Set up a company in Singapore and keep it compliant from one partner.
Singapore is one of the most attractive places in the world to base a regional business — but its reputation for ease can lull newcomers into underestimating the recurring obligations that follow incorporation.
Entity type
Private limited company
Registrar
ACRA
Directors required
1 Singapore-resident director
We handle both the set-up and the upkeep, so your Singapore entity is launched correctly and stays in good standing.
Our role
Singapore
Singapore becomes a strategic foothold, not an administrative drain
Entity setup and registrations
Corporate secretarial compliance
Global payroll
Resident director and registered office
Tax rates, thresholds and statutory requirements in Singapore change and vary by activity. Treat the figures above as a starting point — we confirm the current position with you before anything is filed.
What it takes to incorporate
A private limited company registered with ACRA, Singapore’s company registry — typically the fastest part of the process once documents are in order.
At least one locally resident director — a requirement we can satisfy through our resident-director service where you do not yet have a qualifying individual.
A company secretary appointed within six months of incorporation, and a registered office address in Singapore — both of which we provide.
A minimum of one shareholder and a nominal paid-up capital, with share structure set up to suit your plans.
What it takes to operate
Corporate tax registration — Singapore’s headline rate is competitive, with meaningful exemptions for new and smaller companies in their early years.
GST registration where your turnover crosses the registration threshold, plus periodic GST returns thereafter.
Employer set-up for payroll, including CPF contributions for eligible employees, and accurate monthly payroll processing.
Annual obligations — the filing of annual returns with ACRA, financial statements, the annual general meeting, and the corporate income tax return.
FAQs
Singapore
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question about setting up here? Talk to an expert
Can a foreign individual or overseas entity own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. Singapore permits 100% foreign ownership of private limited companies in almost all business sectors. There are no local shareholding requirements or restrictions on foreign equity holding. Foreign founders or corporate groups can hold all shares, retain full voting control, and freely repatriate profits back to their home jurisdiction after local corporate tax obligations are met.
What are the legal requirements to incorporate a company with ACRA in Singapore?
Under the Singapore Companies Act, every private limited company registered through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) must satisfy five core structural criteria: • Resident Director: At least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid Employment Pass holder). • Company Secretary: A qualified resident company secretary appointed within 6 months of incorporation. • Registered Office Address: A local physical address in Singapore (P.O. boxes are not permitted). • Shareholders & Capital: Minimum of 1 shareholder (up to 50) and a minimum paid-up capital of S$1.
How does Spera assist foreign founders who do not have a local resident director?
Foreign founders without a local resident can utilize Spera's Resident Corporate Secretarial and Directorship guidance. We provide compliant local corporate secretarial representation and structure resident director governance to fulfill ACRA mandates. Alternatively, if you plan to relocate to Singapore, Spera can assist with setting up the initial corporate infrastructure while managing your Employment Pass (EP) application with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
How long does ACRA incorporation take, and how do we open a corporate bank account?
Official incorporation with ACRA via BizFile+ is extremely fast—often approved within 24 to 48 hours once KYC documents are verified. However, setting up corporate bank accounts takes longer (3 to 6 weeks) due to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards. Spera prepares bank-ready compliance packages and facilitates direct introductions to Singapore tier-1 banks and digital corporate banking institutions.
What are Singapore’s ongoing tax and annual filing requirements?
Singapore offers a competitive flat corporate tax rate of 17% with attractive partial tax exemptions for qualifying new startups, alongside no capital gains tax or dividend taxes. To remain compliant, your Singapore entity must satisfy annual IRAS and ACRA obligations: • Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI): Filed with IRAS within 3 months of your Financial Year End (FYE). • Corporate Tax Return (Form C-S / Form C): Filed annually by November 30. • Annual General Meeting (AGM) & ACRA Annual Return: Filed within 6 months of your FYE to submit statutory accounts and maintain good standing.
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