Question 1

Are dormant companies required to file Annual Return (AR)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dormant companies must still file the Annual Return unless they are undergoing strike-off or liquidation.

Question 2

Are foreign nominee directors included in the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign nominee directors must be included in the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND). Under Singapore law, any director—whether local or foreign—who acts on behalf of another person (the nominator) is considered a nominee director. The company is required to record such directors in its ROND. Key points:

Applies to all nominee directors, regardless of nationality or residency.
The ROND must contain prescribed details of both the nominee director and the nominator.
The register must be maintained and made available to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority upon request.

Failure to maintain or update the ROND can result in regulatory penalties.

Question 3

Are newly incorporated companies required to file Annual Return (AR)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. A newly incorporated company must:

- Decide its Financial Year End (FYE)

- Hold its first AGM (if needed)

File the first AR within 7 months after its FYE

Question 4

Are the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) maintained at the same location?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. Companies must maintain both the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) at either:

- the company’s registered office, or

the registered office of their Corporate Service Provider (duly registered CSP such as ACHI BIZ).

Question 5

Are there fees for filing Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information?

Accepted Answer

No fees for filing Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information with ACRA.

Question 6

Can a company be exempted from holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for Pte Ltd. If all shareholders approve, a company can dispense with AGMs and pass resolutions by written means. However, financial statements must still be sent to shareholders within five months after FYE.

Question 7

Can a company file Annual Return (AR) late and appeal for penalties?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Appeals are possible but not guaranteed. ACRA typically expects companies to follow the deadlines strictly. ACHI BIZ can assist in preparing supporting grounds for appeal if needed.

Question 8

Can a company file its own Annual Return (AR)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes, but directors or secretaries must understand:

- AGM requirements

- XBRL preparation

- Statutory deadlines

- Corporate governance obligations

ACRA filing procedures

Most companies prefer experienced filing agents like ACHI BIZ SERVICES PTE. LTD. to ensure full compliance.

Question 9

Can a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) act as the custodian of my company’s Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Most of our clients prefer ACHI BIZ due to being a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to maintain the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) securely and handle all ACRA filings to prevent compliance errors.

Question 10

Can a registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP) maintain and file the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) on behalf of a company?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. ACHI BIZ, as a registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP), fka Registered Filing Agent (RFA), can:

- maintain the private RONS, and

lodge filings with ACRA.

Question 11

Can ACRA reject a company’s Annual Return due to XBRL errors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ACRA may reject the submission, requiring corrections before acceptance. This leads to late filing penalties if the deadline is missed.

Question 12

Can Annual General Meeting (AGM) be held virtually?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for Pte Ltd. Singapore law allows AGMs to be conducted via electronic means (e.g., video conferencing), provided all participants can communicate and vote effectively.

Question 13

Can Annual Return (AR) filing be done without a Company Secretary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Regardless of ownership structure, every Pte Ltd must file the AR yearly.

Question 14

Can companies request an extension of time for filing Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No.
Extensions are not granted for filing Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS).

Question 15

Can extracts of Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) filings be purchased?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No.

Nominator information is confidential and cannot be purchased.

Question 16

Can I use my residential address to register the business or company?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. As an approved tenant or flat owner you are allowed to register your firm or company with your residential address however you are required to seek the proper approval from the relevant authorities.

You can register to set up a home office in your private home or HDB flat and hire up to 2 non-resident employees. This is provided that the business does not cause disturbance or inconvenience to the neighbouring residents.

Anyone who is the owner, tenant or any authorised occupant of a private residential property and wish to operate a Home Office (HO) can register with URA. For HO in HDB flats, the owner, tenant or any authorised occupant of the HDB flat can register with HDB.

If you are not the owner, you have to obtain written consent from the owner before you register for the HO use.

Activities allowed in residential office: You may use the flat as an administration office, and the flat address for business registration with ACRA. For such cases, any business activities carried out in the flats must be administrative. All other business activities are to be conducted elsewhere, and no clients or customers are allowed to visit the flat even though it’s allowed to use for registered address.

Note that not all businesses are allowed to register with residential address. Eg: Saloon, Massage Parlour, etc

Question 17

Can multiple Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) records be lodged in one transaction?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes — up to 100 nomination records per submission. More than 100 → submit multiple filings.

Question 18

Can the debarred Director take any New Appointment?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No. If a director is debarred by ACRA, he cannot take on any new appointment as director.

Question 19

Can the Debarred Secretary take any New Appointment?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No. A debarred company secretary is not allowed to take on any new appointments during the debarment period.

They must first resolve the non-compliance issues and be reinstated before accepting any new roles.

Question 20

Can the same nominator appear in both the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. A nominator may nominate:

- a nominee director (ROND),

- a nominee shareholder (RONS), or

Each nomination relationship must be filed separately.

Question 21

Can the shareholder be individual for Singapore Company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any individual can be a shareholder for a Singapore Private Limited Company.

Question 22

Change in Financial Year End (FYE).

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

You have to separately inform ACRA and IRAS when there is a change in your financial year end:

Inform ACRA by filing a Notification for Change of Financial Year with ACRA via BizFile; and
Inform IRAS by logging into myTax Portal and accessing "Update Corporate Profile/ Contact Details".

Question 23

Close down my dormant company?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can close down a dormant company in Singapore by applying for strike-off with ACRA, provided certain conditions are met.

The company should:

Have no outstanding liabilities or assets
Not be involved in any ongoing legal proceedings
Be up to date with ACRA and IRAS filings
Obtain consent from shareholders (and directors)

Once approved, ACRA will publish the strike-off notice. If there are no objections, the company will be struck off and dissolved.

Question 24

Company Incorporation Singapore: Pros & Cons of Start-up Ecosystem

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Company Incorporation Singapore: Pros & Cons of Start-up Ecosystem:

Challenges of doing business in Singapore:

Choosing a right Corporate Service Provider (CSP) in Singapore
Registration cost
Singapore local resident requirement
Registered Address
Auditor requirement unless exempted
Secretary requirement
No loans while having Nominee Director
Limitation in Fund Raising unless Public Company
Deposit requirement for voluntary GST registration
Tightened foreign labour policy
Adherence to Fair Employment Practice
Shortage of local workforce for labour position
Holding AGM
Filing Annual Return regardless of any status
Paying Corporate Tax

1	Click here to view the COMPARISON of different types of Singapore Entities and Firms.
2	Click here to view ONLY THE ADVANTAGES / Pros of all types of Entities and Firms in Singapore.
3	Click here to view ONLY THE DISADVANTAGES / Cons of all types of Entities and Firms in Singapore.
4	Click here to view BOTH the Advantages / Pros and Disadvantages / Cons of different types of Firms and Entities in Singapore.

Question 25

Comparison of court-approved vs non-court-approved capital reduction method in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

- The choice between a court-approved or non-court-approved capital reduction method is for the company to make.

- Generally, the court-approved method is preferred by companies due to its finality. Once the capital reduction is approved by the court, it becomes more difficult for creditors to challenge such a decision on the basis of unfairness.

- Furthermore, as previously mentioned, there would be less potential liability on the part of the board of directors, as there is no need to prepare a solvency statement.

The non-court approved method is simpler, faster, and requires no payment of fees to the court.

Click here to learn more about Reduction of Share Capital in Singapore.

Question 26

Consequence of debarring of a Director or Secretary.

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

If a director or secretary is debarred, he cannot take on any new appointment as director or secretary.

Question 27

Constitution for Variable Capital Company? VCC Constitution?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Due to the new structure of the company in Singapore, the drafting of the Constitution for Variable Capital Company requires specialist knowledge of Tax Laws, Security and Futures Regulations, etc.

We are arranging for having the Constitution for VCC at the reasonable cost not more than 4 digits figure on reimbursement basis through our Associate legal Firm.

Click here to learn more about VCC.

Question 28

Debar by ACRA.

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Under Section 155B of the CA, the Registrar will have powers to debar a director or secretary of a company from taking up new appointments if the company has failed to file relevant documents at least three months after the prescribed deadlines under the Companies Act. The powers of debarment are discretionary and do not operate automatically in respect of all non-filings. It is intended to be used to weed out irresponsible directors/ secretaries, and hence will be applied accordingly. ACRA will give written notice and will allow directors and secretaries to show cause as to why they should not be debarred. ACRA will consider the reasons as to why there was a default before exercising the powers to debar.

Question 29

Do companies need to notify IRAS after issuing shares?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. But if revaluation, debt-for-equity conversion, or restructuring is involved, IRAS may need to be notified or consulted.

Question 30

Do foreign companies or overseas shareholders need to be included in the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Foreign beneficial owners who meet the control/ownership criteria must be recorded in the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) even if they live abroad and are not Singapore residents.

Question 31

Do foreign-owned Singapore companies need to file Annual Return (AR)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Regardless of ownership structure, every Pte Ltd must file the AR yearly.

Question 32

Do the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) follow the same statutory update timelines?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. Both must follow:

- Update internal register → within 7 days of any change

Lodge updated information with ACRA → within 2 business days after updating the internal register

Question 33

Does an exempt private company (EPC) need to maintain Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. All companies registered in Singapore (except exempted ones like listed companies) must maintain a Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC).

Question 34

Does appointing a registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP) remove the company’s obligation for the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No.
The legal responsibility remains with the company and its directors.

on-compliance with Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) requirements remains the company’s liability.

Question 35

Does filing in the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) automatically update the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS), or vice-versa?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No. Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) are independent. Changes must be lodged separately for each one.

Question 36

Does filing Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) with ACRA replace internal record-keeping?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No. Companies must maintain both:

- An internal Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) register

ACRA’s central Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) submission Filing with ACRA alone is not sufficient.

Question 37

Does IRAS use XBRL submitted to ACRA?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

No. ACRA and IRAS systems are separate. Companies still need to prepare tax computation and Form C/C-S/C-S Lite separately for IRAS.

Question 38

Does the company need to file the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) with ACRA? (UPDATED)

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the updated Companies Act, companies MUST file nominee director and nominator information with ACRA’s central Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) registry. This is in addition to maintaining the internal Register of Nominee Directors (ROND). The company must:

Maintain an internal Register of Nominee Directors (ROND); and
File the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) details with ACRA via BizFile+.

This mirrors the updated obligations for RORC filings.

Question 39

Failure of filing the Annual Return. Default on filing the Annual Return.

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Failure to file the Annual Return (AR) in Singapore is a serious compliance breach under the Companies Act. Every company must file its Annual Return with ACRA within the prescribed timeline (generally within 7 months from the financial year end for private companies). This applies regardless of whether the company is active, dormant, making profit or loss. If a company defaults on filing:

Late filing penalties will be imposed by ACRA
Continued non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions against the company and its directors
Directors may face fines and prosecution
ACRA may consider striking off the company if it remains non-compliant

In addition, non-filing can affect the company’s credibility and cause issues during banking, licensing, audits, or business transactions. In short, filing the Annual Return on time is a mandatory yearly obligation, and failure to do so can result in both financial penalties and legal consequences.

Question 40

Fees for VCC by ACRA? ACRA fees for Variable Capital Company (VCC)?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Name of Transaction	Statutory Filing Fee in SGD (Payable to Authority: ACRA)
Application for VCC Name	$15
Application for Incorporation of VCC	$8,000
Application for Transfer of Registration	$9,000 + S$400 (Sub-fund registration fee) x No. of sub-funds
Registration of Sub-Fund	$400
General Lodgement	$0n
Change in VCC/sub-fund name	$15
Change in VCC Information: Change in VCC type Change in registered office address Change in address where register of members and index is kept Change in office hoursChange in user-described activity description Alteration of constitution under Section 20(5) of VCC Act	$0
Registration of Charge	$60
Business Profile	$5.50
Certificate Confirming Incorporation of VCC	$50
Certificate Confirming Registration by Transfer	$0
Remarks: * The above fees are payable to the authority viz. ACRA. * We as the Corporate Service Provider (CSP) will charge our administrative service charges in addition to the above-stated statutory fees as reimbursement. * Please contact us for our charges.

Question 41

Filing of Financial Statements (FS) with Annual Returns (AR)

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

(i) Companies required to file financial statements (FS) with their Annual Return (AR)

Financial Statements are to be filed in XBRL format.

(ii) Companies not required to file their financial statements (FS) with their Annual Return (AR)

Companies that are not required to file financial statements must instead submit a declaration online when they file their Annual Returns via ACRA. The declaration will appear in the transaction based on the company type selected during annual return filing with ACRA.

Question 42

Financial Year End (FYE)

Accepted Answer

FYE (Financial Year End): Every Singapore Company must plan its Financial Year End (FYE) that represents the completion of its accounting period. It is not necessary that the FYE of a Company matches with the regular annual calendar. It could fall on any day of the year.

The fiscal year of a Company is taken as the financial year. It is up to the Company to decide its FYE, and most Singapore Companies assign 31st December, 31st March, 30th June or 30th September as the ending date of their fiscal year.

It is in the best interests of a Singapore Company to fix their FYE within 365 days. This helps the Company to take advantage of the partial Tax Exemption offered for new start-ups. The Singapore Law offers partial exemption to both new start-ups and older entities.

Question 43

How are filings for the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) submitted to ACRA?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Both are filed via the same BizFile+ eService: ➡ “Update Registers of Nominee Directors and Nominee Shareholders” However, the filing captures different information:

- Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) → nominee director records

Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) → nominee shareholder records

Question 44

How are resolutions passed at an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

Accepted Answer

Resolutions are passed by a majority vote of shareholders present (in person or by proxy). Some matters may require special resolutions (e.g., changes to the constitution), which need at least 75% approval.

Question 45

How can Corporate Service Provider (CSP) help with Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) compliance?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

ACHI BIZ as a duly registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP), provides:

- Identification of registrable controllers

- Preparation and maintenance of Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)

- Updating Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) after ownership changes

- Filing changes with ACRA within statutory timelines

- Monitoring ongoing compliance

- Advising on structure and statutory obligations

End-to-end corporate secretarial support

You stay compliant without dealing with administrative burdens.

Question 46

How can I verify that my Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) submission was successful?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

You can:

- preview before submitting, and

review lodged RONS records afterward via the same eService.

Question 47

How do foreign companies lodge Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information?

Accepted Answer

Foreign companies must manually enter the nominee shareholder’s name when providing the nominator’s details because shareholder information is not filed with ACRA.

Question 48

How do I lodge Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information if a nominator has multiple nominees?

Accepted Answer

Submit a separate nomination record for each nominee shareholder.

Question 49

How do I lodge Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information if a nominee has multiple nominators?

Accepted Answer

Submit a separate nomination record for each nominator.

Question 50

How do I lodge Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information with ACRA?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Use BizFile’s: ➡ “Update Registers of Nominee Directors and Nominee Shareholders” eService. (This eService covers RONS submissions.)

Question 51

How does a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) help with Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) compliance?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

ACHI BIZ as a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) provides comprehensive Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) services: ✔ Identification of nominee directors and nominators✔ Preparation of declarations ✔ Ongoing maintenance of internal ROND ✔ Filing and updating ROND data with ACRA ✔ Monitoring compliance deadlines ✔ Documentation and recordkeeping ✔ 24/7 professional support. Clients rely on ACHI BIZ to stay fully compliant with the updated ACRA framework.

Question 52

How does ACHI BIZ assist with Annual Return (AR) filing?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

ACHI BIZ provides:

- Monitoring of FYE and AR deadlines

- AGM preparation or AGM exemption processes

- XBRL financial statements conversion

- Review of corporate records and officer details

- Preparation and filing of AR on BizFile+

- Compliance reminders and statutory updates

Corrections of past filing errors or rectifications

This ensures clients remain compliant and avoid penalties.

Question 53

How early should companies prepare for Annual Return (AR) filing?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Ideally 1–2 months before FYE, especially if XBRL statements are needed. This avoids last-minute errors or penalty risks.

Question 54

How is notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) given?

Accepted Answer

For Pte Ltd, notice must be sent to all shareholders at least 14 days before the AGM date. The notice should specify the date, time, venue, and agenda of the meeting.

Question 55

How long must Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) information be retained?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Information in the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND) must be retained for at least 5 years after the nominee director ceases to be a director or after the company identifies that the person is no longer a nominee director. This requirement is mandated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority to ensure proper record-keeping and regulatory compliance. Failure to retain the ROND information for the required period may result in penalties.

Question 56

How long must Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) records be kept?

Accepted Answer

Records must be retained for as long as the company exists, and even after controllers cease control, their records must be kept for at least 5 more years.

Question 57

How much is for formation or registration of Pte Ltd in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

A wide range of incorporation services of a Singapore Private Limited Company is available to the following category of clients:

Singapore Resident with Individual Shareholding
Singapore Resident with Corporate Shareholding
Foreign Resident with Nominee Director
Foreign Resident with Entrepreneur Pass

Click here to learn the Guide for a Pte Ltd in Singapore.

Please contact us for any other Services for our charges.

Question 58

How much is for incorporation of Pte Ltd in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

A wide range of incorporation services of a Singapore Private Limited Company is available to the following category of clients:

Singapore Resident with Individual Shareholding
Singapore Resident with Corporate Shareholding
Foreign Resident with Nominee Director
Foreign Resident with Entrepreneur Pas

Click here to learn the Guide for a Pte Ltd in Singapore.

Please contact us for any other Services for our charges.

Question 59

How much is for registration of Branch Office (BO) in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Please contact us for our registration charges for the following types of entities or firms: (Click the hyperlink for Guide).

Society

Foreign Companies:

Question 60

How much is for registration of Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Please contact us for our registration charges for the following types of entities or firms:

Society

Foreign Companies:

Question 61

How much is for registration of Limited Partnership (LP) in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Please contact us for our registration charges for the following types of entities or firms:

Society

Foreign Companies:

Question 62

How much is for registration of Partnership in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Please contact us for our registration charges for the following types of entities or firms:

Society

Foreign Companies:

Question 63

How much is for registration of Representative Office (RO) in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Please contact us for our registration charges for the following types of entities or firms: (Click the hyperlink for Guide).

Society

Foreign Companies:

Question 64

How much is for registration of Sole Proprietorship in Singapore?

Achibiz · Accepted Answer

Please contact us for our registration charges for the following types of entities or firms:

Society

Foreign Companies:

ACRA Compliance

Are dormant companies required to file Annual Return (AR)?

Are foreign nominee directors included in the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND)?

Are newly incorporated companies required to file Annual Return (AR)?

Are the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) maintained at the same location?

Are there fees for filing Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) information?

Can a company be exempted from holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

Can a company file Annual Return (AR) late and appeal for penalties?

Can a company file its own Annual Return (AR)?

Can a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) act as the custodian of my company’s Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)?

Can a registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP) maintain and file the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) on behalf of a company?

Can ACRA reject a company’s Annual Return due to XBRL errors?

Can Annual General Meeting (AGM) be held virtually?

Can Annual Return (AR) filing be done without a Company Secretary?

Can companies request an extension of time for filing Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS)?

Can extracts of Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) filings be purchased?

Can I use my residential address to register the business or company?

Can multiple Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS) records be lodged in one transaction?

Can the debarred Director take any New Appointment?

Can the Debarred Secretary take any New Appointment?

Can the same nominator appear in both the Register Of Nominee Directors (ROND) and the Register Of Nominee Shareholders (RONS)?

Can the shareholder be individual for Singapore Company?

Change in Financial Year End (FYE).

Close down my dormant company?

Company Incorporation Singapore: Pros & Cons of Start-up Ecosystem

Comparison of court-approved vs non-court-approved capital reduction method in Singapore?

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