A step-by-step guide to registering a company in Singapore through ACRA BizFile, passing identity verification, and getting your Unique Entity Number (UEN) issued – explained for Singapore residents or foreign founders.
A comprehensive roadmap for entrepreneurs to navigate ACRA registration, business name approval, UEN issuance, and long-term compliance in Singapore.
Singapore company registration is managed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through a structured process that requires proper documentation.
Choose structure & confirm company name
Prepare all incorporation documents
Complete Identity Verification (KYC)
File application through BizFile portal
Receive ACRA approval and UEN Issued
Processing Time
Most straightforward company incorporation applications in Singapore are approved within 1–3 working days. Applications involving regulated business activities or additional verification may be referred to other authorities and can take 14 days to up to 2 months.
Your proposed company name must comply with ACRA naming rules and be approved before incorporation.
Provide the full legal names, NRIC or passport numbers, nationality, and contact details of all directors and shareholders.
The minimum paid-up capital required to register a company in Singapore is S$1. This can be increased at any time.
Select up to two SSIC codes that accurately describe your company’s primary business activities.
All companies must have a constitution. You may adopt ACRA’s Model Constitution or use a customised version.
Every Singapore company must have a local registered office address and appoint a corporate secretary within 6 months.
Your proposed company name must comply with ACRA naming rules and be approved before incorporation.
Provide the full legal names, NRIC or passport numbers, nationality, and contact details of all directors and shareholders.
The minimum paid-up capital required to register a company in Singapore is S$1. This can be increased at any time.
Select up to two SSIC codes that accurately describe your company’s primary business activities.
All companies must have a constitution. You may adopt ACRA’s Model Constitution or use a customised version.
Every Singapore company must have a local registered office address and appoint a corporate secretary within 6 months.
For Foreign Founders
A nominee director is a local resident appointed to meet Singapore’s legal requirement of having at least one resident director.
Learn more about the right SSIC codes for your Singapore company →
Choosing a unique name and having your filing agency validate it with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the essential first step to company formation. Use our search tool to verify Singapore business name availability instantly.
Fee: S$15 for name application
Reservation: Approved names are reserved for 120 days.
Expiry: If incorporation is not completed within 120 days, the reservation lapses and a new S$15 application is required.
Your name may be rejected if it:
Avoid Registration Delays
Always check your company name for availability and ACRA compliance before preparing your incorporation documents. This simple step prevents administrative rejection and ensures a smoother filing process.
A Unique Entity Number (UEN) is your Singapore company’s official identification number issued by ACRA. It acts as a permanent ID for your business when dealing with government agencies, filing taxes, and applying for licences.
You do not need to apply separately. Your UEN is automatically generated and issued the moment ACRA approves your company incorporation. Every Singapore company receives a UEN upon registration.
Corporate Banking
IRAS Tax Filings
GST Registration
Grants & Licences
Government Transactions
Need help choosing the right structure for your UEN? Talk to our incorporation experts.
Once your company name is approved and all documents are ready, submit your registration through Singapore’s official business registration portal.
Singpass holders: Singapore Citizens, PRs, and Employment/EntrePass or Dependant Pass holders can log in and submit applications directly.
Foreign founders without Singpass: Must appoint a Registered Filing Agent to handle the submission and ensure compliance.
Avoid Processing Delays
Ensure all company and shareholder information is complete and accurate to avoid delays in ACRA processing. Double-check identification details and residency status before final submission.
We manage your BizFile submission, cover the required ACRA filing fees, and appoint your legally required Corporate Secretary.
Unsure whether to incorporate as a Private Limited company or a Partnership/Sole Proprietorship? Ask our incorporation experts.
After your company is successfully incorporated via ACRA, here is what to expect as you transition into your business operations in Singapore.
Your company will receive an official digital certificate confirming its legal registration in Singapore. This proof of incorporation establishes your business as a separate legal entity, essential for banking, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
ACRA also issues a BizProfile, a comprehensive document detailing your company’s key information:
Set up your corporate bank account in Singapore. Foreign founders can follow this 2026 guide to opening a business bank account.
Banks will typically require:
Maintaining your company’s good standing with ACRA involves:
Singapore offers several business structures, each with different implications for liability, taxes, and future growth.
The simplest way to register a business for solo entrepreneurs or freelancers in Singapore. While setup costs are low, the owner and business are seen as the same legal entity.
The most common business entity for startups. It provides a separate legal structure that protects shareholders from personal liability.
Designed for professional services like law or accounting firms where partners wish to pool resources while limiting individual liability.
A specialised structure often used for investment funds, separating managers from those who purely provide capital.
Singapore offers several business structures, each with different implications for liability, taxes, and future growth.
The simplest way to register a business for solo entrepreneurs or freelancers in Singapore. While setup costs are low, the owner and business are seen as the same legal entity.
The most common business entity for startups. It provides a separate legal structure that protects shareholders from personal liability.
Designed for professional services like law or accounting firms where partners wish to pool resources while limiting individual liability.
A specialised structure often used for investment funds, separating managers from those who purely provide capital.
Not sure which business structure is right for you? Talk to our incorporation experts.
Foreigners cannot register a company directly through BizFile. Incorporation must be submitted through a registered corporate service provider, as required under Singapore regulations.
At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore (Citizen, PR, or EntrePass holder). If you do not have a local partner, a nominee director arrangement can satisfy compliance.
If you intend to relocate and manage the business, finalise your company structure first before applying for an Employment Pass or EntrePass to ensure seamless migration.
Incorporating a company and working in Singapore are two different things. If you want to physically manage your business from Singapore, you’ll need a work pass.
For professionals and managers managing their Singapore company.
→ Degree qualification
→ Min. salary S$5,600/month
For foreign entrepreneurs with innovative, venture-backed startups.
→ Venture-backed tech
→ Submit business plan
For highly accomplished tech founders and experts in AI.
→ Salary S$22,500+
→ Senior tech leadership
For top talent across sectors seeking maximum flexibility.
→ Salary S$30,000+
→ Multi-sector flexibility
ONE Pass Holders
If you hold an ONE Pass and live in Singapore, you can act as your own resident director—no nominee director needed. Get started directly with our local registration plans.
Whatsapp 
Call