Set up a company in Singapore as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Singapore is the Pte Ltd. Minimum capital: $1 (currency not named on the ACRA page). Government fee: $300 registration fee plus $15 name application (currency not named on the ACRA page).
The Pte Ltd in Singapore, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle and registration | A local company is registered through ACRA's Bizfile; the registration fee is $300 (currency not named on the page). | acra.gov.sg |
| Time | Most registrations are approved soon after payment; complex ones can take up to 15 working days. | acra.gov.sg |
| Name reservation | Name application fee $15 (currency not named on page); ACRA's review takes up to three working days. | acra.gov.sg |
| Foreign founders | Foreigners may register a company but must engage a Corporate Service Provider to reserve the name and register. | acra.gov.sg |
| Local resident requirement | Every business needs at least one local resident in Singapore. | acra.gov.sg |
| Local director | A company must appoint at least one director meeting local residency rules at registration. | acra.gov.sg |
| Registered local address | The registered office must be a Singapore address. | acra.gov.sg |
| Minimum capital | At least $1 of share capital (currency not named on page). | acra.gov.sg |
| Corporate income tax | Flat 17% of chargeable income, for local and foreign companies alike. | iras.gov.sg |
| Start-up rate | Qualifying new start-up companies get a 75% exemption on the first $100,000 of normal chargeable income (currency not named). | iras.gov.sg |
| Annual compliance | Every company must file an annual return with ACRA each year; non-listed companies within seven months after financial year end. | acra.gov.sg |
Questions founders ask about Singapore
- What is the minimum capital for a company in Singapore?
- $1 (currency not named on the ACRA page).
- How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
- $300 registration fee plus $15 name application (currency not named on the ACRA page).
- How long does it take to register a company in Singapore?
- Most registrations approved soon after payment; complex applications up to 15 working days; name review up to 3 working days.
- Do I need a local director in Singapore?
- Yes: at least one director who meets the local residency rules.
- Can I register a company in Singapore from abroad?
- Online via Bizfile, but foreigners must engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to file.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Singapore?
- 17% flat; qualifying new start-ups get a 75% exemption on the first $100,000 of normal chargeable income (currency not named).
Other countries
Australia · Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Ireland · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Netherlands · Philippines · Portugal · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- Private company limited by shares (Pte Ltd), registered with ACRA through Bizfile
- Foreign ownership
- Not stated as a percentage on the ACRA pages checked; foreigners may register but must use a Corporate Service Provider and meet the local residency rule
- Minimum capital
- $1 (currency not named on the ACRA page)
- Government fee
- $300 registration fee plus $15 name application (currency not named on the ACRA page)
- Time to register
- Most registrations approved soon after payment; complex applications up to 15 working days; name review up to 3 working days
- Local director
- Yes: at least one director who meets the local residency rules
- Register from abroad
- Online via Bizfile, but foreigners must engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to file
- Corporate tax
- 17% flat; qualifying new start-ups get a 75% exemption on the first $100,000 of normal chargeable income (currency not named)
- Official page
- acra.gov.sg
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check acra.gov.sg before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.