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Sole Proprietorship
A business owned by one person. It is not a separate legal entity, so the owner is personally responsible for all business debts and losses.
- 1 owner
- Personal liability
Find the right structure
for your business.
Starting a new business in Singapore? Answer a few questions to see which structure fits, what's involved, and how to get started.
Understand your business structure options
Your business structure affects personal liability, taxation, ownership and ongoing compliance. WayInc explains five common structures for registering a business in Singapore, so you can compare how each works before deciding on your next steps.
Partnership
A business owned by two or more partners. It is not a separate legal entity, and partners are personally liable for partnership debts, including those caused by other partners. Ordinary partnerships have up to 20 partners; professional partnerships may have more.
- 2 or more partners
- Personal liability
Limited Partnership
A structure with at least one general partner who manages the business and has unlimited liability, and at least one limited partner whose liability is generally capped at their agreed contribution. Limited partners must not manage the business.
- General and limited partners
- Liability depends on role
Limited Liability Partnership
A separate legal entity that combines partnership-style ownership with limited liability. Partners are generally not personally liable for the LLP's debts or another partner's wrongful acts, but remain liable for their own wrongful acts or omissions.
- 2 or more partners
- Generally limited liability
Private Limited Company
A separate legal entity owned by shareholders through shares. A private company limited by shares can have up to 50 shareholders, and shareholders generally have limited liability for company debts and losses. The company has ongoing statutory compliance requirements.
- Up to 50 shareholders
- Share-based ownership
WayInc - A clearer path to company registration in Singapore
Understand company registration in Singapore
Learn how to register a company in Singapore, understand ACRA's requirements and explore the steps involved in setting up a business.
Compare business structures
Explore sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and private limited companies. Compare their ownership, personal liability and ongoing compliance requirements.
Match with service providers for company registration
WayInc's free matching engine shows eligible business structures to consider, and explores a shortlist of corporate service providers for company registration and ongoing compliance.
Help your business grow
Everything you need, all in one place
From company incorporation to day-to-day operations, WayInc helps you stay compliant and focus on growing your business.
Business structure
Compare Singapore's five common structures side by side and see which one fits your situation.
Incorporation
Understand exactly what ACRA requires to register your business and how long it typically takes.
Company secretary
Learn when a corporate secretary is required and what the role actually covers.
Annual compliance
Keep track of annual returns, tax filing and the GST registration threshold for your structure.
Business banking
Know what's typically needed to open a business bank account after you register.
Vetted providers
Get matched with vetted professionals who can register your business and manage compliance for you.
Resources
Singapore Business Setup Guides
Practical guides to company registration, business structures and compliance in Singapore. Learn how to register a company, understand requirements for founders and manage ongoing obligations.
Getting started
Can foreigners start a business in Singapore?
Incorporation
How to Register a Company in Singapore
Compliance
What does a corp sec do?
Setting up a business shouldn't take longer than building one
Starting a business in Singapore means navigating registration requirements, unfamiliar terminology and decisions that can affect your business long after it's set up. Finding clear information and working out what you need shouldn't slow you down.
WayInc makes business setup easier to navigate. Understand how to register a company in Singapore, compare business structures, learn about ongoing compliance requirements and explore corporate service providers for your next steps — all in one place.
We're not a corporate service provider, and we don't give legal, tax or professional advice. We built WayInc to give business owners a clearer, more independent way to understand their options and navigate the process of setting up a business in Singapore.
Spend less time figuring out the process and more time building your business.
Common questions
Do I need to create an account?
Yes. Creating an account lets you save your assessment results and return to them later. Your answers help WayInc tailor the business-structure information and next steps shown to you.
Is WayInc really free? What's the catch?
Yes, WayInc is always free to you. WayInc may earn referral fees when users engage with providers in its panel, which helps fund the platform. We optimise towards matching you with suitable professional service providers.
Does WayInc provide legal, tax or professional advice?
No. WayInc provides general guidance based on publicly available information. It does not replace advice from a qualified legal, tax or other professional who can assess your specific circumstances.
Can foreigners incorporate a company in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can register a company in Singapore, subject to local residency and other requirements. Foreigners must engage a registered corporate service provider to register a business, and every business must meet the applicable local residency requirements. If you plan to move to Singapore to run your business, you may also need a work pass. Your requirements depend on your circumstances, so try our free tool to explore potential next steps.
How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
ACRA's fees to register a local company total S$315: S$15 to apply for a business name and S$300 to register the company. This excludes professional service fees and other setup costs, such as a company secretary or registered office service.
Do I need a corporate secretary?
Singapore companies must appoint a company secretary within six months of registration. The secretary must meet ACRA's eligibility requirements and cannot be the company's sole director. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships and LLPs do not have this same statutory company secretary requirement. WayInc explains the requirements relevant to your business structure.
Can I use this for an existing business?
Yes. It can help you compare structures, but changing an existing structure may require professional advice.
Can I retake the assessment?
Yes. You can start over and change your answers at any time.
How up to date is WayInc's information?
WayInc's guidance draws on publicly available information, including ACRA requirements and relevant legislation. Requirements can change, so check official sources before making registration or compliance decisions. If you have questions, please contact us.
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