How to incorporate in singapore
≡ What this guide covers
? Quick Answer: How to incorporate a company in Singapore in 2026?
You can incorporate a company in Singapore in 1–3 working days through ACRA's BizFile+ portal. The requirements are: one Singapore‑resident director (nominee available), minimum one shareholder with 100% foreign ownership allowed, paid‑up capital of at least S$1, and a registered Singapore address. Government fees total S$315. Our affiliate, Terra Advisory Services (ACRA FA20122913), handles the entire process.
- ✓ Resident director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or valid work pass holder)
- ✓ 100% foreign ownership permitted
- ✓ Minimum paid‑up capital: S$1 (S$1,000–S$10,000 recommended)
- ✓ Registered Singapore address (virtual office accepted)
- ✓ Company secretary appointed within 6 months
🇸🇬 2026 Key Facts
Government fees: S$315
New companies (2025): 58,077
Corporate tax rate: 17%
YA 2026 rebate: 40% (capped S$30,000)
Why do companies choose to incorporate in Singapore?
Companies choose Singapore for its political stability, territorial tax system with a 17% corporate rate, and strategic position as a gateway to ASEAN markets. The country offers 100% foreign ownership, no capital gains tax, and extensive Free Trade Agreement networks.
For a detailed comparison of why businesses choose Singapore over other jurisdictions, the guide "Why Choose Singapore" from Terra Advisory Services provides in‑depth analysis.
What are the legal requirements to incorporate a company in Singapore?
Under the Singapore Companies Act, every company must have at least one resident director, a minimum of one shareholder, a company secretary appointed within six months, a registered Singapore address, and minimum paid‑up capital of S$1. Foreigners can own 100% of the company.
For a comprehensive checklist, refer to the Singapore company incorporation requirements 2026 guide by Terra Advisory Services.
What is the resident director requirement?
Section 145 of the Companies Act requires every company to have at least one director who is 'ordinarily resident' in Singapore—a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder.
If you do not have a qualifying director, you will need to engage a professional nominee director. The nominee director service from Terra Advisory Services provides a compliant solution, allowing you to retain full control of your company.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. Singapore imposes no minimum local shareholding requirement for most business sectors. Foreigners can be the sole shareholder of a Singapore Private Limited company.
The detailed foreign ownership guide from Terra Advisory Services explains the few regulated sectors with restrictions.
How do you incorporate a company in Singapore step by step?
The process involves: 1) Name reservation via BizFile+, 2) Document preparation, 3) Submission by a registered filing agent, 4) Receiving Certificate of Incorporation and UEN, and 5) Post‑incorporation setup including bank account and company secretary appointment.
The complete step‑by‑step registration guide from Terra Advisory Services walks through every BizFile+ screen and document requirement.
Step 1: How do you reserve a company name in Singapore?
Submit your proposed company name through BizFile+ with the S$15 application fee. ACRA typically approves standard names within one hour.
The approved name is reserved for 120 days. Names containing regulated terms may take 14 days to 2 months. The company name selection guide from Terra Advisory Services provides practical advice.
Step 2: What documents are needed for Singapore company incorporation?
You need: passport copies of all directors and shareholders, residential addresses, intended SSIC business activity code, share capital structure, and company constitution.
If using a nominee director, you'll also need consent forms and service agreements from Terra Advisory Services.
View the full post‑incorporation compliance guide from Terra Advisory Services →
What is a nominee director and do you need one?
A nominee director is a Singapore resident who fulfills the legal requirement for a local director on behalf of foreign owners. You need one if none of your directors are Singapore Citizens, PRs, or valid work pass holders. They do not make business decisions or access bank accounts—you retain 100% control.
The nominee director signs annual returns, ACRA filings, and directors' resolutions strictly according to your written instructions. A professional engagement includes a Power of Attorney, Undated Letter of Resignation, and Deed of Indemnity, ensuring you can terminate the arrangement instantly if needed.
The nominee director guide from Terra Advisory Services explains costs (typically S$1,500–S$4,000 per year) and documentation requirements.
April 2026 regulatory change: From April 2026, nominee director status will be publicly visible on ACRA business profiles. The nominator's identity remains confidential to government regulators. Full compliance guide →
How much does it cost to incorporate a company in Singapore?
Government fees are S$315 (S$15 name reservation + S$300 registration). For foreign entrepreneurs with a nominee director, first‑year costs typically range from S$4,400 to S$8,000 including professional fees, nominee director, company secretary, and registered address.
First‑year cost breakdown
| ACRA name reservation | S$15 (one‑time) |
| ACRA incorporation fee | S$300 (one‑time) |
| Nominee director | S$1,500–S$4,000 (annual) |
| Company secretary | S$800–S$2,000 (annual) |
| Registered address | S$600–S$1,800 (annual) |
| Accounting and bookkeeping | S$1,200–S$5,000+ (annual) |
Can you open a Singapore bank account without visiting?
Yes. Digital banks like Airwallex, Aspire, and Wise Business offer fully remote onboarding with approval within 24–48 hours. Traditional banks may require a video call or physical visit for some account types.
The UEN guide from Terra Advisory Services explains how your Unique Entity Number is used for all banking and government transactions.
Frequently asked questions about incorporating in Singapore
1. Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
2. How long does it take to incorporate a company in Singapore?
3. Do I need a nominee director to incorporate in Singapore?
4. How much does it cost to incorporate a Singapore company?
5. What is the minimum paid‑up capital required?
6. Can I open a Singapore bank account without visiting?
7. What are the annual compliance requirements?
8. Do all Singapore companies need an audit?
9. What is the corporate tax rate for new companies?
10. Can my Malaysia Sdn Bhd own a Singapore company?
11. Do I need to register for GST immediately?
12. What is a UEN and why do I need it?
Official references
Who is Terra Advisory Services?
Terra Advisory Services is an ACRA‑registered filing agent (FA20122913) since 2012, specialising in Singapore company incorporation for foreign entrepreneurs. Led by David Chang, the team handles incorporation, nominee director arrangements, corporate secretarial services, and ongoing compliance.
As an affiliate, JT & CY Advisory maintains an independent practice while referring clients to Terra Advisory Services for Singapore matters. This ensures you receive coordinated advice from firms that understand both the Malaysian and Singapore business environments. About Terra Advisory Services →
Important Notice: This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or professional advice. Singapore government policies, regulations, and fees may change. JT & CY Advisory is an affiliate of Terra Advisory Services (ACRA FA20122913)—we maintain independent practices while referring clients to each other. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us or Terra Advisory Services directly. Last updated: March 2026.