• Company Formation
• How to Register your Company

Forming a company in Singapore is a straightforward process. Here are the general steps you would need to follow:
 
1. Company Name Reservation:
 
- Choose a unique name for your company.
- Check if the name is available and conforms to the guidelines set by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
 
2. Appointment of Directors and Shareholders:
 
- Your company must have at least one director who is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or an Employment Pass holder.
- You need at least one shareholder who can be an individual or a corporate entity.
 
3. Company Registration:
 
- Prepare the necessary documents, including the company constitution, particulars of directors and shareholders, and a registered office address in Singapore.
- Submit an online application via ACRA's BizFile+ portal or engage a registered filing agent to assist you. - Pay the registration fee, which is typically SGD 300.
 
4. Post-Registration Requirements:
 
- Within 60 days of incorporating your company, appoint a company secretary who must be a natural person residing in Singapore.
- Prepare the necessary statutory registers, such as the register of members, directors, and secretaries.
 
5. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits (if applicable):
 
- Depending on your business activities, you may need to apply for licenses or permits from relevant government authorities.
 
6. Tax Registration:
 
- Register for taxes with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), including Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration if your company's taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million.
 
7. Bank Account Opening:
 
- Open a corporate bank account in Singapore to conduct business transactions.
 
8. Compliance Requirements:
 
- Ensure your company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, including filing of annual returns, holding annual general meetings (AGMs), and conducting proper accounting and auditing of financial statements.
 
Additional details and considerations when forming a company in Singapore:
 
1. Types of Business Entities:
 
- Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd): The most common and flexible business structure, offering limited liability and separate legal status.
- Sole Proprietorship: Simplest form suitable for individual entrepreneurs.
- Partnership: Formed by two or more partners to carry on a business together.
 
2. Foreign Ownership and Directorship:
 
- Foreign individuals and entities can fully own a company in Singapore.
- At least one director must be a resident in Singapore (citizen, permanent resident, or holder of an Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Dependant's Pass).
 
3. Registered Address and Company Secretary:
 
- Every company must have a registered office address in Singapore.
- A company secretary must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation, who must be a natural person and resident in Singapore.
 
4. Corporate Governance:
 
- Singapore companies must comply with the Companies Act and maintain proper corporate governance practices.
- Annual general meetings (AGMs) must be held, and financial statements must be audited unless the company qualifies for audit exemption.
 
5. Taxation:
 
- Singapore has a territorial tax system and offers various tax incentives and exemptions.
- Corporate income tax rate is capped at 17% for taxable income above SGD 300,000.
 
6. Intellectual Property Protection:
 
- Singapore has strong intellectual property laws and protection mechanisms in place.
- Businesses are encouraged to register trademarks, patents, and designs with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
 
7. Employment Regulations:
 
- Employers must comply with Singapore's employment laws and regulations.
- The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) oversees work pass requirements for foreign employees.
 
8. Additional Considerations:
 
- Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific licenses or permits from regulatory authorities.
- Consideration of GST registration if your company's annual taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million.
 
9. Business Support and Incentives:
 
- Singapore offers various government grants, incentives, and schemes to support businesses, particularly in innovation and internationalization efforts.
- Business-friendly environment with access to a skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and strategic geographical location.
 
10. Annual Compliance Requirements:
 
- Annual filings such as the filing of annual returns and financial statements must be submitted to ACRA and IRAS.
- Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties and fines.
 
Singapore's business-friendly environment and robust legal framework make it an attractive destination for setting up a company. Establishing a business requires careful planning. Working with our experts can help streamline this process, providing valuable insights and tailored strategies to ensure successful outcome. Don’t hesitate any longer. Apply to become a client today to work with our experts on legal strategies to overcome barriers.
 

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