Ultimate Guide to Registering a Business in Singapore (2026 Edition)
Ultimate Guide to Registering a Business in Singapore (2026 Edition)
Quick Summary:
Registering a business in Singapore is handled online via ACRA's BizFile+ portal in two steps: reserving a business name and submitting the registration. Fees range from $100 to $300 SGD depending on the structure (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Local Company), and approvals are typically granted within 15 minutes once fees are paid, provided no referral authorities need to review the application.
What is Business Registration in Singapore?
Once your business name is approved via ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), you must formally register your business entity to legally operate. Successful registration assigns a Unique Entity Number (UEN)—your business’s official identification number for all government interactions—and emails you a free digital Business Profile.
How to Register Your Business: 3 Ways to Apply
Direct Online Application: Apply independently on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal using your Singpass.
Professional Filing Agent: Engage a registered law firm, accounting firm, or corporate secretarial firm to submit on your behalf (mandatory for foreigners without local residency/passes).
Guided e-Adviser: Use the official GoBusiness e-Adviser to determine the precise pre-requisites and structure for your venture.
Requirements, Fees & Processing Times by Structure
1. Sole Proprietorship & Partnership
Application Fee: $100 for 1 year | $160 for 3 years (Optional Alternate Address: +$40)
Processing Time: ~15 minutes (or 14–60 days if referred to external authorities).
Key Pre-requisites:
Owners must be at least 18 years old.
Must be a Singapore Citizen, PR, EntrePass, or Employment Pass (EP) holder (EP holders require a Letter of Consent from MOM).
CPF MediSave Compliance: All owners must be up-to-date with their MediSave contributions (fully paid or on active GIRO).
Documents Needed: Commencement date, business address, and particulars of owners/authorised representatives.
2. Limited Partnership (LP)
Application Fee: $100 for 1 year | $160 for 3 years (Optional Alternate Address: +$40)
Processing Time: ~15 minutes.
Key Pre-requisites:
Minimum of one General Partner and one Limited Partner (at least 18 years old).
Valid residency (Citizen, PR, EntrePass, or EP with LOC).
If all General Partners reside overseas, a local manager must be appointed.
Up-to-date MediSave contributions.
3. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Application Fee: $100 one-time registration fee (Optional Alternate Address: +$40)
Processing Time: ~15 minutes.
Key Pre-requisites:
Minimum of two partners (at least 18 years old).
Must appoint a local manager residing in Singapore.
Up-to-date MediSave contributions.
4. Local Company Incorporation
Application Fee: $300 one-time registration fee (Optional Alternate Address: +$40)
Processing Time: ~15 minutes.
Key Pre-requisites:
At least one director who is a local resident (Citizen, PR, EntrePass, or EP with LOC).
Minimum of one director and one shareholder.
Documents Needed: Registered office address, share capital/shareholder details, director particulars, and company Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
A: A local company incorporation costs a one-time fee of $300 SGD. Sole proprietorships and partnerships cost $100 SGD for one year or $160 SGD for three years.
Q: How long does business registration take in Singapore?
A: Most business registrations on ACRA's BizFile+ are approved within 15 minutes after payment. However, applications requiring review by referral authorities may take 14 to 60 days.
Q: Can foreigners register a business in Singapore by themselves?
A: No. Foreigners without a local Singpass or appropriate local passes must engage a registered filing agent (such as a corporate secretarial or accounting firm) to submit the application on their behalf.
Bestar Singapore: Your Trusted ACRA-Registered Professional Filing Agent & Corporate Secretarial Partner
Ultimate Guide to Registering a Business in Singapore (2026 Edition)
Quick Summary:
Bestar Singapore is a premier, full-service corporate secretarial and accounting firm acting as an official ACRA-Registered Filing Agent (RFA). Headquartered at Solstice Business Center, Bestar specializes in affordable corporate secretarial retainers (from $360/year), seamless company incorporation, nominee director solutions, and end-to-end bookkeeping and tax compliance for local startups, SMEs, and foreign enterprises.
Overview: Why Choose Bestar as Your Professional Filing Agent?
Navigating Singapore’s stringent regulatory framework requires more than just filling out forms—it requires strategic compliance. Under the Singapore Companies Act, every locally incorporated company must appoint a qualified company secretary and interact with government bodies via secure systems like ACRA BizFile+.
As a licensed corporate service provider, Bestar bridges the gap between complex legal mandates and smooth day-to-day operations. Whether you are launching a new startup, expanding a multinational branch, or switching from a legacy secretary, Bestar combines tech-enabled workflows with expert chartered guidance.
Core Services Offered by Bestar Singapore
1. Company Incorporation & Business Setup
Pte. Ltd. Company Incorporation: Streamlined setup for local residents and foreign entrepreneurs.
Foreign Entity Expansion: Registration of Singapore Branch Offices, Subsidiary Companies, and Representative Offices.
Specialized Passes & Visas: End-to-end support for Employment Passes (EP), EntrePass, Dependant Passes, and Nominee Director services for foreign founders who do not wish to relocate immediately.
2. Corporate Secretarial Services (From $360/Year)
Bestar offers transparent, highly competitive corporate secretarial packages designed to keep your entity in good standing with ACRA:
Named Company Secretary: Qualified professionals ensuring full adherence to Section 171 of the Companies Act.
Statutory Maintenance: Managing registers (Members, Directors, Secretaries, RORC/AML updates), maintaining corporate seals, and drafting board resolutions.
Annual Return (AR) Filings: Timely lodgement on BizFile+ to prevent costly late penalties.
Singpass Integration: 100% digital signatures enabling fast, secure execution of resolutions directly from your phone.
3. Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Compliance
Cloud Ledger Setup: Integration with platforms like Xero and QuickBooks for real-time cash flow tracking.
Financial Reporting: Preparation of management accounts conforming strictly to Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
Tax Filing: Accurate calculation and submission of Corporate Income Tax (Form C-S/C) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) via IRAS.
Bestar vs. Traditional Providers & Automated Apps
Feature | Bestar Singapore | Traditional Secretarial Firms | Automated Digital-Only Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
Annual Retainer | Affordable (From $360/yr) | High ($360 – $600+/yr) | Moderate ($600 – $1,000+/yr) |
Standard Resolutions | Unlimited / Included | Pay-per-use ($50–$120 each) | Often restricted (e.g., 3/year) |
Support Model | Dedicated Senior Consultant | Junior staff / slow email turnaround | AI Bot / Ticket queues |
Switching Process | $0 (Zero-Cost, 48-hr transition) | Varies / Cumbersome | Additional service fees |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an ACRA-Registered Filing Agent (RFA)?
A: An RFA is a licensed professional corporate service firm (such as Bestar) authorized by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore to submit electronic applications, company setups, and statutory filings on BizFile+ on behalf of business owners and foreign entities.
Q: Can Bestar help me switch my company secretary from my current provider?
A: Yes. Bestar offers a zero-cost, 48-hour transition service. They supply the termination notice templates, handle communication with your previous secretary to transfer statutory books safely, and immediately update ACRA via BizFile+ with zero compliance gaps.
Q: Do foreigners need a filing agent to register a business in Singapore?
A: Yes. Foreign individuals or entities without local Singpass access are legally required by ACRA to engage a registered filing agent like Bestar to submit online incorporation and business registration applications on their behalf.
Contact Bestar Singapore
Address: 23 New Industrial Road, #04-08 Solstice Business Center, Singapore 536209
Phone: +65 6299 4730 / +65 8836 4489
Official Website: bestar-asia.com / bestar-sg.com
Comments