Singapore Company Registration
Start Your Singapore Company with Ease – We Handle Everything
We offer a comprehensive, hassle-free solution for setting up your business in Singapore. Our all-in-one service takes care of every step in the process, from company registration and choosing the right business structure to securing necessary licenses and opening a corporate bank account.
Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, we provide seamless support to make your company setup experience smooth and stress-free.
Get Started with Yobbi, in 3 Easy Steps!
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Submit Your Documents to Yobbi
Fill out our easy Yobbi registration form and provide your business details and documents. It’s quick and hassle-free!
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We Manage the Entire Process
Sit back and relax while we take care of everything – from submitting your documents to ACRA to handling all the legal and regulatory steps. There's no need for you to be physically present in Singapore.
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Your Company is Ready
Once everything is completed, we’ll notify you that your company registration is successfully done and ready to operate!
What you need to know before incorporate
Before you incorporate your company in Singapore, it’s essential to understand key requirements and steps to ensure a smooth and successful setup.
Choose Your Business Structure and Name
Before you can register a new company in Singapore, the first step is to reserve your company name. This requires submitting an application to ensure that the name is available and suitable for use. Your choice of business structure will affect factors like liability, taxes, and operational requirements, so it’s important to make an informed decision. Once you’ve selected a unique name, it will be submitted to ACRA for approval. Upon approval, your company name will be reserved for 60 days, giving you ample time to complete the remaining steps. We’ll assist you throughout this process to ensure everything is set up smoothly.
- Decide on the type of business (Private Limited Company, Sole Proprietorship, or Partnership).
- Choose a unique company name and get it approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- Proposed company name (for ACRA approval)
- Description of your business activities (for company registration)
- Company Name Application Form: A form for submitting your proposed company name to ACRA.
- Description of Business Activities: A brief outline of what your company will do (required for business registration).
- Trademark Check (Optional): A check to ensure your company name does not conflict with existing trademarks.
- Ensure your company name is unique and does not infringe on existing trademarks. You can verify name availability using ACRA's online tool or consult with a Yobbi specialist for assistance.
- If choosing a Private Limited Company structure, be mindful that shareholders' liability is limited to their shareholding, which is beneficial for businesses seeking to protect personal assets.
- Yobbi will guide you through this process to ensure your company name and structure align with your business goals.
Appoint Company Directors and Shareholders
You’ll need to appoint at least one local director (Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or Employment Pass holder), as well as one shareholder for your company. The structure of your shareholders and the share capital you set are important decisions for the business’s future. With a minimum share capital requirement of just SGD 1, it’s a straightforward process that we will help you complete in compliance with Singapore’s legal requirements.
- Appoint at least one director who is a Singapore resident (Singaporean, PR, or Employment Pass holder).
- Appoint at least one shareholder (can be individual or corporate).
- Decide on the share capital (minimum SGD 1).
- Identification Proof: A copy of the directors' and shareholders' identification documents (e.g., passport, NRIC for residents).
- Proof of Residential Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement for directors and shareholders.
- Consent to Act as Director: A signed consent form from each director agreeing to take up the role.
- Identification Documents: Passport copy or NRIC for directors and shareholders.
- Proof of Residential Address: A utility bill, bank statement, or other official document that shows your residential address (for directors and shareholders).
- Consent to Act as Director Form: A document where the director formally consents to taking the director position.
- Shareholder Agreement (Optional): A document that may outline the rights and obligations between the company’s shareholders (useful for internal purposes).
- At least one director must be a Singapore resident (Singaporean, PR, or Employment Pass holder). If you are not a Singapore resident, you can appoint a local nominee director. (Offered by service specialists, such as Yobbi Consultancy.)
- A company can have up to 50 shareholders, with foreign ownership allowed.
- Yobbi will assist you in meeting the requirements for directors and shareholders.
Provide a Registered Office Address and Company Secretary
In Singapore, your business must have a physical office address for registration—this can be a commercial office or a service address. Additionally, you must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation. This person ensures your company meets all ongoing compliance obligations. We will secure a local address and appoint a qualified secretary on your behalf to keep your business legally sound.
- Provide a local Singapore address for your company’s registration.
- Appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
- Registered Office Address Details: Could be your office location or a service provider’s address.
- Appointment of Company Secretary: Must be done within 6 months of incorporation.
- Registered Office Address Proof: This could include a rental agreement or office lease that serves as the company's official address in Singapore.
- Appointment Letter for Company Secretary: A formal letter appointing a qualified individual or service provider as the company secretary.
- Office Lease or Agreement (if applicable): If you are using a physical office, this will be required to show your registered address.
- Nominee Secretary Agreement (if applicable): In cases where you appoint a service provider for the company secretary role.
- The registered office address cannot be a P.O. Box and must be in Singapore.
- A company secretary must be a Singapore resident and must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation. The secretary ensures legal compliance and filing of annual returns.
- Yobbi will ensure you have a registered address and a qualified company secretary in place.
Prepare and Submit Required Documents
You’ll need to prepare several documents, such as your company constitution, a list of directors and shareholders, and information on your business activities. These documents must be submitted to ACRA for formal company registration. We will ensure that your paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted promptly to avoid delays in the registration process.
- Prepare the company constitution (rules for company operation).
- Submit your incorporation documents, including company name, directors, shareholders, and constitution to ACRA.
- Company Constitution: A document that outlines how the company will operate, detailing shareholder rights, the role of directors, and other key company rules.
- Directors' and Shareholders' Information: Full names, addresses, and other personal details.
- Business Profile (if applicable): Required for businesses in specific industries that need additional licenses.
- Company Constitution: A legal document that specifies how the company will operate. You can use a template or draft your own constitution.
- Directors' and Shareholders' Information: Full names, addresses, identification numbers, and other personal details for all directors and shareholders.
- Business Profile: For businesses that need to apply for licenses (e.g., food and beverage, education, healthcare), this profile may be required.
- Additional Business Licenses/Permits: Any other industry-specific permits required by regulatory bodies (e.g., Ministry of Health, NEA, etc.).
- Power of Attorney (if applicable): If someone else is submitting the documents on behalf of the company owner.
- The company constitution is mandatory for incorporation in Singapore. You can either draft your own or use a template provided by us, Yobbi Consultancy.
- Ensure all information is accurate, as ACRA uses these details to process your incorporation application.
- Yobbi will guide you in preparing and submitting all required documents efficiently.
Open a Corporate Bank Account and Obtain Licenses
Once your company is incorporated, you’ll need to set up a corporate bank account for your business finances. Additionally, depending on your business activities, you may need specific licenses or permits. For example, if your annual revenue exceeds SGD 1 million, you’ll need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). We will assist you with both banking and securing any necessary licenses, ensuring everything is in place for a smooth operation.
- Once incorporated, open a corporate bank account to manage finances.
- Apply for necessary business licenses or permits (if applicable).
- If your annual revenue exceeds SGD 1 million, register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with IRAS.
- Company Incorporation Documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Company Constitution, and ACRA Business Profile.
- Directors' Identification and Proof of Address (for KYC purposes).
- Business Plan or Summary (sometimes requested by banks to understand your business model).
- Company Incorporation Documents: Includes the Certificate of Incorporation, Company Constitution, and the Business Profile provided by ACRA after incorporation.
- Directors’ Identification Documents: Passport copy or NRIC (for Singapore residents) for all company directors.
- Proof of Address for Directors: Utility bills or bank statements showing the residential addresses of the directors.
- Business Plan: Some banks may request a summary of your business model or a formal business plan when opening a corporate account.
- Bank’s KYC Forms: Know Your Customer (KYC) forms that the bank will require for opening the account.
- GST Registration (if applicable): If your business’s annual revenue exceeds SGD 1 million, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
- Additional Licenses: Any permits or licenses necessary to operate in your industry (e.g., food handling license, educational institution license, etc.).
- Different banks may have varying requirements for opening a corporate account, so it's important to inquire about documentation in advance. Be ready for a meeting at the bank to provide your company’s business details.
- Ensure that you apply for the necessary business licenses or permits based on the nature of your business. For example, businesses in food and beverage, education, or healthcare require special permits.
- If your annual revenue exceeds SGD 1 million, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
- Yobbi will assist you in opening your corporate bank account and securing any necessary licenses.
Estimated Timeline for Singapore Company Setup
Total Processing Time: 3 Days to 1 Week (excluding special cases)
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1-2 working days
Information Collection
Collect key details for company setup such as the company name, business scope, share structure, and registered capital.
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1-2 working days
Document Submission
Identification documents from the company’s directors and shareholders, such as a passport, copy of an ID card, and proof of address.
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1-2 working days
Agreement Signing
This includes key company formation documents that need to be signed, such as the Letter of Intent for company registration, Resolutions of Directors, Form 45 (Statement of Directors), Nominee Director Statement (if applicable), and the Articles of Association.
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1 working day
Submit to ACRA
After all documents are in place, the information is submitted to ACRA for incorporation. ACRA typically processes the submission within 1 to 2 days.
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Upon approval
Company Registration Complete
After the process is complete, we’ll notify you that your company will be officially registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own a company in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can fully own and operate a company in Singapore.
Do I need a local director to register a company in Singapore?
Yes, at least one director must be a Singaporean citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold an Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Dependent Pass.
What are the key requirements to set up a new business in Singapore?
- Minimum paid-up capital of $1
- At least one shareholder
- At least one local or resident director
- At least one company secretary
- Registered local address
Our experts are available to offer detailed advice on each requirement for your company incorporation.
What happens after company registration?
You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation as well as a business file (‘Bizfile’) from ACRA.You can then open a corporate bank account. You will need to register for GST if you expect your company’s annual turnover to be more than S$1 million. And, depending on what activities your company is involved in, you might need to apply for a business license. All companies need to note the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore’s (IRAS) compliance requirements too.
Do I need to be physically present to incorporate a company in Singapore?
No, you do not need to be physically present to incorporate a company. The entire process can be completed remotely with the help of a corporate services provider, such as Yobbi Consultancy, who will assist with registration and ensure compliance.
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Singapore company?
Companies in Singapore must file annual returns, hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM), appoint an auditor (if applicable), submit financial statements, and comply with tax filings. Additionally, companies need to renew their business licenses and update ACRA with any changes in company details.