How Can Foreigners Register a Company in Singapore? [Latest 2025 Edition]
In 2025, with the global economic recovery and rapid development of Southeast Asian markets, registering a company in Singapore continues to be one of the popular choices for Chinese enterprises going overseas, overseas asset planning, and self-employment immigration. Thanks to its stable business environment, reasonable tax system, and open foreign investment policies, Singapore has always been one of the most favored registration destinations for foreign investors.
So, as a foreigner, how do you register a company in Singapore? Is the process complicated? What conditions need to be met? This article will answer all your questions and guide you through the latest 2025 guide to Singapore company registration.
Why Are More and More Foreigners Choosing Singapore?
The core advantages of registering a company in Singapore include:
- 100% foreign ownership allowed, no local shareholder restrictions
- Low corporate tax rate, tax exemption benefits for first S$200,000 profit
- Transparent laws and comprehensive intellectual property protection
- Can apply for self-employed EP to achieve long-term residency
- No foreign exchange controls, free capital movement
- International banking system with flexible multi-currency accounts
- Fully online registration process, no need to visit Singapore in person
Requirements Foreigners Must Meet to Register a Company in Singapore
Foreigners can establish wholly-owned Singapore companies. When registering a Private Limited Company, the following basic requirements must be met:
- At least one locally resident director (nominee director can be hired)
- At least one shareholder (foreign individuals or companies are allowed)
- Registered address must be in Singapore (commercial use)
- Appointment of corporate secretary (within 6 months of registration)
- Minimum registered capital of S$1 (can be increased later)
Complete Process for Foreigners to Register a Company
- Company Name Application
Log in to the ACRA platform and submit company English name check and application. Names can be reserved for 120 days. - Prepare Registration Documents
Including:- Passports and address proof (such as utility bills) for all directors and shareholders
- Proposed registered capital and shareholding ratio
- Company business scope (SSIC code)
- Company registration address
- Company constitution (standard template can be used)
- Submit Registration Application to ACRA
All documents are submitted by licensed service providers. ACRA typically processes within 1 working day. - Obtain Company Registration Documents
After registration is complete, the system generates the following documents:- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company registration information file (BizFile)
- Company Constitution
- Open Company Bank Account (Can Be Done Remotely)
From 2025, multiple local banks support remote account opening. KYC can be completed via video conference, or third-party authentication services can provide notarized documents. - Apply for Work Pass (EP) or Self-Employed EP (EntrePass)
If you need to live or manage the company in Singapore, you can apply for EP. EP usually requires reasonable salary and position, with genuine company operations. - Ongoing Compliance and Maintenance
Including appointing company secretary, completing UBO declaration, annual reports, tax filing, updating RFA records, etc.
2025 Registration Fee Reference (Private Limited Company)
| Item | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Company Name Application | S$15 |
| Company Registration (Government Fee) | S$300 |
| Local Secretary Service (1 year) | S$500 |
| Local Registered Address (1 year) | S$360 |
| Nominee Director Service (if needed) | S$2,400 |
| Company Bank Account Assistance | Varies by service |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to come to Singapore in person to register a company?
A: No. The registration process can be completed entirely remotely. Bank account opening and EP applications also support video KYC and other methods.
Q2: Can I use a China address as the registered address?
A: No. You must use a Singapore local commercial registered address (we can provide this).
Q3: Can the company operate immediately after registration?
A: Yes. Once you receive the BizFile, you can issue invoices, sign contracts, open accounts, etc.
Q4: Do I need a Singapore tax number or invoice system?
A: The company will automatically receive a UEN number after registration. If annual revenue exceeds S$1 million, GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is required.
Find Professional Team - Save Time, Effort, and Stay Compliant!
We are a Singapore locally licensed corporate service provider, specializing in providing efficient, transparent, and compliant one-stop company registration solutions for Chinese clients:
- Full remote registration support
- Chinese-speaking service team with no communication barriers
- One-stop package with registered address + corporate secretary
- Bank account opening assistance (remote account opening guidance)
- Self-employed EP/Family PR immigration planning support
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Start your first step in Singapore entrepreneurship by registering a company!
