Incorporation · 8 min read · September 2, 2026
How to register a company in Singapore: the 2026 guide
From choosing a name to opening a bank account — every step, document and fee, in plain English.
Singapore remains one of the fastest places in the world to start a company. A private limited company (Pte. Ltd.) can be registered online in a day, and most founders choose it for limited liability and access to start-up tax exemptions.
1. Check your company name
Names must be unique and end with "Pte. Ltd.". Words like bank, finance, insurance or university need approval from a referral authority, which can add weeks. Our name checker flags these before you submit.
2. Prepare shareholders and directors
You need at least one shareholder (individual or corporate) and at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. Foreigners can own 100% of shares; a nominee director can fill the local director requirement.
3. Registered address and paid-up capital
Your company needs a local registered address — it can be ours. The minimum paid-up capital is S$1, though banks and some licences may expect more.
4. File with ACRA
The ACRA fee is S$315 (S$15 for the name application plus S$300 for registration). Once approved, you receive your UEN and business profile by email.
5. After incorporation
Appoint a company secretary within six months, open a bank account, and note your first financial year end. That date drives every deadline that follows.
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Talk to usThis guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change — check with your accountant before acting.
