How to Register a Company in Singapore in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Register a Company in Singapore in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide) | Bestar

🇸🇬 How to Register a Company in Singapore in 2025: Your Step-by-Step Guide

How to Register a Company in Singapore in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Singapore remains a global hub for business, known for its political stability, robust legal system, and attractive tax environment. Registering a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the most common choice for entrepreneurs due to its limited liability and scalability.

Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to registering your company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in 2025.

Pre-Incorporation Checklist: Essential Requirements

Before logging onto the official ACRA BizFile+ portal, ensure you meet the following statutory requirements:

Requirement	Details
Company Name	Must be unique and approved by ACRA via BizFile+. Name reservation is usually fast and lasts for 120 days upon approval.
Directors	Minimum one director who must be an "ordinarily resident" in Singapore (Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid Employment/EntrePass holder). Foreigners without local residency must appoint a Nominee Director through a Corporate Service Provider (CSP).
Shareholders	Minimum one shareholder (individual or corporate). 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
Company Secretary	Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation and be a resident of Singapore. A sole director cannot also be the company secretary.
Registered Address	A local, physical Singapore address is mandatory (P.O. boxes are not allowed). Many companies use a virtual office or their CSP’s address.
Paid-Up Capital	Minimum paid-up capital is S$1.
Business Activity	Must define your primary business activities using the SSIC (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification) code.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Process

The entire registration process is managed online through the ACRA BizFile+ portal. Foreign individuals without a Singpass must engage a registered filing agent (like a Corporate Service Provider) to submit the application on their behalf.

1. 📝 Choose a Business Structure

Select the most suitable legal entity for your needs. The Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the overwhelmingly preferred choice due to its distinct legal personality and limited liability protection.

2. 📛 Reserve Your Company Name

• Log in to BizFile+ (or instruct your filing agent).

• Submit your proposed company name for approval.

• The application fee is S$15.

• Approval is typically instant, but may take 14 to 60 days if referred to a government agency (e.g., for regulated industries like finance or education).

• Once approved, you receive a transaction number and the name is reserved for up to 120 days.

3. 💼 Appoint Key Personnel and Prepare Documents

Gather all necessary information and prepare the essential documents:

• Director/Shareholder Details: Valid ID (Passport/NRIC) and proof of residential address.

• Company Constitution: You can adopt ACRA’s standard Model Constitution or file a custom one.

• Consent to Act Forms: Signed by all appointed directors and the company secretary.

• Registered Office Address.

• Share Capital Details: Including the initial minimum paid-up capital of S$1.

4. 🚀 Submit the Incorporation Application to ACRA

• Use the approved company name's transaction number to start the incorporation filing on BizFile+.

• Upload all required documents and enter the details of the company, directors, shareholders, and secretary.

• The government incorporation fee is S$300.

• Processing time is usually 1–2 working days if all information is in order.

5. ✅ Receive Incorporation Confirmation

Upon approval, ACRA will issue an email confirmation containing two critical documents:

• Unique Entity Number (UEN): Your company’s official identification number for all government transactions.

• BizFile Business Profile (PDF): The electronic certificate of incorporation containing your company's key details.

Post-Incorporation Compliance (New for 2025)

After successful registration, you must immediately address these compliance matters:

1. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Use your UEN and Business Profile to open a bank account. Many banks offer online application, though some may require in-person verification.

2. Appoint Company Secretary: If not done during registration, a qualified resident secretary must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation.

3. Lodge Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC): New for 2025 (effective June 2025), companies must now lodge RORC information directly with ACRA, in addition to maintaining an internal copy. This record lists individuals or entities with significant control (>25% shareholding/voting rights) over the company.

4. Register for GST (if applicable): Mandatory if your estimated annual turnover exceeds S$1 million.

5. Corppass Registration: Required for all companies to transact securely with government agencies online.

Foreign Entrepreneur Note: If you plan to relocate to Singapore, apply for the appropriate work pass, such as the Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass, as soon as your company is incorporated.

Bestar provides the full process for company setup in Singapore, which covers the requirements and steps for foreigners. Would you like me to find more details on how Bestar can assist foreign founders?

🇸🇬 How Bestar Singapore Can Help You Register a Company in Singapore in 2025: Your Step-by-Step Guide

How to Register a Company in Singapore in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Singapore remains a top global hub for business, known for its political stability, attractive tax regime, and ease of doing business. If you are looking to set up a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in 2025, you'll need to navigate specific legal and compliance requirements.

Bestar Singapore, a corporate services provider, specializes in helping local and foreign entrepreneurs streamline the entire process, ensuring full compliance with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

🚀 The Essential Steps to Register Your Company in Singapore

A Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the most common and recommended structure for scalability, offering limited liability to its owners. The key legal requirements for a Pte Ltd in Singapore include:

Requirement	Details
Minimum Directors	At least one (1) Resident Director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or person holding a valid Employment Pass/EntrePass)
Minimum Shareholders	At least one (1) shareholder (individual or corporate, can be 100% foreign)
Company Secretary	Mandatory appointment of a qualified, resident Corporate Secretary within 6 months of incorporation
Registered Office	A local physical address (P.O. Box is not allowed)
Minimum Paid-up Capital	S$1.00

Your Step-by-Step Incorporation Checklist:

1. Name Approval: Reserve a unique company name with ACRA via the BizFile+ portal.

2. Document Preparation: Draft the company's Constitution (Memorandum & Articles of Association) and gather ID/KYC documents for all directors and shareholders.

3. Appoint Local Officers: Appoint at least one Resident Director and a Corporate Secretary. Foreign owners without a local resident can engage a Nominee Director service.

4. ACRA Submission: File the incorporation documents and pay fees to ACRA.

5. Post-Incorporation: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation and Business Profile.

6. Bank Account & Licenses: Open a corporate bank account and apply for any necessary business licenses or permits.

✅ How Bestar Singapore Simplifies Your Company Setup

For local and especially foreign entrepreneurs, Bestar Singapore offers end-to-end solutions to ensure your incorporation is fast, smooth, and fully compliant.

1. Fulfilling Local Residency Requirements

This is often the biggest hurdle for foreign founders. Bestar provides essential services to meet mandatory local officer requirements:

• Nominee Director Service: If you are a foreigner not relocating immediately, Bestar can provide a qualified, Singapore-resident Nominee Director to meet the statutory requirement. This person acts as the official resident director but does not participate in the day-to-day business management, which is controlled by the executive directors/shareholders.

• Corporate Secretary: They appoint a qualified, resident professional to fulfill the statutory requirement of a Company Secretary, who is vital for ongoing compliance.

2. Comprehensive Incorporation Management

Bestar manages the entire registration process with ACRA, typically completed within 1 to 3 business days once all documentation is in order:

• Consultation & Structure: Advise on the most suitable business structure (Pte Ltd, Branch Office, etc.) and tailor a service package.

• Document Submission: Prepare and submit all required legal documents (Constitution, consent forms, etc.) to ACRA.

• Name Reservation: Handle the company name reservation and approval process.

• Registered Office Address: Provide a local registered address service for official correspondence if you do not have a physical office.

3. Post-Incorporation & Ongoing Compliance

The support doesn't stop once your company is registered. Bestar provides a suite of ongoing compliance and corporate support services:

• Employment Pass (EP) Application: As a licensed expert, Bestar assists foreign entrepreneurs with the application for an Employment Pass (EP), which allows the foreign owner to relocate and serve as the Resident Director.

• Corporate Bank Account: Assistance with the bank account opening process after incorporation.

• Annual Compliance: Essential services like preparing Annual General Meeting (AGM) documents, filing Annual Returns with ACRA, and maintaining statutory registers.

• Accounting & Tax: Providing ongoing Bookkeeping, Audit & Assurance, and Tax Advisory & Compliance services to ensure you meet all IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) deadlines and maximize tax efficiencies, including the attractive tax exemptions for new companies.

By partnering with Bestar Singapore, you gain a licensed expert who handles the technical and legal complexities, allowing you to focus purely on building and growing your business in Singapore's thriving economy.

Find information on the cost of Bestar Singapore's company incorporation package, including the Nominee Director service, for 2025.