How do I Register a Foreign Company in Singapore?

To register a foreign company in Singapore, you must choose a suitable structure and complete registration with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Foreign companies can set up as a Subsidiary Company, Branch Office, or Representative Office. A Subsidiary is the most common option as it is a separate legal entity, allows 100% foreign ownership, and offers limited liability. A Branch Office is an extension of the parent company with full liability on the parent, while a Representative Office is only for market research and cannot generate revenue (registered with Enterprise Singapore).

To incorporate a Subsidiary, you need at least one local director (Singapore citizen, PR, or valid pass holder), one shareholder, a registered local address, and a company secretary within six months. The minimum paid-up capital is SGD 1.

The process involves reserving a company name, preparing required documents, appointing a local director, and submitting the application via ACRA’s BizFile+. Approval is typically granted within 1–3 working days if all documents are in order.

After registration, the company must open a corporate bank account, fulfil tax obligations with Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), apply for work passes through Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if needed, and ensure ongoing compliance such as annual filings and bookkeeping.

Please refer to our GUIDES and SERVICES for more detailed information.