Company Incorporation

Common questions about company incorporation in Singapore, answered by the team at E&H Corporate Services.

How can I incorporate a company in Singapore?Here’s a step-by-step guide to incorporate a company: – Reserve a company name – Appoint the Company’s Directors and Shareholders – Decide the shareholding structure – Select two minimum business activities – Apply for a business license if needed How long does company incorporation take in Singapore?1–3 working days. ACRA approves most applications within this timeframe. Name approval typically takes 1–2 hours.How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?Depending on your specific needs, the cost to incorporate your company may differ from others. Contact our friendly team to find out more.What documents are needed to incorporate a company in Singapore?– Three choices of unique company names – Description of business activities – max two – Shareholding percentages – Registered office address in Singapore – Company’s directors and shareholders’ identification documents What are the requirements to incorporate a company in Singapore?To incorporate a Private Limited company, you must fulfill four statutory requirements: Share Capital: A minimum of S$1 in paid-up capital. Officers: At least one Local Resident Director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or EntrePass holder) and one Company Secretary . Shareholder: At least one shareholder (individual or corporate entity). Address: A local registered business address (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).How can a foreigner incorporate a company in Singapore remotely?Here’s a step-by-step guide to incorporate a company: – Reserve a company name – Appoint the Company’s Directors and Shareholders – Decide the shareholding structure – Select two minimum business activities – Apply for a business license if needed Do I need to be physically present in Singapore to incorporate?No. The entire incorporation process can be completed remotely. You provide certified identity documents and Karman handles all ACRA filings on your behalf via BizFile+.Why do people incorporate a company in Singapore?– Singapore has one of the most stable economies in the world – Singapore tax structure is very conducive & business friendly – Singapore offers a good English educated workforce Can I run a business in Singapore without registering a company?A sole proprietor may run a business as a self-employed individual registered with ACRA, but a private limited company is the preferred structure for liability protection and tax benefits. Operating an unregistered business is illegal in Singapore.What is the easiest way to register a company in Singapore as a foreigner?The easiest route is to engage a licensed corporate service provider (CSP) that handles name reservation, incorporation filing on BizFile+, constitution drafting, registered address and corporate secretary appointment — all done online without visiting Singapore.What is the difference between a resident and a non-resident Singapore company?A tax-resident company has its control and management exercised in Singapore. Resident companies enjoy benefits like the FSIE exemption, lower withholding rates under DTAs, and SUTE; non-resident companies are taxed differently on certain income.What is the procedure for setting up a Branch Office in Singapore?A foreign company registers a branch office with ACRA by filing an application with the company's constitution, certificate of incorporation, and details of the local agent. Registration is usually completed within 5–7 working days once documents are in order.What do I need to set up a Branch Office in Singapore?You need the parent company's certificate of incorporation, constitution (or equivalent), audited financial statements (if required), details of at least one local resident agent, a Singapore registered address, and the branch's proposed name approved by ACRA.What are the documents required for registration of a foreign branch?Required documents include the parent company's incorporation certificate, memorandum and articles or constitution, a list of directors, appointment of a local agent who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, and the completed ACRA online application.What are the filing requirements of a foreign branch office?A branch office must file an annual return with ACRA each year, including a copy of the parent company's financial statements (audited if required) and a declaration of the local agent. It must also notify ACRA of any changes to its registered address, agents or directors.Must a foreign branch share the same name as its parent company?Not necessarily, but the branch name must closely resemble the parent company's name and include the suffix 'Singapore Branch' (e.g. 'ABC Pte Ltd (Singapore Branch)'). The proposed name must be approved by ACRA.Are there restrictions on the names I can use for my Branch Office?The branch name must not be identical to an existing entity in Singapore, must not be undesirable or offensive, and must not imply connection with the government or regulated activities unless licensed.How long is registration for a Branch Office valid for?A branch registration is valid until the branch is deregistered or the parent company is struck off or dissolved. The branch must remain compliant with annual filing obligations to stay in good standing.What is a subsidiary company?A subsidiary is a company whose shares are majority-owned (more than 50%) or controlled by a parent company. In Singapore, a subsidiary is a separate legal entity — the parent enjoys limited liability and the subsidiary has its own directors, constitution and filings.What are the documents required for Singapore subsidiary formation?You need the parent company's certificate of incorporation and constitution, its latest financial statements or a declaration, details of directors and shareholders for the subsidiary, a registered address in Singapore, and a local company secretary.What are the essential requirements for registering a subsidiary company with ACRA?At least one shareholder (which may be the foreign parent), at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore, a registered office address, a company secretary appointed within six months, and a constitution. Incorporation is done online via BizFile+.Can a US-based parent company easily set up a subsidiary in Singapore?Yes. A US parent can incorporate a Singapore subsidiary 100% owned by the parent, appoint a nominee or resident local director if no local director is available, and complete the process remotely through a corporate service provider.Is it possible for non-residents to incorporate a Singapore subsidiary remotely?Yes. Non-residents can incorporate a Singapore subsidiary entirely online via an authorised filing agent. No one needs to be physically present in Singapore, provided the company appoints a resident director and local secretary.How long will it take to register a Singapore subsidiary?Once the name is approved and documents are complete, ACRA typically approves incorporation within 1–3 working days. Allow additional time for name approval (usually 1–2 hours to 2 days) and bank account opening.Do I need to be in Singapore to have the subsidiary incorporated?No. The entire incorporation process can be completed remotely through a corporate service provider using BizFile+, as long as the subsidiary satisfies the resident director and registered address requirements.What post-incorporation issues should I consider before starting business activities?After incorporation you should: open a corporate bank account, appoint a corporate secretary (within 6 months), register for GST if turnover will exceed S$1 million, register for CPF obligations if hiring, obtain required licenses, and file the first ECI and annual return on time.What is the advantage of setting a financial year end within 12 months of incorporation?It avoids a shortened first financial period, keeps the first annual return and AGM deadlines straightforward, and aligns with the tax filing cycle — the first ECI is typically due within 3 months of the first FYE.Can I backdate my incorporation date?No. Incorporation date is the date ACRA approves the registration. Backdating is not permitted.What is a company registration number (UEN)?A UEN is a unique entity number issued by ACRA. It identifies your company for all government transactions, tax filings, and banking.How do I register a company name in Singapore?Name registration is the first step of incorporation — apply through BizFile+ with up to three proposed names, pay the fee, and upon approval complete the incorporation application using the reserved name.What information do I need to provide for online submission to BizFile?You need the proposed company name, business activities (SSIC codes), details of shareholders, directors and secretary, registered address, constitution, paid-up capital amount, and contact information — all submitted through an authorised filing agent on BizFile+.What is Singpass?Singpass is Singapore's national digital identity system. Company directors and authorised persons use Singpass (including CorpPass for business transactions) to sign into government services such as ACRA BizFile+, IRAS myTax and MOM portals.Do I need a Singpass for online company registration in Singapore?Yes! You need a Singapass to log in on BizFile+ web portal and for the online registration of the company in Singapore. You also need it to access other eServices portals made available by the government. To conduct an e-transaction on these portals, you need to go through a 2-step verification process involving OTP and Singpass username and password. Foreigners do not have Singpass and cannot self-register their Singapore company online. They need to hire a registered filing agent like SBS Consulting Pte Ltd for the task.

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