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Frequently asked questions
The most common and recommended structure for
entrepreneurs and SMEs is the Private Limited Company
(Pte Ltd). It offers limited liability protection, is a separate
legal entity, and is highly credible with banks and
investors. Other options include sole proprietorships and
partnerships, but these are generally not suitable for
foreigners.
Once all documents are prepared, the ACRA approval process
typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a standard
identification number issued by ACRA for all entities
interacting with government agencies. You will receive it
upon successful incorporation.
Yes. Singapore law allows 100% foreign ownership of a
private limited company. There is no requirement to have a
local partner or shareholder.
Yes. Foreigners can incorporate a company, but they must
fulfill two key requirements: (1) engage a licensed Corporate
Service Provider (CSP) to file on their behalf, and (2) appoint
at least one local resident director.
Yes, Singapore law requires every company to have at least
one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (a
citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid work pass holder). If
you are a foreigner without a Singapore work pass, you must
appoint a nominee director, who is a professional director
provided by a CSP like us.
No. The company secretary must be a different person from
the sole director.
Yes, a physical Singapore address is mandatory for your
registered office. A P.O. Box is not allowed. The address
must be operational and accessible to the public during office
hours.
• ACRA government fees: S$315 (S$15 for
name reservation + S$300 for registration).
• Professional service fee: Starts from S$1,500.
This covers name check, document preparation, filing,
and post-incorporation support.
• Name Reservation: Check and reserve a
unique name with ACRA (cost: S$15).
• Document Preparation: Prepare company
constitution, director and shareholder details, and register
of controllers.
• Appointment of Officers: Secure a resident
director, company secretary, and shareholders.
• ACRA Filing: Submit the application via
ACRA’s BizFile+ portal (cost: S$300).
• Post-Incorporation: Receive your UEN and
Certificate of Incorporation, then proceed with bank
account opening, GST registration (if applicable), and
ongoing compliance.
Yes. You can submit a name application. Once approved, the
name is reserved for 120 days.
2026 marks a shift toward stricter regulatory enforcement.
Penalties for late filings are higher (up to S$25,000), and there
is a greater emphasis on verifying beneficial ownership and
economic substance.
This is a register of individuals or entities with significant
control over the company (e.g., more than 25% shares or
voting rights). New companies must lodge this with ACRA
upon incorporation.
Effective April 2026, all newly incorporated companies must
report their Beneficial Ownership (BO) information to ACRA
within 60 days of incorporation.
To qualify for the 17% corporate tax rate, you must
demonstrate that strategic decisions are made in Singapore
(via documented board minutes) and that key executive
functions are performed locally. A registered address alone is
no longer sufficient.
• Flat Corporate Tax Rate: 17%.
• Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE): 75%
exemption on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income
and 50% exemption on the next S$100,000 for the first
three consecutive Years of Assessment.
• Partial Tax Exemption (PTE): For
companies not eligible for SUTE.
• ECI (Estimated Chargeable Income): Must
be filed within 3 months after your financial year-end.
• Annual Corporate Income Tax Return
(Form C-S/C): Due by November 30th each year.
Fines can reach up to S$5,000 per offence for late filing, with
directors facing possible personal fines and court attendance.
• First AGM: Must be held within 18 months of
incorporation.
• Annual Return Filing: Must be filed with
ACRA within 30 days after the AGM for exempt private
companies, or within 7 months of the financial year end.
• Late AGM: Fine up to S$300.
• Late Annual Return: Fine up to S$600.
• Repeated non-compliance can lead to court
prosecution and director disqualification.
We offer a personalized, human touch. As an ACRA
registered CSP, we provide a dedicated team (not chatbots), a
physical local office, ISCA-certified accountants, and fully
transparent pricing without hidden fees. We focus on a long
term compliance and growth partnership, not just a quick
setup.
Licensed CSPs are mandatory for many filings, especially for
foreign directors. Digital platforms may not offer the same
level of personalized legal and tax advice or comprehensive
post-incorporation support that a licensed CSP provides.
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