Company Incorporation Services in Singapore
Xignam Consulting is a Registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP Registration No. FA20260168) with ACRA (the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), fully authorised to provide company registration and corporate services on behalf of our clients. Every incorporation we handle complies with Singapore’s regulatory standards.
We guide founders, foreign entrepreneurs and business leaders through the full process of incorporating their business in Singapore, from selecting the right company structure to navigating ACRA’s requirements. Our company registration services cover everything from initial name application and document preparation to corporate secretarial services and ongoing advisory, ensuring your business remains compliant and competitive.
Xignam also boasts a strong network of working partners. From taxation to accounting, from finding the ideal office space to the right website hosting provider, our knowledgeable and qualified consultants and partners can answer any questions you may have.
Trusted by 100+ Clients for Company Registration in Singapore
Since 2005, we have been the trusted partner of businesses, entrepreneurs, and expats seeking reliable service, expert advice, and a proven path to success in Singapore. Business leaders who want more than basic compliance choose Xignam as their partner of choice for company incorporation services.
Compliant With Singapore’s Regulatory Standards
- Over 20 Years of Experience
- Over 137 Five-Star Google Reviews
- ACRA CSP Registration No. FA20260168
Companies We Have Helped Set Up in Singapore
Formation and Incorporation of a Company:
What it Means
The formation and incorporation of a company is the formal legal process of registering a business entity with ACRA. With our company registration services, you can establish your company as a distinct legal entity, enabling it to operate, contract, and trade within Singapore’s regulatory framework.
Foreign founders can own 100% of a Singapore company, register it remotely, and may qualify for Singapore’s Start-up Tax Exemption where the IRAS conditions are met.
Who Our Company Incorporation Services Are For
Our company incorporation services cover various founder routes.
Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR)
SC and PR founders can proceed with the formation of a local company directly through ACRA using SingPass. But the decisions made at incorporation, company structure, shareholding, and financial year-end have long-term tax implications. We advise on structure, shareholding, and financial year end before your application is submitted, ensuring the decisions that are difficult to reverse are made correctly the first time.
Foreign Founders Relocating to Singapore
A relocating founder needs both an ACRA-incorporated company and a MOM-approved work pass, two separate regulatory streams on two different timelines. Our services include coordinating both simultaneously, from company registration to EntrePass or Employment Pass application, so the sequencing never causes delays.
Foreign Founders Incorporating Remotely
Company incorporation for foreigners is permitted remotely, using digital signatures, but foreign founders cannot self-register with ACRA without SingPass and must appoint at least one locally resident director. We help you appoint a nominee director and acquire a registered address while managing the full ACRA filing on your behalf.
Foreign Companies Registering in Singapore
A foreign company can enter Singapore as a private limited subsidiary, a branch office, or a representative office, and the choice comes with differences in liability, tax treatment, and operational scope. Xignam advises on the appropriate market-entry structure and coordinates the applicable registration process.
Our Business Incorporation Services
Company Incorporation
Our company incorporation specialists manage the entire registration process with ACRA on your behalf, from name application to the issuance of your business profile. Whether you need company registration services for a new local entity or a foreign-owned Pte Ltd, we ensure your company is structured correctly from the outset.
Company Secretary
Singapore law requires every company to have a qualified company secretary at all times, and the position must never be vacant for more than six months. Our company secretarial services ensure your business meets all statutory obligations under ACRA, including the maintenance of registers, filing of annual returns, and preparation of board resolutions.
Registered Address
Every Singapore-incorporated company must maintain a local registered address for official correspondence with ACRA and other government bodies. We provide a professional registered address solution that keeps your business fully compliant without the overhead of a physical office.
Nominee Director
Foreign entrepreneurs incorporating a company in Singapore are required to appoint at least one locally resident director. Our nominee director service fulfils this requirement in full compliance with ACRA regulations, allowing you to proceed with your incorporation without delay.
Annual Compliance
Staying compliant with ACRA and IRAS obligations is an ongoing responsibility. Our team manages your annual filing requirements, including annual returns, financial statements, and tax submissions, ensuring your company remains in good standing with Singapore’s regulatory authorities at all times.
Bookkeeping & Payroll
Accurate financial records are essential for IRAS compliance and sound business management. Aside from our company incorporation services, our bookkeeping and payroll services keep your accounts in order. We ensure timely CPF contributions and provide you with the financial clarity needed to make informed business decisions.
Work Passes
Hiring foreign talent requires the right work pass approvals from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Aside from assisting you with securing an EntrePass or ONE Pass, we also manage the full application for Employment Passes, S Passes, and other work authorisations, ensuring your workforce planning is compliant and your applications are well-positioned for approval.
License & Permits
Certain business activities in Singapore require specific licences or permits from the relevant authorities before operations can commence. Our company incorporation specialists identify the licences applicable to your industry and manage the application process on your behalf, so your business is ready to trade without unnecessary delays.
Which Company Type Suits Your Business?
| Structure | Separate Legal Entity | Owner Liability | Who Can Own It | Tax Treatment | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Yes | Limited to share capital | 1 to 50 shareholders; 100% foreign ownership allowed | 17% corporate tax; start-up exemptions available | Most founders, local and foreign |
| Sole Proprietorship | No | Unlimited, personal | One owner; can be an individual, a company, or an LLP; foreigners may register via a CSP with a locally resident authorised representative | Taxed as personal income | Small local ventures with a single owner |
| Partnership | No | Unlimited, shared | 2 to 20 partners | Each partner taxed at personal or corporate rate, depending on partner type | Small ventures with trusted co-founders |
| Limited Partnership | No | General partner: unlimited; Limited partner: limited to contribution | At least 1 general partner and 1 limited partner | Partners taxed individually | Fund vehicles and investment-based partnerships |
| Limited Liability Partnership | Yes | Limited per partner | 2 or more partners; at least one manager must be ordinarily resident in Singapore | Partners taxed individually at personal or corporate rate | Professional service practices |
| Branch Office | No | Parent company carries it; unlimited | Foreign parent company | Taxed as a non-resident entity; no start-up exemptions | Established overseas businesses |
For most foreign founders, we recommend the private limited company (Pte Ltd) route. It provides full foreign ownership, personal liability protection, access to Singapore’s start-up tax exemptions, and the entity type that banks, investors, and regulators expect.
Private Limited Company
This is the most popular business structure in Singapore. A private limited (Pte. Ltd.) company is a separate legal entity with limited liability for its shareholders, offering corporate tax treatment at 17%, access to start-up tax exemptions for qualifying companies, and credibility with clients, banks, and investors. The minimum paid-up capital required is S$1. This is the recommended structure for most local and foreign founders seeking a long-term presence in Singapore.
Branch Office
A branch office is an extension of a foreign parent company operating in Singapore. It is not a separate legal entity, meaning the parent company retains full liability for its activities. This structure suits established overseas businesses seeking a direct presence in Singapore without forming an independent local entity.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure in Singapore, owned and operated by a single individual. It is easy and inexpensive to set up, but it offers no separation between the owner and the business, meaning the owner bears full personal liability for all debts and obligations.
Partnership
A partnership is a business structure formed by two or more individuals sharing ownership, responsibilities, and liabilities. Suitable for small ventures with trusted co-founders, it is simple to set up but offers no liability protection. Each partner is personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business, and profits are taxed at each partner’s personal income tax rate.
Limited Partnership
A limited partnership (LP) is a structure with at least one general partner, who bears unlimited liability and manages the business, and at least one limited partner, whose liability is capped at their contribution. It is most commonly used for fund vehicles, joint ventures, and investment arrangements requiring a clear split between active management and passive investment.
Limited Liability Partnership
A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a separate legal entity that combines the flexibility of a partnership with personal liability protection for its partners. Unlike a private limited company, an LLP is tax transparent: the entity is not taxed at the corporate rate, and each partner is taxed individually on their share of income at their applicable personal or corporate rate.
Requirements for Company Incorporation
Establish Your Business Structure
Selecting the right structure is the first and most important step in the incorporation of a local company. A sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, or branch office each offers distinct tax benefits and levels of liability protection. Our consultants will assess your objectives and recommend the structure best suited to your circumstances.
Confirm Business Name Availability
Your chosen company name must be unique, appropriate, and compliant with ACRA’s naming guidelines before it can be approved for registration. The name application fee is S$15 (non-refundable), and an approved name is reserved for 120 days, within which you must complete your incorporation. We will conduct a thorough name availability check and advise on any amendments required to ensure your preferred name meets all regulatory criteria without delay.
Appoint Key Roles
Every Singapore company requires at least one shareholder, one locally resident director, and a qualified corporate secretary. You’ll need at least S$1 in share capital, which can be increased after incorporation. The corporate secretary must be appointed within six months of the date of incorporation. If you are not a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident, Xignam can provide a nominee director service to satisfy this requirement swiftly and in full compliance with ACRA regulations.
Secure a Local Address
Singapore law requires all incorporated companies to maintain a local registered address for official correspondence. This must be a physical address within Singapore (P.O. boxes are not accepted). Xignam offers a professional registered address solution to fulfil this requirement as part of our company formation services.
Foreign founders cannot self-register with ACRA directly. Singapore law requires the incorporation to be filed through a registered Corporate Service Provider on the founder’s behalf. Xignam is registered with ACRA to do exactly this.
Incorporating a Singapore Company as a Foreign Founder
There are a few factors to consider in foreign-owned incorporation.
How the Incorporation Process Works
Step 1
Consultation and Planning
We assess and advise
- Xignam profiles your background, business plan, and objectives to determine the right company structure and shareholding arrangement.
- We advise whether a nominee director and registered address service are required for your situation.
- We identify which work pass route suits your profile, business type, and intended timeline.
- We map the full incorporation journey, including bank account requirements and post-registration compliance obligations, before you commit.
Duration: Typically completed within 1 to 3 business days, depending on the complexity of the founder’s profile and business plan.
Step 2
Company Registration
We register your entity
- We submit your name application with ACRA.
- We prepare all incorporation documents and coordinate digital signing by all directors and shareholders.
- We file your incorporation with ACRA and provide nominee director and registered address services where required.
Duration: Document preparation: 5 to 7 business days. ACRA registration: 1 to 3 business days from submission of complete documents.
Step 3
Corporate Bank Account Opening
We help you open the account
- A bank account can only be opened after ACRA registration is complete and your UEN has been issued.
- We prepare the full document set: BizFile profile, Certificate of Incorporation, company constitution, board resolution, and identification for all directors and ultimate beneficial owners.
- Major local banks typically require at least one director to attend in person. Some digital banks and international providers allow remote onboarding.
- Applications most often stall due to foreign ownership complexity, incomplete KYC documentation, or insufficient evidence of business activity.
Duration: Local banks typically take 1 to 3 weeks from submission. Digital banks and international providers may be faster.
Step 4
Work Pass Application
We secure your pass
- We advise on the appropriate pass type: EntrePass for entrepreneurs, ONE Pass for exceptional global talent, or Employment Pass for qualifying professionals.
- We prepare all supporting documents and submit your application to MOM via the myMOM Portal.
- Upon In-Principle Approval, we guide you through pass issuance, any required medical examination, and card collection from MOM.
- We track renewal deadlines and advise on reapplication where required.
Duration: EntrePass: approximately 6 weeks. ONE Pass: around 4 weeks. Employment Pass: within 10 business days (Singapore-registered company) or within 6 weeks (overseas company without a Singapore-registered entity).
Step 5
After You Start Trading
You start operating
- A qualified corporate secretary must be appointed within 6 months of the date of incorporation.
- Your first AGM must be held within 18 months of incorporation; subsequent AGMs within 6 months of your financial year end. Private companies may be exempt from an AGM under Section 175A. Annual returns must be filed with ACRA within 7 months of FYE
- Your financial year end is set at incorporation and must fall within 18 months of your incorporation date.
- Corporate income tax returns must be filed with IRAS by 30 November of the relevant Year of Assessment.
- GST registration becomes compulsory when your taxable turnover for the calendar year exceeds S$1 million, or when you reasonably expect it to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months.
Duration: Ongoing annual obligations, but key compliance deadlines begin within the first 6 to 18 months of incorporation.
What Happens After Your Company is Registered
Company incorporation is just the beginning, and you have statutory obligations that begin immediately and repeat annually.
| Compliance Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Appoint a qualified corporate secretary | Within 6 months of incorporation |
| First Annual General Meeting (AGM) | Within 18 months of incorporation |
| Subsequent AGMs | Within 6 months of financial year-end |
| File Annual Return with ACRA | Within 7 months of financial year-end |
| Financial year end (FYE) | Chosen at incorporation; must fall within 18 months of incorporation date |
| File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) with IRAS | Within 3 months of financial year end |
| File Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C / C-S) | 30 November of the relevant Year of Assessment |
| Compulsory GST registration | When taxable turnover goes over or you expect it to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months |
Choosing your financial year end matters. The date you set determines when your ECI and corporate tax return fall due each year. A poorly chosen FYE can compress your accounting and audit preparation window at the wrong point in your business cycle.
Qualifying new companies may be eligible for the Start-up Tax Exemption (SUTE) for their first three consecutive Years of Assessment. Investment holding companies and property developers are excluded.
Failure to meet these obligations has penalties imposed on directors personally. ACRA enforces fines directly on directors for missed AGMs, late annual returns, and an unfilled corporate secretary position. This is the practical reason most founders appoint a qualified corporate secretary at incorporation.
Xignam’s corporate secretarial services cover every obligation on this calendar, from initial appointment through to annual return filing.
Why Partner Us for Your Company Incorporation?
ACRA-Registered and MOM-Licensed
Xignam Consulting Pte. Ltd. is a Registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP Reg. No. FA20260168) with ACRA, authorised to file company registrations, nominee director appointments, and secretarial submissions on behalf of clients. We also hold a Ministry of Manpower Employment Agency Licence (EA Licence No. 10C4341), authorising us to submit work pass applications to MOM.
Business Expertise
Our expertise extends to ensuring your business meets all local corporate compliance obligations with ACRA and IRAS. We also assist with workforce planning and placement, drawing on our deep understanding of Singapore’s employment landscape to support your operations from day one.
Exclusive Network Access
We introduce clients to an exclusive network of elite professionals, private banking partners, and local investment experts, opening doors that accelerate your business growth and strengthen your foothold in Singapore’s competitive market.
Transparent Pricing
At your initial consultation, Xignam provides a clear, itemised quote for the services you need before any engagement begins. No work starts without written confirmation of scope and cost. There are no hidden charges, and no additional fees unless the agreed scope changes.
Incorporation, Work Passes and Compliance
Relocating founders need two separate approvals: a company registered with ACRA and a work pass from MOM. Xignam manages both routes for you.
Ready to Register Your Company in Singapore?
Our company incorporation specialists are on hand to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your business is registered accurately, compliantly, and without unnecessary delays so you can focus on building your success.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Incorporation Services
Can a foreigner incorporate a company in Singapore?
Yes. Singapore permits 100% foreign ownership of a private limited company with no local partner required. But foreigners cannot self-register through ACRA’s BizFile portal. Through our company incorporation services, you can engage a Registered Corporate Service Provider to file on your behalf.
Do I need to live in Singapore to incorporate a company?
No, it is not necessary. Company incorporation for foreigners in Singapore is permitted, provided all statutory requirements are met, including the appointment of a locally resident director. All documentation can be signed digitally, allowing the entire process to be completed remotely.
Do I need a nominee director?
You need a nominee director if no director in your company is ordinarily resident in Singapore. If you’re a foreign founder without a local partner or eligible pass holder, you’ll need a nominee director to proceed with incorporation.
How long does the process of company formation take in Singapore?
With all documents in order, ACRA can approve and register a company after payment is made. In cases where the application requires additional review or referral to another government authority, such as for regulated industries, the process may take longer.
What documents do I need to prepare for business incorporation?
Documents typically required include valid identification for all directors and shareholders, proof of residential address, a proposed company name, a description of intended business activities, and the company’s constitution. The exact requirements may vary depending on your chosen business structure and whether any directors or shareholders are foreign nationals.
Should I set up a private limited company or a sole proprietorship?
For most founders, a private limited company is the practical choice. It limits personal liability, qualifies for corporate tax exemptions, and allows full foreign ownership. Foreigners may register a sole proprietorship via a CSP with a locally resident authorised representative, but few have reason to when a Pte Ltd offers stronger protection and credibility.
What are the benefits of incorporating a company in Singapore?
Singapore is consistently ranked among the world’s easiest places to do business, offering a highly competitive corporate tax rate, an extensive network of double taxation agreements, strong intellectual property protections, and access to a well-regulated financial ecosystem. Incorporating in Singapore also lends credibility and opens doors to regional and global markets.
Speak to a Company Incorporation Specialist
If you’re ready to open a company in Singapore, start by speaking to our company incorporation specialist.
Visit our Singapore Office
Xignam is located at Marina Square in Singapore.
- 6 Raffles Blvd, #03-308 Marina Square, Singapore 039594
- +65 6338 8600
- xignam@xignam.com
- Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5:30pm
UEN: 201026226W
ACRA CSP Registration No.: FA20260168
MOM EA Licence No.: 10C4341
