How to Register a Company in Singapore

Everything you need to know about registering a company in Singapore - from choosing the right business structure to completing ACRA registration and post-incorporation requirements.

5 min read
Last updated: September 12, 2025

Complete Registration Guide

Your one-stop company registration solution

5 min read
Read Time
S$315
ACRA Fees
1-2
Work Days
2025
Latest Info
Compliance Assured
Fast Processing

Over 63,000 companies are registered in Singapore every year. Want to know why so many entrepreneurs choose this hub? Let's walk through the entire process step by step.

📚 What This Guide Covers

Why Register

Benefits & requirements

Business Structure

Choose the right type

Step-by-Step

Complete process guide

🚀 Why Register Your Company in Singapore?

Picture this: you have a brilliant business idea and you're ready to turn it into reality. But where should you register your company? Singapore isn't just Asia's financial hub—it's the go-to destination for entrepreneurs worldwide. Let's explore why this small island nation attracts business minds from around the globe.

🌟 Singapore's Business Advantages at a Glance

Limited Liability Protection

Protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities. Your liability is limited to your shareholding in the company.

Business Credibility

A registered company provides legitimacy and credibility with customers, suppliers, banks, and investors.

Tax Advantages

Enjoy competitive corporate tax rates (17%) with various tax incentives and exemptions for qualifying businesses.

Easier Financing

Access to business loans, investment opportunities, and government grants that are typically unavailable to unregistered businesses.

Gateway to Asia

Strategic location with excellent connectivity to major Asian markets and favorable trade agreements.

Strong Legal Framework

Robust legal system with strong intellectual property protection and transparent regulatory environment.

⚖️ Legal Requirement: This Isn't Optional!

Under Section 5 of the Business Names Registration Act (BNRA), all businesses (except exempted ones) must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) before commencing operations.

⚠️ Failure to register can result in fines up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years.

Did You Know?

Singapore ranks 2nd globally in the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" index. The entire company registration process can be completed in just 1-2 business days, and 99% of applications are processed through the online platform BizFile+.

📊 Singapore Business Entity Types Overview

Singapore offers various business entity options, each with unique characteristics and advantages. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions. This guide focuses on Private Limited Company registration, the most popular business structure.

Features
Pte Ltd
Private Limited Company
Sole Prop
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
General Partnership
Number of Owners
1-50
1
2-20
Liability Type
Limited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Management
Directors
Owner
All Partners
Legal Entity
Setup Complexity
Moderate
Simple
Simple
Registration Fees
S$315
S$100
S$100
Tax Treatment
Corporate Tax 17%
Personal Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Compliance Requirements
Strict
Basic
Moderate

💼 Why is Private Limited Company So Popular?

Limited Liability Protection

Personal assets protected, separate from company debts

Business Credibility

Enhanced trust with customers, suppliers, and investors

Growth Flexibility

Easier to raise capital and attract investment

Tax Benefits

17% corporate tax rate with various incentives

Perpetual Succession

Continues operating regardless of shareholder changes

International Recognition

Globally recognized structure for expansion

📈 Interesting Statistics

63,000+
New companies registered annually
S$1
Minimum capital requirement
1-2
Days to complete registration

COMPANY REGISTRATION GUIDE

Singapore Company RegistrationStep-by-Step Guide Starts Here

Planning & Discussion

Before starting the registration process, you need to make important decisions with your partners or team. These decisions will affect how your company operates and grows in the future.

Shareholders & Equity Structure

Who are the shareholders?

Identify company owners and their respective shareholding percentages

Capital Requirements

Ensure capital is sufficient for at least 6 months of operations

Directors & Management

Who will be appointed as directors?

Responsible persons to manage daily company operations

Constitution

Decide on company governance rules and operational framework

⚖️ Important Decision: Engage Professional Firm

If you have any foreign shareholders, you must engage a professional firm as foreigners cannot complete endorsements on ACRA. Even with all locals, professional firms are still recommended.

View Our Incorporation Services

Self Registration vs Professional Firm Comparison

Basic Requirements
All Locals + Singpass
Locals or Foreigners
Identity Verification
Singpass Online Verification
Passport Verification + Notarization
Legal Documents/Constitution
Self Prepare
Firm Prepares
BizFile Applications
Self Key-in
Firm Handles
Recommended Choice

Professional firms are preferred in most cases, especially for foreign investors or complex shareholding structures.

Ready to Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

With the knowledge from this guide, you're now fully prepared to register your company in Singapore. Our professional team can assist you throughout the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Your Business Journey?

With the knowledge from this guide, you're now fully prepared to register your company in Singapore. Our professional team can assist you throughout the entire process.