Singapore Company Registration Process Explained (With Illustrations)

Singapore is one of the world's best countries for entrepreneurship and doing business. With its open business policies, stable legal system, and low tax advantages, it has attracted a large number of foreign companies. Registering a Singapore company is actually not complicated, and can be completed in as fast as 1 day.

This article will provide you with an illustrated guide to the 7 key steps of Singapore company registration, helping you quickly grasp the process highlights and avoid pitfalls.

1. Pre-registration Preparation: Confirm the Suitable Company Type

In Singapore, the most common company type is a Private Limited Company, suitable for most foreign investors. Its advantages include:

Strong legal independence, limited shareholder liability
Can be 100% foreign-owned
Favorable for bank account opening, financing, and tax arrangements
Supports work pass applications (such as EP, Self-employed EP)

2. 7-Step Process for Singapore Company Registration Explained

Below is the standard private limited company registration process, applicable to foreign individuals or corporations establishing a company.

Step 1: Company Name Search and Reservation

Log in to Singapore's ACRA BizFile system for name availability check
Ensure the name has no sensitive words (e.g., bank, finance require additional approval)
Name reservation period is 120 days

Step 2: Prepare Registration Documents

Including:

Passports and address proof (e.g., utility bills) for all directors and shareholders
Company registered capital and share allocation ratio
Singapore registered address (commercial address)
Company constitution (can use ACRA standard template)
Proposed business activities (SSIC codes)

Step 3: Submit Registration Application (Can be Done Remotely)

Submitted to ACRA through a local licensed service provider
Usually completed within 1 business day

Step 4: Obtain Registration Documents

Upon successful registration, you will receive the following documents:

Certificate of Incorporation
Registration information file (BizFile)
Company Constitution

Step 5: Arrange Company Compliance Personnel

Appoint company secretary (must be completed within 6 months)
If no local director, can engage a nominee director

Step 6: Open Company Bank Account (Remote Support Available)

Can complete account opening via video KYC
Need to provide business plan, registration documents, director information, etc.
Supports multi-currency accounts (including RMB, USD, SGD)

Step 7: Subsequent Compliance and Tax Registration

Register beneficial ownership (RORA filing)
Annual Return filing
GST registration (if annual revenue exceeds SGD 1 million)
Arrange accounting and tax filing services

Registration Process Flowchart:

Company Name Search → Prepare Documents → Submit Registration → Obtain Registration Documents  
       ↓                     ↓  
Arrange Secretary/Address/Director      Bank Account Opening → Compliance Management & Annual Filing

Registration Fee Reference

Item	Fee (SGD)
Company Name Application	S$15
Company Registration Fee (Government)	S$300
Local Registered Address (1 year)	S$360
Company Secretary Service (1 year)	S$500
Nominee Director Service (if required)	S$2,400
Bank Account Opening Assistance	Varies by service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Must I be physically present in Singapore to register?
No, the entire process can be done remotely, including bank account opening and EP application which support remote video verification.

Q2: How soon can I start operating after company registration?
Usually registration is completed within 1 business day. Once you receive the BizFile, you can start issuing invoices, contracts, and opening accounts.

Q3: Is a physical office space mandatory for bank account opening?
Not mandatory, but banks will verify business authenticity. It's recommended to provide a reasonable business plan and office address.