Company Incorporation
Services in Singapore

To incorporate a company in Singapore, you must first choose a company name and submit it for approval to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). After the name is approved, you prepare the required incorporation documents (such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association, identification documents, and more). Finally, you file the application via ACRA’s online platform, BizFile+. Margin Wheeler can assist you at every step, from name reservation to the submission of all necessary documents, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

- At least one resident director (a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder with a local residential address).
- A registered local address for the company.
- A company secretary who must be a resident in Singapore.
- A minimum of one shareholder (individual or corporate).
- A minimum paid-up capital of S$1.
- A properly approved company name before registration.
Margin Wheeler will advise on how to meet each requirement and provide nominee services if needed.

Common structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, and private limited companies. A private limited company (Pte. Ltd.) is often the most popular for startups and SMEs due to its limited liability, tax benefits, and professional image. Deciding on the right structure depends on factors such as ownership preferences, liability concerns, and growth plans. Our team at Margin Wheeler can help you assess your business goals and choose the most suitable structure.

A Singapore Private Limited company (Pte. Ltd.) offers:
- Limited liability protection for shareholders.
- Attractive tax incentives (such as partial tax exemption schemes for startups).
- Credibility in the eyes of investors and financial institutions.
- Easier access to capital and growth opportunities.
Due to Singapore’s strong regulatory environment and business-friendly policies, many entrepreneurs and foreign investors find Pte. Ltd. entities a compelling choice.

You can reserve your preferred company name through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. The name must not be identical or too similar to existing company names, and it must not infringe on any trademarks. It also must not be obscene or offensive. If the name is approved, it will typically be reserved for 120 days, during which you can proceed with the incorporation. Margin Wheeler can assist you in conducting name checks and reserving your name on your behalf.

The minimum paid-up capital is S$1 for a Singapore Private Limited company. However, certain industries or business activities may require higher minimum capital due to licensing requirements or regulatory constraints. We can advise you on the optimal paid-up capital based on your industry needs and growth strategy.

You need at least one shareholder (which can be an individual or a corporate entity). Singapore law allows for 100% foreign shareholding, meaning non-residents can own the entire company if they wish. A Private Limited company can have up to 50 shareholders.

Every Singapore company must have at least one director who is “ordinarily resident” in Singapore—this generally means a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or someone holding an EntrePass/Employment Pass with a local residential address. Additional directors can be non-residents. If you do not have a local director, Margin Wheeler offers nominee director services to fulfill this requirement.

A corporate shareholder is a company or other legal entity that holds shares in another company. You only need a corporate shareholder if it aligns with your ownership or investment strategy (e.g., if you have a holding company or if an investor company is acquiring shares in your new entity). Margin Wheeler can help structure your shareholding to optimize benefits and compliance.

Typically, you need:
- Identification documents (passport/NRIC) of all directors and shareholders.
- Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.) for KYC and due diligence.
- Consent to Act as Director and company secretary forms.
- Constitution (formerly Memorandum & Articles of Association) of the company.
- Signed incorporation forms (for ACRA).
Our team can provide you with a comprehensive checklist and prepare the necessary documents on your behalf.

Once the name is approved and the documents are in order, incorporation can typically be completed within 1–3 business days. However, delays can occur if additional approvals are needed (e.g., for regulated industries) or if there are complexities in verifying the identities of foreign directors and shareholders.

You can check the company name availability in our "Check Company Name Availability" section above. Alternatively, you can perform a company search on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal using the company’s name or Unique Entity Number (UEN). The portal provides the entity’s registration status, incorporation date, and other basic company information.

Singapore offers attractive corporate tax rates (a flat 17% for chargeable income) and various tax exemptions for new startups. There are also extensive Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTA) with many countries, minimizing tax burdens for international businesses. Furthermore, partial tax exemption and start-up tax exemption schemes provide additional incentives for eligible companies.

Yes, you must provide a local registered business address in Singapore. This address will be used for official correspondence and must be accessible to the public during normal business hours. Our incorporation package provides registered office address services if you do not have a physical office location in Singapore.

Yes, Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership. However, you still need at least one local director and a registered address in Singapore. If you plan to relocate and run the company onsite, you may need to apply for an Employment Pass or EntrePass. Our team can guide you through the visa application and incorporation process to ensure compliance.

- Consent to Act as Director and Company Secretary (acknowledging legal responsibilities).
- Shareholders’ agreement (if applicable) to clarify ownership terms, voting rights, and obligations.
- Constitution or Memorandum & Articles of Association.
- Any nominee director or resident director agreement if you’re using such a service.
Our consultant will provide templates and handle the documentation process to ensure everything is legally sound.