The education technology (EdTech) sector is booming — and Singapore stands at the forefront of this transformation. With strong government support, a digitally savvy population, and one of the best startup ecosystems in Asia, now is a great time to start an EdTech business in Singapore.
This guide walks you through the essential steps — from registration and licensing to compliance and funding — to help your Singapore small business establish a compliant, future-ready EdTech company.
Every successful EdTech business in Singapore starts with the right business structure. Most entrepreneurs choose to incorporate a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), which offers key benefits such as:
Limited liability protection for owners and shareholders.
Tax incentives available to startups and SMEs.
Access to government grants through Enterprise Singapore.
Enhanced credibility with investors, schools, and institutions.
Ensure your proposed company name complies with ACRA’s naming rules — it must be unique, non-offensive, and not infringe existing trademarks. You can check its availability through the BizFile+ portal.
Once you’ve chosen your structure and company name, you must register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through BizFile+.
Registration details you’ll need:
The company’s constitution.
Details of shareholders, directors, and your registered business address.
Payment of the required government fee.
Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint a local registered filing agent or corporate service provider to handle the incorporation process.
Once approved, your company will have a recognised legal identity in Singapore.
✅ Our expert team streamlines your business journey, from company incorporation to tax filing. We offer transparent pricing, dedicated support, and industry expertise for your peace of mind. Discover our all-inclusive incorporation packages here.
Licensing depends on your EdTech business model. While some online learning tools may not require special approval, other education-focused businesses do.
If your company provides:
Academic or enrichment classes, or
Private education to a certain number of students,
registration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) is mandatory under the Private Education Act.
For businesses offering diploma or degree programmes, you must register with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) under the Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF).
If your institution plans to enrol international students, obtaining EduTrust certification is also required to ensure quality assurance and student protection standards.
If your EdTech business in Singapore focuses on:
Developing learning management systems (LMS),
Offering e-learning or tutoring platforms, or
Creating educational apps and content,
you typically do not need to register with MOE or SSG. However, your business must still follow data protection and tax regulations.
All EdTech companies must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), particularly if your platform stores or processes student or user data.
PDPA Compliance: Implement privacy policies and obtain user consent for data collection.
Corporate Tax Registration: Register with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and file annual returns.
GST Registration: Mandatory if your annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million.
Accurate Accounting Records: Maintain compliant books under the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
Proper compliance not only keeps your business legal but also enhances your reputation — a key factor when dealing with schools and institutional clients.
If your business qualifies as an education institution under MOE or SSG guidelines, prepare to submit supporting documents such as:
Premises details (floor plan and safety approvals).
Course and curriculum descriptions.
Teacher qualifications and experience.
Management committee and governance documents.
Completing these requirements ensures your institution meets Singapore’s standards for transparency and quality.
The Singapore government offers robust support for Singapore small businesses in the EdTech sector. You may be eligible for:
Startup SG Founder Grant (Enterprise Singapore) — for new entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) — to support tech adoption.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) — for business expansion and innovation.
EDB innovation incentives — for research-driven companies developing education technologies.
Accessing these grants can significantly reduce setup costs and support your early growth phase.
| Requirement | Authority / Agency | Purpose / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Company Incorporation | ACRA | Register your EdTech business via BizFile+ for legal establishment. |
| Education Institution Licensing | MOE / SSG | Required for private training or degree-awarding institutions. |
| Data Protection | PDPC | Ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). |
| Tax & GST Registration | IRAS | Register for corporate tax and GST if annual turnover > SGD 1 million. |
| Business Grants & Funding | Enterprise Singapore / EDB | Apply for Startup SG, PSG, or EDG support for small businesses. |
Starting an EdTech business in Singapore involves more than setting up your company — it’s about ensuring long-term compliance, proper accounting, and efficient tax management. That’s where Counto comes in.
At Counto, we combine expert accountants with automation-driven tools to help Singapore small businesses manage their finances seamlessly. Our accounting services in Singapore include:
Company incorporation and compliance with ACRA.
Tax and GST filings aligned with IRAS regulations.
Payroll and bookkeeping automation for efficient operations.
Corporate secretarial services to manage ongoing legal requirements.
With Counto as your trusted business advisor, you can focus on growing your EdTech venture while we take care of the financial and compliance details.
Launching an EdTech business in Singapore means navigating multiple regulatory steps — from ACRA registration and PDPA compliance to MOE or SSG licensing. Singapore’s strong digital infrastructure and pro-business environment provide the perfect foundation for your innovation to thrive.
By partnering with Counto’s accounting services in Singapore, you ensure your company remains compliant, efficient, and financially sound. We help Singapore small businesses like yours manage accounting, tax, and corporate requirements — so you can focus on shaping the future of learning.
At Counto, we empower entrepreneurs with seamless business registration and expert company secretary services. Our all-in-one platform ensures your business stays ahead of Singapore’s regulations. Let’s simplify your business journey. Speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected] or use our  contact form to get started.
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