Company Formation
What are the basic requirements for incorporating a company in Singapore?
- Any local or foreign person can incorporate a company in Singapore
- Each company must have a minimum of 1 director and 1 shareholder
- At least 1 director must be a local resident (i.e., Singapore citizen, permanent resident or EP/DP holder)
- 100% foreign ownership is permitted
- Each company must have a minimum issued share capital of $1
- Each company must have a registered address in Singapore
- A local qualified company secretary must be appointed
What are Public Companies Limited by Guarantee?
Not-for-profit, religious and charitable organisations usually set up public companies limited by guarantee. There is no share capital. When the company is wound up, each member pays the amount that they have guaranteed, which can be as little S$1.
What are public companies?
A public company is a company that can offer shares, debentures and other interests to the public.
A public company can have an unlimited number of shareholders.
A public company can be unlisted or listed on a stock exchange.
The compliance requirements for public companies are much higher than that of private companies.
Private companies with more than 50 shareholders must be converted to public companies limited by shares.
What is the timeline for the incorporation of a subsidiary company?
Once all the requisite documentation is received in order, it normally takes 2 working days to incorporate the subsidiary company.
What are the key requirements for the incorporation process?
To incorporate a company, you will need the following:
- Company name – Selection and approval of a company name.
- Directors – at least one local resident director is required.
- Shareholders – a minimum of one shareholder is required.
- Issued Share Capital – a minimum of one share in any currency is required.
- Registered address in Singapore.
- Company secretary – individual that is ordinarily resident in Singapore.
What is the constitution?
The basic constitutional document of the company out the structure and aims of the company. It defines the face the company presents to the outside world.
The articles of association contain the regulations prescribing the manner in which the company is governed. They are the internal regulations of the company.
Do I need to visit Singapore to incorporate a company?
No, you do not need to be present in Singapore to incorporate a company.
We can send all the necessary documents for you to sign, which you can sign and send back to us.
Note that should you wish to open a bank account in Singapore, some banks may require you to be present for the account opening process.
Do I need my company’s name to be approved by ACRA?
Yes, ACRA needs to approve your company’s name before you can begin the incorporation process.
Approval can be attained in less than an hour and the approved name can be reserved for up to 120 days.
What documents do I need to provide in order to incorporate a company in Singapore?
For each non-resident shareholder/director:
- Copy of passport
- Proof of residential address (Issued within 1 month)
- Email address
- Contact number
For each resident shareholder/director:
- Copy of Singapore ID
- Proof of residential address (Issued within 1 month)
- Email address
- Contact number
If the shareholder is a corporate entity:
- Copy of the parent company’s certificate of incorporation
- Copy of Certificate of Appointment of Corporate Representative
- Copy of official documents reflecting the parent company’s registered address and directors
*English translations are required for all documents not in English.
What is the timeline for incorporating a company in Singapore?
Typically, once the requisite documentation is ready, a company can be incorporated within 2 working days.
I am a foreigner who would like to incorporate a company in Singapore. Will I be able to relocate to Singapore to manage my business?
Will I be able to relocate to Singapore to manage my business?
Yes, you will need to incorporate your Singapore company and apply for an Entrepreneur Pass or Employment Pass from the Ministry of Manpower.
Can my company be 100% foreign owned?
Yes, Singapore permits 100% foreign ownership of Singapore companies.
Do I have to be a Singapore resident to incorporate a company?
No, but you will need to appoint at least one director who is a Singapore resident.
How and when do I receive the documents for my new company?
As soon as your company is registered we will provide you with electronic copies of all relevant documents within 1 working day.
Do I need to be present for the incorporation process?
No, you can complete the whole process online.
