Company formation in Singapore
A private limited company in 1-2 days once documents are checked: what the registrar requires, what the state charges and which taxes apply.
The standard business vehicle in Singapore is a private company limited by shares (Pte Ltd). It is registered by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) via the BizFile+ portal. If the name does not need clearance from another agency, the company is registered within 1-2 business days. The key condition for foreigners: at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore.
Company requirements
- Resident director. At least one director who is a citizen, permanent resident or work pass holder with a local address. Without one, a nominee director is appointed.
- Shareholder. One or more, individuals or companies; no limit on foreign ownership.
- Capital. From SGD 1; the amount is set with banks and counterparties in mind.
- Company secretary. Appointed within 6 months of incorporation.
- Address. A registered office in Singapore; a PO box is not accepted.
How registration works
- Name check and reservation. Fee SGD 15.
- Documents. Constitution, director consents, shareholder and beneficial owner details, passports and proof of address.
- Filing and incorporation. Fee SGD 300; with the name reservation the state receives SGD 315, about $250.
- After incorporation. Register of controllers, secretary, bank account and GST registration if required.
Ongoing costs
| Payment or obligation | Amount and deadline |
|---|---|
| Annual return to ACRA | SGD 60, ~$50, within 7 months after the financial year end |
| Corporate tax return | annually, after the financial year |
| Company secretary | ongoing, from 6 months after incorporation |
| Registered office | ongoing, Singapore address |
Registration about $250, but no company without a resident director
The law does not stop you registering a company on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: a company without a director who lives in Singapore, a secretary not appointed within 6 months, a PO box instead of a registered office, and an annual return filed later than 7 months after the financial year end. We register the company, provide a nominee director, secretary and address if needed, keep registers and filings and help with the bank and the founder's work visa.
Turnkey package prices are in the table on this page; a manager will calculate the total for your structure in the chat.
Company taxes in 2026
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 17% |
| Partial tax exemption | 75% of the first SGD 10,000 and 50% of the next SGD 190,000 of profit exempt |
| Start-up tax exemption | first 3 years: 75% of the first SGD 100,000 and 50% of the next SGD 100,000 exempt |
| Goods and services tax (GST) | 9%; registration is mandatory above SGD 1 million turnover in 12 months, ~$781,100 |
Singapore dividends carry no further tax: only the company pays tax.
Work pass for the founder
For the founder to act as the resident director, they need a work pass. For the Employment Pass in 2026 the minimum salary is SGD 5,600 a month, about $4,400, or SGD 6,200, about $4,900, in financial services, rising with age. Until then a nominee director covers the resident director requirement.
Why registration or banking gets delayed
- The name resembles an existing one or needs clearance from a sector regulator.
- No resident director, or their documents do not show a local address.
- The ownership chain is not disclosed down to the beneficial owners.
- The bank sees no link between the business and Singapore, or no source of capital.
What we do
We check the name, prepare the constitution and consents, incorporate the company, provide the registered office, secretary and, if needed, a nominee director, and help with bank pre-approval. Package prices are in the table below; dollar amounts at the European Central Bank rate of 05.10.2026, rounded up.
Fees
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Base package: incorporation + first-year address, secretary, fees, apostilled documents | $6 800 |
| Package with nominee service: same + full nominee service for 1 year | $8 500 |
| Package with bank pre-approval: same + bank account pre-approval | $9 700 |
We will calculate online the cost of registering and running your company for the first year.
See also
Business account · Personal account · Investment property · Country taxes · All country programs
FAQ
How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
Can a foreigner set up a Singapore company without relocating?
What is the corporate tax rate in Singapore?
When must a company register for GST?
How long does incorporation take?
Do I have to file if the company is dormant?
Opening a company in Singapore?
We register a Singapore private limited company, arrange the resident director and company secretary the law requires and help open the account. The catalogue covers every country.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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