How Can Chinese Citizens Register a Company in Singapore? Legal Pathways and Practical Experience Sharing
As Chinese enterprises accelerate their strategies of "expanding to Southeast Asia" and "global positioning", Singapore has become a popular first choice for Chinese investors and entrepreneurs to establish overseas companies. Singapore not only allows 100% foreign ownership, offers tax-friendly policies, and provides an excellent business environment, but also enables remote registration throughout the entire process with efficient and transparent procedures. So, as a Chinese citizen, how can you legally and compliantly register a company in Singapore? What key experiences can be shared from practical operations? This article will provide you with a detailed analysis.
1. Legal Permission: Chinese Citizens Can Directly Register a Company in Singapore
According to Singapore's Companies Act, both Chinese individuals and Chinese companies can directly register a Singapore company and can hold 100% ownership without needing to introduce local shareholders.
However, the following statutory requirements must be met:
- Appoint at least one local resident director in Singapore (nominee director services are available)
- Establish a local registered address in Singapore (commercial address, residential addresses not allowed)
- Must appoint a company secretary within 6 months of incorporation
- Company must hold at least S$1 registered capital (can be freely increased)
This means that Chinese citizens can fully legally own a Singapore company simply by following the proper procedures.
2. Legal Registration Process Overview (Practical Version)
1. Company Name Search and Reservation
- Log in to the ACRA platform, check and submit English company name (optional Chinese alias registration)
- Name approval usually completed within 1 hour, basically instant approval for non-sensitive names
2. Prepare Registration Materials
Including:
- Passports + address proof (such as utility bills) for all shareholders and directors
- Registered capital amount and shareholding ratio settings
- Business scope (need to select SSIC industry code)
- Commercial registered address arrangement
- Company constitution (standard template can be used)
3. Submit Registration Application to ACRA
- Submitted by licensed corporate service provider
- With complete documents, usually completed within 1 working day
4. Obtain Registration Documents
- Company registration certificate (Certificate of Incorporation)
- Company BizFile registration summary
- Company constitution (Constitution)
5. Bank Account Opening (Can be done remotely)
- Multiple Singapore banks support remote account opening
- Need to prepare business plan, director and shareholder information, source of funds explanation
6. Subsequent Compliance Arrangements
- Appoint company secretary
- Complete RORA (beneficial ownership) registration
- Arrange annual filing and tax filing
3. Registration Fee Reference (Standard Private Limited Company)
| Item | Fee (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Company Name Application | S$15 |
| Company Registration Fee (Government Fee) | S$300 |
| Local Registered Address (1 year) | S$360 |
| Company Secretary Service (1 year) | S$500 |
| Nominee Director Service (if needed) | S$2,400 |
| Bank Account Opening Assistance (if needed) | Depends on service scope |
⚡ Tip: If you have local Singapore PR/citizen friends who can serve as directors, you can save on nominee director fees.
4. Practical Experience Sharing: These Details Must Be Noted!
1. Reasonable Structure Design Before Company Registration
- If there are multiple shareholders, clarify shareholding ratios and decision-making mechanisms in advance
- If planning to apply for self-employed EP, registered capital is recommended to be set above S$50,000, and prepare a detailed business plan
2. Bank Account Opening Must Be Planned Early
- Some industries (such as finance, cryptocurrency related) have high account opening difficulty, should understand bank requirements in advance
- Prepare sufficient business materials and reasonable source of funds explanation
3. Company Compliance Operation Is More Important Than Registration
- Must conduct annual audit and tax filing on time every year, cannot have long-term nil filing
- Genuinely conduct business, maintain bank account activity, avoid affecting future EP or PR applications
4. Self-employed EP Path Is Feasible, But Requires Professional Guidance
- Self-employed EP is suitable for applicants who need to reside in Singapore to operate the company
- There are certain requirements for company operational activity, salary structure, and bank transactions. It's recommended to plan compliantly from company registration
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to go to Singapore in person to register a company?
A: No. Registration, bank account opening, EP application and other processes can all be completed remotely + video interviews.
Q: How soon after registration can I officially start business?
A: Usually 1-2 working days after registration completion, you can issue invoices, sign contracts, and open accounts.
Q: Can a Singapore company do business in China?
A: Yes, but should operate compliantly according to China's foreign investment regulations, such as operating through foreign company subsidiaries or establishing representative offices.
Summary: Chinese Investors Registering Companies in Singapore Is Legal, Compliant, and Efficiently Feasible
Singapore company registration has a simple process, friendly tax environment, and stable and transparent policies, making it an important springboard for Chinese investors to expand into Southeast Asia and globally.
Whether as overseas holding structure setup, foreign trade platform construction, or immigration status planning starting point, Singapore company registration is a golden pathway worth serious consideration.
We Provide One-Stop Registration and Operation Support for Chinese Clients
As a licensed corporate service organization in Singapore, we provide you with:
- Full remote handling of company registration process
- Local registered address, company secretary, nominee director arrangements
- Bank account opening assistance and KYC guidance
- Self-employed EP/Family PR immigration solution packages
- Complete compliance services for accounting, annual audit, and tax filing
📞 Add our consultant on WeChat to get a free registration assessment and exclusive customized solution.
Let Singapore registration start with simple compliance, making your global business expansion more efficient!
