Business
Singapore — Business: Company Formation
A foreigner can own 100% of a Singapore Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) under the Companies Act 1967, but every company requires at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore, a registered Singapore office (not a P.O. box), and a qualified company secretary appointed within 6 months. There's no minimum paid-up capital requirement — S$1 is technically sufficient, though most operating companies incorporate with S$1,000-100,000. The fully online, ACRA-administered registration process typically takes 3-7 business days, with government fees of S$315 total (S$15 name reservation + S$300 incorporation). Most foreign founders satisfy the resident-director requirement by appointing a professional nominee director initially, then later obtaining an Employment Pass to take on the role themselves.
Key facts
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed, but at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, PR, or EntrePass/Employment Pass holder).
- No minimum paid-up capital requirement — S$1 is technically sufficient.
- Registration is fully online via ACRA, typically 3-7 business days, total government fees S$315.
- A qualified company secretary must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation — a legal requirement with penalties for missing the deadline.
- Most foreign founders start with a nominee resident director, then transition to self-management via an Employment Pass.
Steps
- Reserve company name — Via ACRA's BizFile+ system, S$15 fee.
- Appoint a resident director — Citizen, PR, EntrePass, or Employment Pass holder — often a nominee director initially for foreign founders.
- Register the company — S$300 incorporation fee via ACRA.
- Appoint a qualified company secretary — Within 6 months of incorporation.
Costs
- Total ACRA government fees: S$315 (S$15 name reservation + S$300 incorporation)
Timelines
- Full registration process: 3-7 business days
- Company secretary appointment deadline: within 6 months of incorporation
Required documents
- Registered Singapore office address
- Resident director details
- Company constitution complying with Companies Act 1967
Common mistakes
- Assuming 100% foreign ownership means no local presence requirement — a resident director and registered Singapore office are still mandatory.
- Missing the 6-month company secretary appointment deadline, which triggers penalties.