How to Register a Company in Singapore

Registering a company in Singapore starts with choosing the right entity and confirming that the owners, officers and registered office can meet its requirements. A private limited company has a different process and ongoing compliance burden from a sole proprietorship, partnership, LP or LLP.

1. Choose the company structure

Decide whether a private limited company is appropriate for the ownership plan, liability preference, investment plans and willingness to handle ongoing company administration. Compare Singapore’s business structures before registering.

2. Reserve and register the business name

Apply for a business name through ACRA’s Bizfile service. The name must meet ACRA’s requirements and may be referred to another authority if it contains regulated or sensitive terms. Once approved, the name reservation is time-limited, so complete the registration within that period.

3. Prepare the company details

Prepare the business activity, Singapore registered office address, shareholder details, share capital, director information and other constitutional or ownership information. The company must have at least one ordinarily resident director, and it must appoint a company secretary within six months.

4. Check licences and registrations

ACRA registration does not automatically give permission to carry out every activity. Use GoBusiness and the relevant regulator to check whether the business needs an industry licence, approval or professional registration. Register for tax and employer obligations when they apply to your business.

5. Understand what happens after incorporation

Keep the company information current, maintain statutory registers and accounting records, separate company and personal finances, and note the annual return deadline. The company secretary supports these obligations; learn what a corporate secretary does.

Common questions

How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?

ACRA’s current fees for a private limited company are $15 to reserve a name and $300 to incorporate. Professional service fees, licences and ongoing accounting, tax and company-secretarial costs are additional.

How long does business registration take?

Many straightforward applications are processed soon after payment, while applications that require review or referral can take longer. Check the current estimate in Bizfile before relying on a registration date.

Can I register a company without using an agent?

Some founders complete the incorporation application themselves through Bizfile. A corporate service provider may be useful when the ownership, residency, industry or compliance requirements are more complex.