A director can hold the position of company secretary only if he or she is qualified to do so, and the company has more than two directors and the director is qualified to do so.
A private company limited by shares must have at least one shareholder and no more than 50 shareholders.
A Singapore citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or EP holder who is residing in Singapore.
Yes, all Singapore companies and subsidiaries need to have a registered address in Singapore.
A company is a business entity registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 50. Most companies in Singapore are private companies limited by shares and are recognized by the suffix “Pte Ltd”.
Yes, there are no restrictions prohibiting an individual assuming both roles.
Shareholders
own the company and are entitled to the profits of the company.
Directors
Manage and oversee the company’s operations, and deal with everyday responsibilities.
Typically the following documentation will be required:
* Any documents that are not in English must be officially translated into English.
A private company is a company that can have a maximum number of 50 shareholders. Its constitution restricts the right of its members to transfer their shares in the company.
A private company limited by shares can be classified as an small company.
The key characteristics of an small company are:
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.
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.
Once all the requisite documentation is received in order, it normally takes 2 working days to incorporate the subsidiary company.
To incorporate a company, you will need the following:
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.
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.
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.
For each non-resident shareholder/director:
For each resident shareholder/director:
If the shareholder is a corporate entity:
*English translations are required for all documents not in English.
Typically, once the requisite documentation is ready, a company can be incorporated within 2 working days.
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.
Yes, Singapore permits 100% foreign ownership of Singapore companies.
No, but you will need to appoint at least one director who is a Singapore resident.
As soon as your company is registered we will provide you with electronic copies of all relevant documents within 1 working day.
No, you can complete the whole process online.
