Congratulations on making the move to start your own business! If you’re planning to set up a business here in Singapore, 2025 is a good time to take the step. The process of registering a company is clear and straightforward, and the government continues to support businesses with strong systems and updated regulations. At the same time, there are a few new rules this year that you’ll need to be aware of before you get started.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of registering your company in Singapore in 2025. You’ll see how to choose the right structure, prepare the necessary documents, submit your application, and keep up with your company’s obligations after incorporation. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap of what to do so you can move ahead with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be taken as financial advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business or financing decisions.
Table of contents
- Part 1: Pre-incorporation decisions
- What do you need to set up a private limited company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore?
- 1. At least one shareholder
- 2. Minimum paid-up capital of S$1
- 3. At least one resident director
- 4. A company secretary
- 5. A registered office address
- Part 2: A step by step guide to registering a company in 2025?
- Step 1: Reserve your company name and choose an SSIC code
- Step 2: Prepare and submit your incorporation application
- Step 3: ACRA filing and approval
- Step 4: Post-incorporation plans
- What new rules apply when you register in 2025?
- Corporate Service Providers (CSP) Act
- Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)
- Nominee directors and shareholders
- What are your compliance duties after incorporation?
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Return (AR)
- Financial statement filing
- Penalties and enforcement
Part 1: Pre-incorporation decisions
| Entity type | Legal identity | Liability | Tax treatment | Ownership | Suitability |
| Sole Proprietorship | Not a separate legal entity | Unlimited | Personal income tax (0% – 24%) | Single person | Small, low-risk, and simple ventures |
| Partnership | Not a separate legal entity | Unlimited joint and personal | Personal income tax (0% – 24%) | 2 – 20 partners | Small, informal collaborations |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Separate legal entity | Limited (for partners) | Personal income tax (0% – 24%) | Minimum 2 partners | Professional services |
| Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) | Separate legal entity | Limited (for shareholders) | Corporate tax (17% flat, with exemptions) | 1 – 50 shareholders (individuals or corps) | Scalable, high-growth, investor-backed ventures |
| Public Company | Separate legal entity | Limited (for shareholders) | Corporate tax (17% flat) | More than 50 shareholders | Companies raising capital from the public |
The very first decision you need to make before registering your company is what type of business structure you want to set up. There are a few different options, and each one has its own requirements.
If you’re running something small on your own, you might be drawn to a sole proprietorship. This is the simplest structure where you and the business are legally the same. The downside is that you’re personally responsible for all debts and obligations.
If you’re working with partners, you can consider a partnership or a limited partnership (LP). In a general partnership, all partners share responsibilities and liabilities. With an LP, at least one partner has unlimited liability, while the others enjoy limited liability.
A more flexible option is the limited liability partnership (LLP). This structure protects each partner from being personally liable for the misconduct of the others, while still allowing partnership-style management.
However, the most popular choice by far is the private limited company (Pte Ltd). This structure is treated as a separate legal entity from its owners. Liability is limited to the amount of shares held, and the company itself is responsible for debts and obligations. When you’re planning for long-term growth, a private limited company is usually the way to go. Most entrepreneurs choose this route because it makes raising funds easier and provides access to various government schemes and tax benefits.
As such, the rest of this guide will focus on how to register and run a Pte Ltd.
What do you need to set up a private limited company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore?
If you’re thinking of registering a private limited company, there are a few essentials you’ll need to sort out first. These are the non-negotiables that form the backbone of your business – and it’s good to get them clear from the start.
1. At least one shareholder
Every Pte Ltd needs a minimum of one shareholder, but you can have up to 50. They can be individuals or corporate entities, and the best part is that Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership. So whether you’re local or based overseas, you can still set up and own your company here without any fuss.
2. Minimum paid-up capital of S$1
The entry point is low – you only need S$1 to get started. It can be in any currency, and you’re free to top it up later once your business grows.
3. At least one resident director
You’ll need one director who’s “ordinarily resident” in Singapore. That means a citizen, PR, or EntrePass holder. If you’re here on an Employment Pass, you can also take on the role, but you’ll first need a Letter of Consent from MOM.
For foreign entrepreneurs without a local director, the common option is appointing a nominee director. But take note – 2025 brings stricter rules under the new Corporate Service Providers (CSP) Act. Now, only ACRA-registered CSPs can provide nominee services, and they must run background checks like bankruptcy and criminal screenings. Plus, nominee directors must personally sign the Consent to Act form, instead of letting CSPs do it on their behalf. These updates make the process more secure and transparent for everyone.
4. A company secretary
Within six months of incorporation, you’ll need to appoint a company secretary who’s a Singapore resident. Their job is to keep your business compliant with ACRA filings and other regulatory duties. Just one thing to note: your sole director can’t double up as the secretary – you’ll need someone else for that.
5. A registered office address
Lastly, your company needs a local address. This can’t be a P.O. box; it has to be a physical address where government and legal mail can be sent. You can use a commercial office, your home (under the Home Office Scheme), or even a virtual office service.
Exploring offices to buy or rent?
Part 2: A step by step guide to registering a company in 2025?
The registration process is structured, and once you understand the steps, you’ll see that it’s actually quite straightforward. Let’s walk through each stage together so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Reserve your company name and choose an SSIC code
The very first thing you need to do is secure approval for your company’s name. This is done through BizFile+, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s (ACRA) online filing system. Reserving a name comes with a small application fee of S$15.
Once your name is approved, it will be reserved for 120 days. This gives you plenty of time to complete your full incorporation. Just remember, if you don’t move forward within this window, the name will be released and someone else could grab it.
When picking your name, be mindful of a few restrictions. Your chosen name should not be too similar to that of existing businesses, government bodies, or registered trademarks. Names that are too similar to existing businesses, that contain restricted words, such as “Temasek”, or that are offensive will not be approved.
At the same time as reserving your name, you’ll also need to provide a Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code. This code categorises your company’s main business activity. It’s a mandatory part of the process, as it helps regulators and agencies understand exactly what your company does.
Step 2: Prepare and submit your incorporation application
Once your company name has been secured, the next step is to prepare and submit your application for incorporation. The process is fairly simple, though it looks a little different depending on whether you’re a local or a foreign applicant.
For local residents
If you’re a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, you can file the application yourself through BizFile+ using your Singpass. In fact, from 2025, Singpass authentication is now mandatory for all transactions on BizFile+. This is part of Singapore’s effort to strengthen cybersecurity and make sure only authorised individuals act on behalf of a company.
For foreigners
If you’re based overseas, you can’t file the application directly. Instead, you’ll need to engage a registered filing agent. These are usually corporate secretarial firms or law firms that are licensed to handle the process on your behalf.
The application requires a fairly detailed set of information, including:
- The approved company name and its transaction number.
- The company’s SSIC code and a brief description of its business activities.
- The personal particulars of all directors, shareholders, and the company secretary (names, ID numbers, nationalities, and addresses).
- Details of the company’s share capital.
- The registered office address in Singapore.
- A copy of the company’s constitution (you can use ACRA’s model constitution if you don’t want to draft your own).
What’s new in 2025?
One of the biggest procedural changes introduced this year is the requirement for video-based identity verification when you’re working with a registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP). This means that the CSP must hold a real-time video conference with key people such as proposed directors or major shareholders. The session is recorded, and screenshots plus Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documents must be stored for at least five years.
This new step might feel a bit formal, but it’s designed to create a secure and verifiable link between the company and its founders, reducing the risk of fraudulent incorporations.
Step 3: ACRA filing and approval
When all your documents are ready, your application is submitted on BizFile+. At this stage, you’ll pay a one-time registration fee of S$300.
If your application is straightforward, approval is usually very fast – in many cases, within 15 minutes of payment. However, if your business name or activity requires clearance from other government authorities, the approval process may take longer. In such cases, the waiting time can range from 14 to 60 days.
Once approval is granted, your company officially exists in Singapore. You’ll also receive two important things:
- Unique Entity Number (UEN): This is your company’s unique identification number and will be used in all your business dealings.
- Business profile: This is an official document that serves as your company’s “digital identity card.” It includes key details such as your company name, registration number, and business activities.
Both of these documents are essential for moving forward, especially for setting up bank accounts and accessing government e-services.
Step 4: Post-incorporation plans
There are a few immediate tasks you’ll want to tackle after incorporation:
- Register for Corppass: Corppass is the corporate digital identity used for interacting with government agencies online. You’ll need this to file taxes, apply for licences, and handle other official matters.
- Open a corporate bank account: This is an essential step to separate your business and personal finances. Some corporate service providers can help with this, and digital banks often provide faster onboarding – sometimes within just 5 to 10 days.
- Check your GST obligations: If your company’s taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in a calendar year (retrospective view), you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). Starting from 1 July 2025, the rules for prospective registration have tightened. If you expect to cross the S$1 million threshold in the next 12 months, you must now register within 30 days of making that forecast, and your GST registration will take effect two months from the forecast date. This means you’ll need to keep a closer eye on your revenue projections.
What new rules apply when you register in 2025?
If you’re setting up your company this year, there are a couple of major regulatory changes you need to know about. Both were introduced in June 2025, and they directly affect the way you register and manage your company right from day one.
Corporate Service Providers (CSP) Act
From 2025, anyone who provides corporate services such as company incorporation, nominee director or shareholder appointments, registered office services, or annual filings must be officially registered with ACRA as a Corporate Service Provider (CSP).
For you, this means that if you plan to engage a professional firm to handle your registration, you must make sure they are on ACRA’s approved list. Non-compliance is treated seriously, with penalties of up to S$50,000 in fines and/or two years’ imprisonment for unregistered providers. This move professionalises the industry and ensures that you’ll be working with trusted service providers.
Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)
Previously, companies had 30 days after incorporation to set up their Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC). From June 2025, that grace period is gone. Now, your company must have the register in place immediately upon incorporation.
This register records anyone who holds 25% or more of shares or voting rights, also known as controllers. You must also confirm this information with each controller every year to make sure it’s accurate.
Nominee directors and shareholders
Another important update is that all information about nominee directors and shareholders must now be submitted to ACRA. In fact, this information will also appear in your company’s business profile, meaning it is accessible to the public. This change brings greater transparency to company ownership and is part of Singapore’s efforts to close gaps that were once open to misuse.
What are your compliance duties after incorporation?
Registering your company is only the first step. To keep your business in good standing, you’ll need to meet a series of ongoing compliance requirements. In 2025, some of these requirements have been tightened, so it’s worth being clear on what they are.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Return (AR)
Every company incorporated in Singapore must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and file an Annual Return (AR) with ACRA. Your company’s first AGM must be held within 18 months of incorporation. After that, the AGM and AR must be completed within seven months after your financial year end (FYE).
Financial statement filing
Most companies are also required to file their financial statements in XBRL format, which is a structured digital reporting format. “Micro-entities” or smaller companies that meet certain criteria may qualify for simplified filing requirements, but you’ll still need to check the rules carefully.
Penalties and enforcement
Late filings are now subject to stricter enforcement. A late Annual Return can attract a penalty of S$300, while failing to hold an AGM can result in a fine of S$500. Companies that fail to file for consecutive years even run the risk of being struck off the register. On top of that, failing to maintain or accurately update your controller register can now carry fines of up to S$25,000 – five times higher than before.
Wrapping up
And there you have it – all the basics you’ll need to turn your business idea into a registered company here. A complete guide to Singapore company registration. From choosing the right structure to meeting compliance requirements, you now know what it takes to set up a private limited company and keep it running smoothly.
Wishing you the very best as you take this exciting step forward in your business journey!
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