Private Limited Company

Complete Guide to PTE LTD in Singapore

Everything you need to know about incorporating and operating a Private Limited Company in Singapore - the most popular business structure for entrepreneurs and investors.

Most Popular Business Structure

2,000+
Companies Served
17%
Corporate Tax
$1
Min. Capital
3-5
Work Days
Company Structure Overview

What is a Private Limited Company?

A Private Limited Company (PTE LTD) is a business entity registered under the Singapore Companies Act 1967. As a separate legal entity, it has the right to own properties, enjoy perpetual succession, and can sue or be sued. It's the most popular business structure in Singapore due to its flexibility and limited liability protection.

Limited Liability

Shareholders' liability is limited to their share capital

Perpetual Succession

Company continues to exist despite changes in ownership

Separate Legal Entity

Can own property, enter contracts, and conduct business in its own name

1-50 Shareholders

Flexible ownership structure for small to medium enterprises

Incorporation Requirements

Essential requirements to set up your PTE LTD

Company Name

  • Must end with 'Private Limited' or 'Pte Ltd'
  • Cannot be identical to existing company names
  • No offensive or vulgar words
  • Requires ACRA approval

Directors

  • Minimum 1 director, maximum unlimited
  • At least 1 director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Foreigners need valid work pass to be local director

Shareholders

  • 1 to 50 shareholders allowed
  • Can be individuals or corporate entities
  • 100% local or foreign ownership permitted
  • Shareholders can also be directors

Share Capital

  • Minimum paid-up capital of SGD $1
  • No maximum limit on authorized capital
  • Additional capital can be injected anytime
  • Shares not available to general public

Registered Address

  • Must have Singapore registered address
  • Cannot be P.O. Box
  • Home Office Scheme available for certain businesses
  • Professional registered address services available

Company Secretary

  • Must appoint within 6 months of incorporation
  • Can be individual or corporate secretary
  • Must be ordinarily resident in Singapore
  • Professional company secretary services recommended

Need a Local Director?

If you're a foreigner without a valid work pass, you'll need a nominee director service to meet Singapore's residency requirement.

  • Professional nominee director services available
  • Maintains your control while meeting legal requirements
  • Includes registered address and company secretary services
Get Nominee Director Service
Pros & Cons Analysis

Benefits of PTE LTD

Why choose Private Limited Company structure

Advantages

Limited Liability Protection

Personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities

Tax Benefits

Corporate tax rate of 17%, with various tax incentives and exemptions available

Enhanced Credibility

PTE LTD status enhances business credibility with customers, suppliers, and banks

International Recognition

Singapore companies enjoy excellent international reputation and recognition

Easy Capital Raising

Easier to raise capital through equity financing and attract investors

Easy Ownership Transfer

Simple process to transfer shares and change ownership structure

Considerations

Regulatory Compliance

Must comply with various statutory requirements and annual filings

Public Disclosure

Company information is publicly available through ACRA records

Audit Requirements

May require annual audit depending on company size and revenue

Ongoing Costs

Annual compliance costs including secretary, registered address, and filings

Incorporation Process

Simple steps to incorporate your PTE LTD

1

Name Reservation

Check and reserve your company name with ACRA

1 day
2

Prepare Documents

Prepare incorporation documents and obtain required consents

1-2 days
3

Submit Application

Submit incorporation application to ACRA online

1 day
4

Company Registration

Receive Certificate of Incorporation and company registration

1-3 days
5

Post-Incorporation

Open bank account, appoint auditor, and commence business

1-2 weeks
Ongoing Obligations

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Stay compliant with Singapore regulations

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Annual
Within 18 months

Must hold AGM within 18 months of incorporation and annually thereafter

Annual Return Filing

Annual
Within 30 days after AGM

File annual return with ACRA containing company and officer details

Financial Statements

Annual
Within 5 months of financial year end

Prepare audited financial statements (if required) and file with ACRA

Corporate Income Tax

Annual
Within 30 days after AGM

File Form C (Income Tax Return) with IRAS

Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

Annual
Within 3 months of financial year end

File ECI within 3 months of financial year end if estimated chargeable income exceeds SGD $100,000

GST Registration

As required
Within 30 days of threshold

Register for GST if annual turnover exceeds SGD $1 million

Need Help with Compliance?

Let our experts handle your ongoing compliance requirements with our comprehensive packages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to incorporate a PTE LTD?
The incorporation process typically takes 3-5 business days from submission of complete documents to ACRA. Name reservation can be done within 1 day.
Can foreigners incorporate a company in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can incorporate and own 100% of a Singapore company. However, at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore.
What is the minimum paid-up capital required?
The minimum paid-up capital is SGD $1. There's no maximum limit, and additional capital can be injected anytime after incorporation.
Do I need a local director if I'm a foreigner?
Yes, at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. Foreigners can become local directors by obtaining a valid work pass or permanent residency.
What ongoing compliance is required?
Key requirements include holding AGM annually, filing annual returns, preparing financial statements, and filing corporate tax returns. Professional compliance services are recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions