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Guide to Registering a Company in Singapore | 2025 Guide

Establishing a corporate presence in Singapore marks a significant milestone for any ambitious entrepreneur. The city-state’s robust legal framework, political stability, and strategic location have consistently made it a top destination for setting up a business. While the incorporation process appears structured, first-time applicants often benefit from understanding the nuanced requirements before commencing their journey.

Where do you start? What documents will you need? How long does it actually take? Our comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps, documentation, and considerations for successfully incorporating your company in Singapore.

Singapore designed its company registration system to be efficient and user-friendly. With some preparation and understanding of the key steps, you’ll have your company officially registered before you know it. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Laying Your Foundation: Crucial Pre-Incorporation Choices

Before you even touch the application form, there are several fundamental decisions to make. These choices form the DNA of your future company.

Business Structure Options:

First, you’ll need to select your business structure. For most entrepreneurs, the private limited company (Pte Ltd) is the gold standard. Why? It provides limited liability protection, meaning your personal assets are separate from the company’s debts. This structure also carries more prestige and is generally preferred by investors and banks.

Private limited company (Pte Ltd) for limited liability protection

Sole proprietorship for single-owner operations

Partnership for multiple business owners

Limited partnership for investment-focused ventures

Next comes your company name. This isn’t just a branding exercise. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) must approve your chosen name. They’ll reject anything that’s too similar to existing names, contains obscene language, or suggests government affiliation. Have a few backup options ready.

Company Name Requirements:

Must be distinctive and not resemble existing registered entities

Cannot suggest government affiliation

Should avoid prohibited terms

Requires ACRA approval

Prepare 2-3 alternative names for backup

You’ll also need to appoint your company’s key personnel. Singapore requires every private limited company to have:

At least one resident director (a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or pass holder with a local residential address)

A qualified company secretary (must be appointed within six months of incorporation)

Minimum of one shareholder (who can be 100% foreign)

Additionally, you’ll need to decide on your company company’s share capital (which can start from just S$1) and select the appropriate SSIC code that best describes your business activities.

Additional Requirements:

Share capital structure determination

SSIC code indentification for business activities

Registered office address arrangement

Gathering Your Documents: The Paperwork Checklist

Now for the practical part. Getting your documents in order beforehand makes the application process remarkably smooth.

For Local Directors/Shareholders:

Clear NRIC copies

Proof of residential address

Contact information

For Foreign Officers:

Passport copies

Proof of overseas residential address

Detailed shareholding information

Notarized identification documents

Office Address Requirements:

Physical Singapore location (must not be a P.O. box)

Ability to receive official correspondence

Available during normal business hours

The Registration Process: Two Paths Forward

Here’s where the action happens. All company registrations are processed through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. You have two main options for submission.

The DIY approach involves completing the application yourself using your Singpass. The filing fee is approximately S$315, and approval is often granted within hours if your application is complete and correct. This route works well if you’re comfortable with government paperwork and have a straightforward business structure.

Self-Filing Option:

Direct application through online portal

Singpass authentication required

Standard filing fee: approximately S$315

Approval timeline: usually within hours

Suitable for straightforward corporate structures

Alternatively, you can engage a corporate services provider. Plutus specialises in handling company incorporations. We are able to manage the entire process for you, ensure compliance, and often provide additional services like company secretary support and registered office address solutions.

Professional Service Option:

Comprehensive incorporation handling by Plutus

Expert guidance and regulatory compliance

Additional services like company secretary support

Annual retainer fees but minimizes errors and future penalty fees.

Upon approval, ACRA issues your business profile. This document is your company’s birth certificate, containing your unique entity number (UEN) and all official details about your company.

Post-Approval Documentation:

Instant business profile from ACRA

Unique Entity Number (UEN)

Official incorporation details

Certificate of Incorporation

Beyond Incorporation: Next Steps After Registration

Congratulations, your company is officially registered. But your journey is just beginning. Two critical tasks require your immediate attention.

First, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account. Major banks like DBS, OCBC, and HSBC offer business banking services. Schedule an appointment and bring your incorporation and identification documents for all authorized signatories.

Banking Arrangements:

Corporate account opening with major banks

Required documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Business Profile, Company Constitution

Identification documents for all signatories

Scheduled meetings with banking representatives

Second, understand your ongoing compliance requirements. Singapore operates a territorial tax system with attractive rates, but you must register for taxes with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Your company secretary will help ensure you meet annual filing requirements and maintain proper statutory records.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations:

IRAS registration for taxation

Tax compliance maintenance

Tax and Annual Return filings

Regular financial reporting

Annual general meetings

Statutory registers maintenance

Regulatory change monitoring

Manage your Company’s Ongoing Needs: Choose Plutus

Registering a company isn’t the hard part. The real challenge is in building something that lasts.

Singapore makes the first step to starting a company relatively painless. But don’t mistake efficiency for simplicity. Every ticked box and verified document is part of laying a foundation. Whether you’re bootstrapping, chasing funding, or just tinkering with an idea that won’t let you sleep at night, treat this process like it matters.

Take your time. Ask questions. Speak with others who’ve gone through the process. If you’re looking for support, Plutus offers incorporation packages designed for both local and foreign entrepreneurs including essentials like a nominee director, company secretary, and even a registered office address.

Whether you go it alone or bring in support, don’t wait forever to begin. Incorporate, commit, and start shaping the business you’ve been thinking about long enough.