How to Start a Business in Singapore 2025: Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Why Singapore?

Singapore is widely regarded as one of the most business-friendly places in the world to launch a company. In 2024, it was ranked as the world’s most competitive economy​ and even singled out as a global leader for its “ease of doing business” and startup-friendly environment​, according to Brand Finance Global City Index. This reputation is underpinned by Singapore’s stable, pro-business regulatory framework – a key factor that draws entrepreneurs and international companies to its shores​. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign founder, Singapore’s transparent rules and efficient institutions make the process of setting up a business relatively straightforward.

Below, we outline a step-by-step guide which explains how to register a business in Singapore, and addresses common queries, such as how much it is to register a company in Singapore. From ACRA bizfile search, to GST compliance, we have you covered.

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Pre-registration Procedures

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

Selecting the right legal structure is crucial, for example: how to register a Pte Ltd company in Singapore is different to how one might register a Sole Proprietorship.

Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

A separate legal entity offering limited liability protection. It's the most common choice for scalability and credibility. Most foreign founders tend to opt for a Pte Ltd, due to its scalability and legal protections.

Sole Proprietorship

Owned by a single individual with full liability. Suitable for small-scale, low-risk businesses - if you are researching how to set up a small business in Singapore, this option is most likely for you!

Partnership

Owned by two or more individuals (or companies) sharing profits and liabilities.

Limited Partnerships (LP’s) & Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Combines the benefits of partnerships and companies, offering flexibility and limited liability.

Foreigners can fully own a company in Singapore but must appoint a local resident director. Read more in this helpful guide on foreign registration, supplied by ACRA Bizfile, here.

Step 2: Reserve Your Business Name

Before registration, reserve your desired business name through the ACRA BizFile+ portal. If you are calculating how long does it take to register a company in Singapore, name reservation is instant (and kept for 120 days upon approval). Approval is super-fast – as long as it meets the criteria and isn’t pulled for review, you should only need to wait a few minutes until your name is officially reserved. The reservation fee is SGD 15*.

You can check at the ACRA BizFile+ search feature here to check if your name already exists – just type in the name and click search!

*The fees are subject to change in accordance with the latest regulations and requirements.

Step 3: Set Up a Registered Office Address

Your company must have a local registered address in Singapore. This address will be used for official correspondence. Virtual Office services can provide a prestigious business address, mail handling, and other administrative support.

The Executive Centre provides Singapore Virtual Office Solutions in Grade A buildings across the city. This means you can instantly secure a credible CBD address for your company without the need to rent a physical office space.

Step 4: Appoint Directors and Company Secretary

• Directors: At least one must be a Singapore resident (citizen, permanent resident, or holder of an appropriate visa). In practice, if you are a foreign founder with no Singapore residency, you will need to find a local director. Many startups fulfil this by either having a local co-founder, or by engaging a nominee director service through a corporate service provider.
• Company Secretary: Must be appointed within six months of incorporation and be a Singapore resident. This role is crucial for compliance and filing obligations, and a key part of business setup Singapore rules.

Read More: Business Registration in Taiwan: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Step 5: Register Your Company via ACRA BizFile+

Now comes the big step: officially registering your business with ACRA. Singapore’s ACRA BizFile+ portal allows you to file the registration online. The registration fee is SGD 300*. If all documents are in order, approval is typically granted within a day.

The fees are slightly different for partnerships or sole proprietorships, e.g., SGD 100* for one-year registration of a Sole Proprietorship. Add the SGD 15* name reservation if not already paid. So, in total, you’re looking at about SGD 315* for a typical company registration government fee. This is paid online (via credit card or other e-payment options) at the end of the application.

*The fees are subject to change in accordance with the latest regulations and requirements.

How to Fill the Application?

The online form will prompt you for:

i) Approved business name

From Step 2, you will select your reserved name.

ii) Business activity details

You’ll choose the SSIC codes and provide a brief description.

iii) Registered office address

From Step 3. The Executive Centre provides various Singapore Virtual Office solutions, featuring premium business addresses in the CBD.

iv) Share capital details

For a company, input the initial paid-up capital amount, e.g., SGD 1 or more, and the number of shares. Remember, only SGD 1 minimum is required​, so many startups just start with SGD 1 or SGD 100 and can always issue more shares later.

v) Shareholders’ information

Names, IDs, addresses, and share allocation for each.

vi) Directors’ information

Names, IDs, addresses, etc. The form typically requires you to specify who the local resident director is.

vii) Company secretary information

Name, ID, addresses, etc.

viii) Attachments for any necessary documents

If you’re using a custom constitution, attach it; otherwise, select the option to use the Model Constitution. You may also attach directors’ consent forms, although if all parties endorse the submission digitally, separate consent forms do not need to be submitted to ACRA Bizfile (they are kept internally).

ix) Confirmation of compliance with requirements and declarations

You’ll tick off that you have met the requirements and the relevant parties' consent.

Successful Application

Once approved – congratulations, your business is officially registered! Upon successful registration, you will receive:

i) Company's Unique Entity Number (UEN)

This is like an identification number for your business used in all government and many commercial transactions.

ii) Official business profile

A PDF document that serves as the certificate of incorporation and contains details of your company’s registration information.

Note: Foreigners without a Singpass must engage a registered filing agent.

Post-registration Checklists

Singapore’s streamlined incorporation process — from ACRA registration to obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation — positions entrepreneurs for success in Asia’s top business hub. Your venture will need to adhere to post-registration essentials like:

Opening a Corporate Bank Account

After incorporation, open a corporate bank account in Singapore. Requirements vary by bank but generally include:

• Company's business profile and Constitution.
• Resolution to open the account.
• Identification documents of directors and signatories.

Understanding Taxation and Licenses

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): If your annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, you must register for GST.
• Licenses and Permits: Depending on your business activities, you may need specific licenses.

Consult the GoBusiness Licensing portal to determine necessary permits.

Maintaining Compliance

Ensure ongoing compliance with statutory requirements. Make sure that you are clued up on compliance information and rules for topics such as annual general meetings, annual return filings and financial statement filings.

i) Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Hold your first AGM within 18 months of incorporation, then annually.

ii) Annual Returns

File with ACRA within one month of AGM.

iii) Financial Statements

Prepare and file as required.

Non-compliance can result in penalties or legal action.

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Conclusion: Launching Your Singapore Business Journey

Once you successfully complete all the steps outlined above, you will be ready to:

• Download your ACRA BizFile from ACRA to verify registration details.
• Consult accredited services for license applications or GST registration.
• Explore funding programs like Startup SG Equity to scale operations.

With its pro-business ecosystem and robust infrastructure, Singapore remains the ideal launchpad for global ambitions. Stay compliant, stay competitive — your enterprise is now ready to thrive.

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