Whatsapp 
Call
Minimising Singapore Company Setup Cost (Bootstrapping)
📅 Updated for 2026 | ⏱️ 10 Min Read Bootstrapping in Singapore: How to Minimise Your Company Setup and Compliance Costs (2026 Guide) Singapore is widely recognised as one of…
Read More The Ultimate Guide to Singapore Company Incorporation (2026 Edition)
📅 Updated for 2026 | ⏱️ 15 Min Read
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the easiest places in the world to register a company — thanks to fast digital registration, clear regulations, and strong global credibility.
But while company registration in Singapore is straightforward, many founders — especially foreign entrepreneurs — still face confusion around requirements, costs, timelines, and compliance obligations. This guide walks you through the entire Singapore incorporation journey, step by step.
TL;DR: Key Setup Facts
- Governing Authority: ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).
- Statutory Fees: S$315 total (Name + Registration).
- Timeline: 1–3 working days for ACRA approval.
- Foreigners: Must engage an ACRA-registered filing agent for incorporation services.
Choosing Your Business Structure
Most founders choose a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) for its tax benefits and scalability. However, other structures exist depending on your needs:
| Entity Type | Best For | Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited (Pte Ltd) | Startups & SMEs | Limited to Share Capital |
| Sole Proprietorship | Micro-businesses | Unlimited personal liability |
Maximising ROI: Startup Tax Incentives
Singapore offers one of the world’s most attractive tax regimes for new companies. Under the Tax Exemption Scheme for New Start-Ups (SUTE), qualifying companies enjoy a 75% tax exemption on the first S$100,000 of normal chargeable income for their first three consecutive years of assessment. This significantly lowers the effective cost of your early-stage business operations.
For a deeper breakdown of how international founders can use these schemes, read our full guide on Singapore Tax Exemptions for Foreign Founders here.
Singapore Company Registration Requirements
1. Shareholders
Between 1 to 50 shareholders. 100% foreign ownership is fully permitted.
2. Resident Director
Must appoint at least one director resident in Singapore (Citizen, PR, or work-pass holder).
3. Registered Office Address
A physical Singapore office address is mandatory. P.O. boxes are not allowed.
The Importance of SSIC Codes
During registration, you must select your Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) codes. Choosing the correct codes is vital, as banks use these to determine your business’s risk level. Incorrect classification can lead to significant delays in opening a corporate bank account.
5 Steps to Register a Company in Singapore
STEP 1
Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
Submit your name via BizFile+. Approved names are reserved for 120 days.
STEP 2
Prepare Documents
Select SSIC codes and prepare director/shareholder ID documents for KYC.
STEP 3
Submit ACRA Filing
Registration fee is S$300. Approval typically takes 1–3 working days.
Your Singapore Compliance Calendar
- Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI): File within 3 months after FYE.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Hold within 6 months after FYE.
- Annual Return (AR): File with ACRA within 7 months after FYE.
- Corporate Tax Filing (Form C-S): Submit by 30 November annually.
Visas & Relocation for Foreign Founders
If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your business, you will need a valid work pass. The most common options are the Employment Pass (EP), suited for skilled professionals and owners, and the EntrePass, designed for serial entrepreneurs and venture-backed startups.
Counto can help ensure your company structure meets the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) criteria for these applications. Read our full guide on Employment Pass vs EntrePass Singapore here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner be the sole director of a Singapore company?
No. Every Singapore company must have at least one ordinarily resident director. Most foreign founders use a Nominee Director service to meet this requirement.
Is S$1 paid-up capital enough to start?
Yes. While you can start with S$1, some businesses increase this to improve their credit profile or meet visa eligibility requirements.
Pre-Incorporation Checklist
- ✅ 3 Proposed company names
- ✅ Shareholder and director details (Passport/NRIC)
- ✅ Business activity description (SSIC codes)
- ✅ Registered Office Address
- ✅ Proof of residential address (for foreign shareholders/directors)
If you need expert guidance, we are here to help. Contact us here, or Book a Meeting with our Experts →
Ready to Register Your Singapore Company?
Experience the smartest incorporation services in Singapore. Join 1,000+ founders who trust Counto for growth.
