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Frequently Asked Questions
Browse the list of questions below to find what you are looking for.
For Locals & Permanent Residents
How do I check if a company is registered in Singapore?
You can check if a company is registered in Singapore by conducting a search on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) website.
ACRA is the national regulator of business entities in Singapore and provides an online search function to verify company registration details.
How much does it cost to incorporate a company in Singapore?
If you do it yourself through BizFile+ portal, the ACRA charges a flat fee of SG$15 for company name application and SG$300 for incorporation.
Using a professional service for incorporation may cost you between SG$400 and SG$1,200, but it provides peace of mind for statutory filings and saves you a significant amount of time and effort.
How long does it take to incorporate a company in Singapore?
Your company can be setup within three hour if you have all the required documents in order.
What are legal structures of a business in Singapore?
The five most common legal structures for businesses in Singapore are:
- sole proprietorship;
- partnership;
- limited partnership;
- limited liability partnership (LLP), and
- private limited company (PTE LTD).
For Foreigners
Can a foreigner register a company in Singapore?
It's totally possible for a foreigner to opt for company registration in Singapore. According to Singapore Companies Act, 100% ownership of a Singapore company is permitted, either for a local person or a foreigner.
Can a foreigner be a director in a Singapore company?
A foreigner can still be a director of an offshore company in Singapore though a native Singaporean director is still in need if the business wants to stay compliant with the law.
How much does it cost to start a business in Singapore as a foreigner?
For our basic package, it will cost you about SG$2809 for a Singapore offshore company incorporation. Please be aware that the price may change according to the add-on service you choose for your business registration.
Why is Singapore a good place to start a business for foreigners?
The city-state has many attractive aspects for business owners all around the world. A strong economy, low taxes, efficient processes, great connection to others countries, high standard human resources, and much more.
What are some business operating requirements for foreigners who plan to open a business in Singapore?
Here are the requirements for Singapore offshore company registration:
- At least 1 shareholder
- Capital of at least SGD 1
- At least one director who resides in Singapore
- Company secretary who resides in Singapore
- A registered addres in sinagpore
What is an Employment Pass? Can an Employment Pass holder open a company in Singapore?
By definition, an employment pass is a work visa issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, allowing professional employees, directors, and owners to be able to work and live in Singapore. This also means that the Employmentpass holder can also have the ability to open a company as a foreigner.
What are initial requirements to register a company in Singapore?
- Minimum one director and one shareholder.
- Local resident director(s).
- A local registered address in Singapore.
What kinds of business are allowed in Singapore?
Generally, no restrictions except for financial services, education, media-related or other politically sensitive businesses.
Is there any Double tax treaty (DTT) signed by Singapore?
Singapore has an extensive investment protection agreement and double tax treaty network. This includes most countries in the Asia-Pacific Region and countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. These countries include China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Belgium, Finland and the United Arab Emirates.
Singapore is also one of the very few countries to have a tax treaty with Taiwan. This explains the popularity of Singapore holding companies for Taiwanese investments into China and the region.
How many types of company are available for incorporation in Singapore?
Types of company that can be registered in Singapore are:
- Public/Private company limited by shares;
- Company limited by guarantee;
- Unlimited company.
Singapore private limited company by shares is the most popular form, while company limited by guarantee is often used for non-profit purposes. Moreover, there are also exempt private companies eligible for certain privileges for small enterprises.
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