How to Register a Company in Singapore
- Roger Pay
- Dec 23, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Singapore Company Registration Guide
How to Register a Company in Singapore: A Complete 2026 Guide
Are you looking to tap into Asia’s most business-friendly economy? Registering a company in Singapore is a strategic move, but the process requires precision. In 2026, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) has streamlined digital filings, yet strict compliance remains mandatory.
Whether you are a local founder or a foreign entrepreneur, this guide breaks down the costs, requirements, and exact steps to launch your Singapore venture today.
1. Quick Requirements Checklist
Before you hit the "Register" button on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal, ensure you meet these statutory requirements:
Company Name: Must be unique and approved by ACRA ($15 fee).
Shareholders: Minimum of 1 (can be 100% foreign-owned).
Resident Director: At least one director must be a Singapore Citizen, PR, or EntrePass/EP holder.
Company Secretary: Must appoint a qualified resident secretary within 6 months.
Registered Address: A physical Singapore address (no P.O. boxes).
Paid-up Capital: Minimum of S$1.
Pro Tip: Foreigners cannot self-register. You are legally required to engage an ACRA-registered filing agent to submit the application on your behalf.
2. Step-by-Step Registration Process
The entire process is digital and can often be completed in under 48 hours.
Step 1: Name Reservation
Submit your proposed name via BizFile+.11 If the name doesn't contain restricted words (like "Bank" or "Legal"), approval is usually instant. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Structure
The Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the most popular choice for startups and SMEs because it offers limited liability and significant tax exemptions (like the SUTE scheme).
Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents
You will need:
A signed Company Constitution.
Signed Consent to Act forms (Form 45 for Directors, Form 45B for Secretaries).
KYC documents (Passport/IC and proof of residential address).
Step 4: Submit to ACRA
Your filing agent will lodge the application. The government registration fee is S$300. Upon approval, you will receive your Unique Entity Number (UEN)—your company’s official ID.
3. Cost of Registering a Company in Singapore (2026)
While the base government fees are fixed, your total "ready-for-business" budget will vary:
Item | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
ACRA Name Application | $15 |
ACRA Registration Fee | $300 |
Corporate Secretary (Annual) | $300 – $800 |
Registered Address (Annual) | $200 – $500 |
Nominee Director (For Foreigners) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
4. Post-Registration: The First 30 Days
Registering is just the beginning. To stay compliant and operational:
Open a Corporate Bank Account: Most Singapore banks require a physical meeting or a digital KYC session.
Apply for CorpPass: This is your digital identity for all government e-services.
Register for GST: Mandatory only if your annual turnover exceeds S$1 million.
Set Up Accounting: Singapore has strict annual filing requirements (AGM and Annual Returns).
Why Use a Professional Filing Agent?
While locals can DIY via Singpass, most founders choose a professional service to avoid the heavy fines associated with late filings or incorrect SSIC codes (business activity codes). A professional partner ensures you are "compliant by design."
Ready to launch your business in Singapore?
Don't let paperwork slow you down. Our team of experts handles everything—from ACRA filings to nominee director services—so you can focus on growth.
[Contact Us for a Free Consultation] or [View Our Incorporation Packages]
FAQ
How long does it take to register?
Usually 1–2 business days.22 If the application is referred to an external agency for review, it may take up to 14 days.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign shareholding in almost all sectors.23
What is a UEN?
The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is the standard identification number of an entity, used for all transactions with government agencies.24
About Bestar Singapore: Your Growth Partner in Asia’s Business Hub
At Bestar, we don’t just register companies; we build the foundations for global success. Based in the heart of Singapore, we are a premier provider of corporate secretarial, accounting, and business advisory services designed for the modern entrepreneur.
For over 15 years, Bestar has served as a bridge for local startups and international corporations looking to navigate the complexities of Singapore’s regulatory landscape. We believe that compliance shouldn't be a hurdle—it should be a competitive advantage.
Why Choose Bestar?
In a fast-paced market, you need more than just a service provider; you need a strategic partner. Here is how Bestar stands out:
ACRA-Registered Expertise: As a licensed filing agent, we have a direct line to regulatory bodies, ensuring your applications are processed with speed and precision.
End-to-End Solutions: From initial incorporation and nominee director services to GST registration and monthly bookkeeping, we handle the "back office" so you can focus on the "big picture."
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise "administrative charges." We provide clear, fixed-price packages that help you manage your burn rate effectively.
Tailored Approach: Whether you are a solo tech founder or a multinational expanding into Southeast Asia, our solutions are scaled to your specific industry and goals.
Our Mission
To simplify the business journey. We leverage the latest cloud accounting technology and deep local knowledge to ensure your business remains 100% compliant, 100% of the time.
Meet the Standards of Excellence
Bestar operates on the core values of Integrity, Efficiency, and Insight. In an era where Singapore’s regulations are constantly evolving—especially regarding digital filings and tax incentives—our team stays ahead of the curve so you don't have to.
Ready to Start Your Singapore Journey?
Join hundreds of successful businesses that have trusted Bestar to lead their market entry. Let’s make your vision a reality.
Client Success Stories: Empowering Global Ambitions
At Bestar Singapore, our success is measured by the growth of our clients. From navigating the strict licensing requirements of the financial sector to streamlining logistics for global trade, we take pride in being the engine behind these success stories.
Case Study 1: Scaling a Regional FinTech Disruptor
The Client: A European-based digital payment startup looking to establish its Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore.
The Challenge: The client needed to navigate the Payment Services Act (PSA) and meet specific paid-up capital requirements to apply for a Major Payment Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Our Solution: * Managed the rapid incorporation of their Singapore entity within 24 hours.
Provided a Nominee Director with financial sector expertise to meet residency requirements.
Facilitated the opening of a specialized corporate bank account designed for FinTech operations.
Provided ongoing monthly management reporting to ensure the client met MAS's strict financial oversight standards.
The Result: The client successfully obtained their license and processed over $100 million in transactions in their first year of operation.
Case Study 2: Automating Compliance for an E-commerce Giant
The Client: A high-volume cross-border e-commerce brand selling on Amazon and Shopify across five different markets.
The Challenge: As sales skyrocketed, the client struggled with GST registration thresholds and the complexity of reconciling thousands of small-value transactions for tax filing.
Our Solution: * Conducted a look-back audit to ensure backdated GST compliance.
Integrated their storefronts with Xero cloud accounting, automating the flow of sales data directly into their financial statements.
Advised on a holding company structure to protect intellectual property and optimize tax across international borders.
The Result: Reduced the client’s administrative overhead by 40%, allowing them to focus entirely on inventory and marketing while remaining 100% compliant with IRAS.
Case Study 3: Tax Optimization for a Maritime Logistics Firm
The Client: An international shipping agency expanding its fleet operations into the Port of Singapore.
The Challenge: The firm wanted to leverage Singapore’s maritime tax incentives but was unsure how to qualify for Section 13A exemptions.
Our Solution: * Structured the company to align with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) guidelines.
Provided specialized payroll services for a mix of local office staff and international crew members.
Managed the annual statutory audit to ensure all maritime tax exemptions were robustly defended and documented.
The Result: Saved the client over S$200,000 annually in corporate taxes through strategic use of maritime incentives.
What Our Clients Say
"Bestar didn't just give us a UEN; they gave us a roadmap. As a foreign founder, I found their Nominee Director services and tax advice to be the most professional in the market." — Alex Cuc, Director of Bridgewest
"The team at Bestar handled our complex accounting needs with ease. Their expertise in cloud-based solutions made our cross-border operations seamless." — ****
Ready to Become Our Next Success Story?
Whether you are a startup of one or a corporation of hundreds, Bestar has the expertise to guide you.
This video provides a first-hand recommendation from a client who successfully used Bestar's accounting and corporate services to expand into Singapore. Video Testimonial for Bestar Singapore
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