ExpandWithAsia

🇸🇬 Tier-1 hub · Fully operational

Set up your business in Singapore

The natural headquarters for Asian expansion

Singapore is consistently ranked among the world's easiest places to do business — English common law, deep capital markets, 90+ tax treaties and 100% foreign ownership. It's the default regional base for founders scaling across Southeast Asia.

Corporate tax

17% headline + start-up exemptions

Setup time

1–3 business days

Foreign ownership

100% allowed

Resident director

Required (nominee common)

Min. paid-up capital

S$1

Remote setup

Yes, via a filing agent

Why Singapore

  • A launchpad into 680M+ consumers across Southeast Asia, with world-class connectivity.
  • English common law, strong IP protection and a predictable regulatory environment.
  • A 17% headline corporate tax rate, start-up exemptions and 90+ double-taxation agreements.
  • Global and digital banks, multi-currency accounts and a leading regional financial centre.
  • 100% foreign ownership — no local shareholding requirement.

Services in Singapore

We match you with vetted local providers across every stage of setup and operation.

Company incorporation

Register a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) — the vehicle for 100% foreign-owned businesses.

Corporate secretary

Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation; keeps your filings compliant.

Tax & accounting

Corporate tax, GST, ECI and annual accounts — with start-up exemptions applied.

Global business account

Open a multi-currency business account remotely, alongside traditional banks.

Employment Pass & visas

Relocate and hire — EP eligibility, the COMPASS framework and dependants.

Compliance & annual filings

ECI, AGM, annual return and corporate tax — tracked so you never miss a deadline.

How to set up in Singapore

1

Choose your entity structure

Most foreign founders register a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) company.

2

Appoint a resident director + filing agent

A locally resident director is required — a nominee bridges the gap. Foreigners must file via a licensed registered filing agent.

3

Register with ACRA

Filed on BizFile+ for a fixed S$315 government fee; often completed within a day or two.

4

Open a corporate bank account

Choose between traditional banks and digital multi-currency accounts.

Year-1 all-in is typically S$4,000–7,000, including the fixed S$315 ACRA fee plus the nominee, secretary and accounting services foreigners usually need.

Questions founders ask

Do I need to be in Singapore to incorporate?

No — foreigners incorporate remotely through a licensed filing agent.

Do I need a local director?

Yes. At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore; most foreign founders use a nominee until they relocate.

How long does registration take?

Once documents and KYC are ready, ACRA registration is frequently completed within one to two business days.

Figures verified against ACRA, IRAS and MOM (2026).

Compare 3 vetted providers in 24 hours

Tell us your shareholder structure, sector and requirements. We'll match you with exactly 3 vetted Singapore corporate service providers — independent, free, no obligation.

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