Company setup and compliance in Singapore
Incorporate with ACRA, arrange the local director and company secretary, and keep IRAS, GST and ACRA filings on one calendar.
- Tax authority
- IRAS
- Company registry
- ACRA
- Currency
- Singapore dollar (SGD)
- Financial year
- Company's own
Choose the right structure
| Entity type | Best suited to | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company (Pte Ltd) | Most subsidiaries, holding companies and regional headquarters | Separate legal entity. Foreign ownership of up to 100% is allowed. At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. |
| Branch of a foreign company | Extending an existing company into Singapore | Registered with ACRA. Requires local authorised representatives. |
What setting up involves
The usual sequence. Order and requirements depend on the entity type and your ownership.
- Select and reserve the company name with ACRA
- Appoint at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, via a nominee arrangement if needed
- Provide a registered local address
- Appoint a company secretary within 6 months of incorporation
- Incorporate through ACRA and maintain the register of registrable controllers
- Register for GST once taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, or earlier if beneficial
- Set up CPF for citizens and permanent residents on payroll and open a corporate bank account
Recurring obligations after set-up
| Filing or obligation | Frequency | Typical due date |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | Annual | Within 3 months of the financial year end, unless exempt |
| Corporate income tax return (Form C-S or Form C) | Annual | 30 November |
| ACRA annual return | Annual | Within 7 months of the financial year end for private companies |
| GST return | Usually quarterly | 1 month after the end of the accounting period |
| CPF contributions | Monthly | 14th of the following month |
General guide only. Rules, thresholds and due dates change by notification and differ by entity type and industry. We confirm the position for your company at scoping.
Our role in Singapore
- Incorporation support and local director and company secretary coordination
- IRAS and GST registrations
- Bookkeeping, GST return preparation and CPF payroll
- Preparation of ECI, Form C-S schedules and ACRA annual return schedules
- Regional group consolidation across your Asia-Pacific entities
Where local law requires a locally licensed professional, such as a registered agent, company secretary or statutory auditor, we coordinate that role with a licensed provider.
Questions about Singapore
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore, which can be arranged through a local nominee director if you do not have one.
What is the corporate tax rate?
The headline rate is 17%, with partial exemptions and a start-up exemption scheme for qualifying new companies. We confirm eligibility for yours.
Is an audit required?
Many small companies qualify for an audit exemption, but it depends on size and structure. Where an audit is required, it is signed by an ACRA-registered auditor.
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Ready to set up in Singapore?
Share your plans and we will reply within one business day with next steps.