The official rules that apply
- Every company must have at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore; directors must be 18 or older.
- A company secretary must be appointed within six months of registration; the post cannot be vacant for more than six months (fine up to $1,000).
- EntrePass allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative-technology business in Singapore.
- EntrePass renewal requires meeting criteria for total business spending and local jobs created.
Registration basics in Singapore
| Company type | Private company limited by shares (Pte Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Registry | ACRA |
| Government filing fee | SGD 315 — Name application S$15 + registration S$300. |
| Registration time | Most applications are approved shortly after payment; complex cases take up to 15 working days, referrals to other authorities 14 to 60 days. |
| Resident director | At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. A resident company secretary is required within 6 months. |
| Visit, notary or lawyer | Filed online via BizFile by the applicant (who must become director or secretary) or by a corporate service provider. |
| Registered address | A Singapore address open to the public during normal business hours. PO boxes are not allowed; it need not be the place of business. |
| Minimum capital | Not stated |
| Corporate tax | Flat 17% on chargeable income, with start-up and partial exemptions for qualifying companies. |
| Every year | Annual return filing with ACRA plus financial statements and tax filings. |
Full step-by-step guide: company registration in Singapore.
Sources
- acra.gov.sg, checked 27 September 2026
- acra.gov.sg, checked 27 September 2026
- mom.gov.sg, checked 27 September 2026
- mom.gov.sg, checked 27 September 2026