    • Is an LLC more tax-efficient than a partnership?

      Yes. Partnerships suffer higher tax burdens, as company profits fall under personal income taxation and cannot obtain a wide array of Singapore Government tax grants.

    Offshore company

    • Why set up Singapore offshore companies?

      A Singapore non-resident company i) is exempt of capital gains tax, withholding tax, value added tax, sales tax and accumulated tax ii) enjoys a positive reputation with suppliers, Clients and investors and iii) can be an excellent global holding company. For more detailed information, please to refer to our section on “Uses of an offshore company.

    • Can my offshore firm be wholly foreign-owned?

      Yes. Your company can be wholly foreign owned.

    • Where should I open my offshore business bank account?

      For optimum business solutions, we recommend our Client open an account with HSBC, SCB or Citibank.

    • Will I be required to apply for business licence to form a tax free company?

      No. If your business activity requires a licence, then that company cannot be considered an offshore entity. Consequently, such as entity cannot be legally tax exempt.

    • Who will help my offshore business formation with accounting requirements?

      Our firm is specialist in bookkeeping and accounting services. We will your firm prepare annual financial statements.

    • Will my offshore company be tax-exempt?

      Yes, if your company does not conduct any local business it will be legally tax exempt.

    • Does my offshore business setup benefit from Singapore’s double taxation treaties?

      No. Since, your company will already be non resident, it can not benefit under the double taxation treaties.

    Visas

    • What business visa are available?

      Non-tax resident Singapore companies are not eligible to apply for EP, PEP nor EntrePass visa.

    • I am setting up a company in Singapore and want to apply for an entrepreneur pass. Am I eligible?

      Clients seeking an EntrePass must fulfill certain criteria. The company must have a minimum paid up capital of US$50,000 and the applicant must hold at least 30% of shares in the company. Furthermore, the company must meet at least one of the following requirements: i) receives funding or investment from a recognized third-party VC or business angel who is accredited by a Singapore Government agency ii) holds an IP that is registered with an approved national IP institution iii) has ongoing research collaboration with a research institution recognized by A*STAR or Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore iv) is an incubatee at a Singapore Government supported incubator.

    • I want to pursue Singapore employment pass application. How do I find out if I will be eligible?

      Clients pursuing an E pass or an S pass can take a Self-Assessment Test to determine whether they will be eligible for an E pass or an S pass.

    Legal considerations

    • Do I need a physical office space to form a company in Singapore?

      No, a legal registered business address is sufficient to form a new business in Singapore. As part of our Singapore company formation services, Healy Consultants can provide our Clients with i) legal registered office ii) virtual office services and iii) assistance finding physical office space in Singapore.

    • What is a company secretary in Singapore useful for?

      First of all, a resident company secretary is mandatory to set up a company in Singapore. A company secretary in Singapore is very useful because they are the main point of contact between the company and the local authorities, as follows:

      • Liaising with ACRA – the Singapore regulatory authority;
      • Maintaining statutory company registers;
      • Preparing board meetings and AGMs;
      • Performing administrative activities for the company;
      • Providing advisory services to the directors, shareholders and owners;
      • Playing the role of a fiduciary to avoid any potential conflict of interests.

      It is crucial to have a reliable company secretary to maintain legal compliance and run your business successfully.

    • How can my company accept online payments from customers?

      In order to setup online payments, Clients can open an ecommerce merchant account in Singapore. Most of our Clients request for both debit card and credit card processing accounts. Healy Consultants can guide you in this matter.

    Start a school in Singapore

    • I want to start a private education institution (PEI) in Singapore. Which authorities will I have to report to?

      Clients setting up a private school will have to report to the Ministry of Education and the Council for Private Education.

    • What is the cost of setting up a school in Singapore?

      Healy Consultants fees for registration of a private school range from US$20,000 to US$45,000.

    • Where can I find further information regarding registration of a private school in Singapore?

      Read relevant information on registration of a private school in Singapore.

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