Singapore

Company Formation in Singapore

Singapore

Formation Time

1–2 business days

Min. Capital

SGD 1

Corporate Tax

17%

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Singapore is consistently ranked #1 in the world for ease of doing business. A Pte Ltd company can be incorporated online with ACRA in as little as 15 minutes for SGD 315. With a 17% headline tax rate (effective 0–8.5% on the first SGD 200,000 through partial exemptions), zero capital gains tax, and 90+ tax treaties, Singapore is the gateway to Southeast Asia's 700 million consumer market. The requirement for at least one local resident director is easily met through our nominee director service.

#1 ease of business

SGD 1 capital

0% capital gains

90 treaties

8.5% effective startup rate

Why Choose Singapore

#1 ease of doing business globally

17% headline tax; effective 0–8.5% for startups

Zero capital gains tax

90+ double tax treaties

SGD 1 minimum capital

Asia's premier financial centre

Robust intellectual property protection

Gateway to ASEAN's 700M market

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Pte Ltd	100%	1 (must be SG resident)	SGD 1	17%; 75% exemption on first SGD 10K, 50% on next SGD 190K	Most businesses — tech, trading, consulting, holding

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Name Reservation

1 hour

Reserve name via ACRA's BizFile+ portal.

Incorporation Filing

15 min – 1 day

Submit incorporation via BizFile+ with all documents.

IRAS Registration

Automatic

Bank Account

1–3 weeks

Open corporate bank account with a Singapore bank.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	SGD 315+
Our Service Fee	USD 2,500+
Annual Renewal	USD 1,500+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Singapore has world-class banking. DBS, OCBC, and UOB are the big three local banks. Account opening for non-residents typically requires a video call or in-person meeting.

Account Opening Time

1–3 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

DBSOCBCUOBStandard CharteredHSBCWise Business

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

17% headline; effective 0–8.5% for first SGD 200K

Personal Income Tax

0–22%

VAT / Sales Tax

9% GST

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

0% on dividends; 15% on royalties/interest (reduced by treaties)

Double Tax Treaties

90 countries

New companies enjoy 75% exemption on first SGD 10K of normal chargeable income, and 50% exemption on the next SGD 190K, for first 3 years.

Visa & Residency

EntrePass

1 year, renewable

For foreign entrepreneurs starting a company in Singapore

Employment Pass

2 years, renewable

For professionals with a monthly salary of SGD 5,000+

Personalised Employment Pass

3 years

For high-earning professionals (SGD 22,500+/month)

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 3–8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in Singapore to form a company?

No. The entire formation can be done remotely. However, you need at least one Singapore-resident director — we provide this through our nominee director service.

What is Singapore's effective tax rate for startups?

New companies enjoy a partial tax exemption scheme: 75% exemption on the first SGD 10,000 and 50% on the next SGD 190,000 of normal chargeable income for the first 3 consecutive years. This can result in an effective rate as low as 0–8.5%.