Singapore
Singapore is globally recognized for having one of the most efficient and straightforward company incorporation processes, which is almost entirely digital. The central authority is the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), which manages the process through its online portal, BizFile+. The most common business structure is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). Key requirements include appointing at least one local resident director and a qualified company secretary.
The process begins with obtaining name approval from ACRA, ensuring the name is unique and not already in use. You must also have a registered office address in Singapore. Due to the resident director requirement, most foreign founders use a local corporate service provider to handle the incorporation on their behalf. The provider submits the company’s constitution and other required documents through izFile+. If all is in order, a Certificate of Incorporation is typically issued within a few hours. After incorporation, the company is automatically registered with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for tax purposes.
- Appoint a resident director and company secretary. A Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) must have at least one local resident director and a qualified company secretary. These roles are mandatory for incorporation.
- Choose a unique company name. The proposed name must be unique and approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The name must not be identical to any existing company.
- Prepare incorporation documents. Gather all required documents, including the company constitution, details of shareholders and directors, and the registered office address. This can be done with a service provider.
- File with ACRA. A corporate service provider submits all prepared documents and the incorporation application to ACRA via the BizFile+ portal. The process is fully electronic and very fast.
- Receive your incorporation certificate. Once approved, ACRA will issue a Certificate of Incorporation and a business profile. This confirms that your company has been legally established as a private limited entity.
- Fulfill post-incorporation tasks. Open a corporate bank account, register for taxes with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), and secure any specific business licenses or permits needed.