{"id":1075,"date":"2026-03-20T08:14:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sg.blog.razorpay.in\/sg\/blog\/?p=1075"},"modified":"2026-03-25T03:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T03:51:01","slug":"how-to-register-a-company-in-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/how-to-register-a-company-in-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Register a Company in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore consistently ranks as one of the easiest places in the world to do business. Its transparent legal system, competitive tax regime, and world-class digital infrastructure make it the premier choice for entrepreneurs looking to scale across Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The registration process is overseen by the <\/span><b>Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In 2026, the process is almost entirely digital, allowing most businesses to move from an idea to a legal entity in less than 24 hours. This guide provides a definitive walkthrough of the requirements and steps to incorporate your company in the Lion City.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #007BFF; background: #f0f8ff; padding: 25px; margin: 30px 0; border-radius: 8px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #007bff; font-size: 22px;\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"margin: 15px 0; padding-left: 20px; color: #333; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<li><strong>ACRA Oversight:<\/strong> All companies must be registered via ACRA\u2019s digital portal, BizFile+.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Residency Rule:<\/strong> You must appoint at least one director who is an &#8220;ordinarily resident&#8221; in Singapore.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pte Ltd is Standard:<\/strong> The Private Limited Company is the most common and scalable structure for startups and SMEs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>UEN Issuance:<\/strong> Upon successful registration, you instantly receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital Certificates:<\/strong> ACRA issues digital certificates of incorporation; physical &#8220;hard copies&#8221; are no longer the standard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>Phase 1: Pre-Registration Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before logging into the portal, you must ensure you have the following components ready as per the <\/span><b>Singapore Companies Act<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Company Name:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Must be unique and approved by ACRA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shareholders:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minimum of one (1) and maximum of 50. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Resident Director:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> At least one director must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass holder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Company Secretary:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You must appoint a qualified resident secretary within six months of incorporation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paid-up Capital:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minimum of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">S$1<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Registered Address:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A physical Singapore address (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Phase 2: The Step-by-Step Registration Process<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Step 1: Company Name Approval<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step is to reserve your name via <\/span><b>BizFile+<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Process:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Log in using <\/span><b>Singpass<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Criteria:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The name must not be identical to existing companies, must not infringe on trademarks, and must not be &#8220;undesirable&#8221; (obscene or prohibited).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Validity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once approved, the name is reserved for <\/span><b>120 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Step 2: Prepare the Constitution<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must have a &#8220;Constitution&#8221; (formerly Memorandum and Articles of Association). This document outlines the company\u2019s rules, business activities, and how it is governed. Many entrepreneurs use the <\/span><b>ACRA Model Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is pre-approved and standard for most businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step 3: Formal Incorporation (Submission)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the name is approved, you file the incorporation request. You will need to provide:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Details of all directors and shareholders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>SSIC Code<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Standard Industrial Classification) for your business activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of registered office address.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The total cost is typically <\/span><b><i>S$315<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><b><i>S$15<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the name and <\/span><b><i>S$300<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the registration fee).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Step 4: Digital Approval and UEN<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If all documents are in order, ACRA will send an email confirming the incorporation. This email contains your <\/span><b>Unique Entity Number (UEN)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can now download your <\/span><b>Business Profile (BizFile)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which serves as the official &#8220;birth certificate&#8221; of your company.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Phase 3: Post-Registration Checklist<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration is the beginning. To start trading, you must complete these essential tasks:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Open a Business Bank Account:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You will need your UEN and BizFile. Most Singaporean banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) offer <\/span><b>digital onboarding via Singpass<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for Licenses:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Depending on your industry (F&amp;B, Finance, Travel), you may need specific <\/span><b>Business Licenses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> via the GoBusiness portal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Register for Corppass:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the digital identity required to transact with government agencies like IRAS and CPF.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>GST Registration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Evaluate if you need to register for <\/span><b>GST<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is mandatory if your annual taxable turnover exceeds <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">S$1<\/span><\/i> <b>million<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Operating in 2026: The Digital Advantage<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore\u2019s <\/span><b>Smart Nation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> initiative means that your new company is born into a frictionless environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smart Nation Rails:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use your UEN to instantly register for <\/span><b>PayNow Corporate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Automated Filing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Digital accounting software can now link directly to the <\/span><b>IRAS myTax portal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making your year-end filings significantly easier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paperless Governance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Board resolutions and annual general meetings (AGMs) can be managed digitally under the latest legislative updates.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background: #f9fbff; border-left: 4px solid #007BFF; padding: 22px 25px; margin: 30px 0; border-radius: 8px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #333; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #007bff; font-size: 20px; display: flex; align-items: center;\">Did You Know?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 16px;\">In <strong style=\"color: #007bff;\">2026<\/strong>, <strong>ACRA<\/strong> has integrated with <strong>Myinfo Business<\/strong>.<br \/>\nWhen a local resident incorporates a company, the system can automatically pull their personal details (address, NRIC) from the government database, reducing manual data entry to just a few minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #f0f8ff; border-left: 4px solid #007BFF; padding: 30px; margin: 35px 0; border-radius: 8px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #007bff; font-size: 24px;\">Ready to Scale Your Singapore Business?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 15px 0; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6;\">Streamline your financial operations with a unified <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/payment-platform\/\">payment platform<\/a> designed for the Lion City.<br \/>\nAccept PayNow, cards, and digital wallets effortlessly while keeping your finances reconciled and IRAS-compliant.<\/p>\n<p><!-- CTA Button --><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; margin-top: 20px; background: #007BFF; color: #fff; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; box-shadow: 0 3px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog-cta&amp;utm_campaign=singapore-article\">Explore Payment Platform Solutions from Razorpay<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>Conclusion: A Foundation Built for Success<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registering a company in Singapore is a straightforward process, but it requires meticulous attention to the &#8220;Residency&#8221; and &#8220;Compliance&#8221; rules. By securing your UEN, appointing a reliable secretary, and setting up a digital-first financial workflow, you position your business to thrive in one of the world&#8217;s most dynamic markets. With your incorporation complete, you are now ready to leverage Singapore&#8217;s global trade links and digital payment systems to scale your vision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership in almost all industries. However, you must still appoint at least one local resident director.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. How long does the registration take?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the company name is unique and does not require referral to other agencies (like MAS for finance), the registration is typically approved <\/span><b>within 15 to 30 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after submission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. What is a &#8220;Company Secretary&#8221;?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A company secretary is a mandatory officer responsible for ensuring the company complies with ACRA\u2019s statutory requirements, such as filing annual returns and maintaining the register of members.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Do I need a physical office if I am an e-commerce business?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need a <\/span><b>Registered Office Address<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> where all official correspondence is sent. Many digital businesses use a &#8220;Virtual Office&#8221; service provided by corporate secretarial firms to meet this requirement.<\/span><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership in most industries. However, the company must appoint at least one local resident director to meet regulatory requirements.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How long does company registration take in Singapore?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"If the proposed company name is unique and does not require referral to other government agencies, registration is typically approved within 15 to 30 minutes after submission through ACRA's BizFile+ portal.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is a company secretary?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A company secretary is a mandatory officer in a Singapore company who ensures compliance with ACRA's statutory requirements, including filing annual returns, maintaining statutory registers, and advising directors on corporate governance matters.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Do I need a physical office if I am an e-commerce business?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"You must have a registered office address in Singapore where official correspondence can be received. Many digital businesses use virtual office services provided by corporate secretarial firms to fulfill this requirement without leasing physical office space.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Singapore consistently ranks as one of the easiest places in the world to do business. Its transparent legal system, competitive tax regime, and world-class digital infrastructure make it the premier choice for entrepreneurs looking to scale across Asia. The registration process is overseen by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). In 2026, the process [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-payments"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1075","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1075"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1075\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1077,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1075\/revisions\/1077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1075"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1075"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1075"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}