What is a private limited company
A private limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners.
That means the company:
- Can own assets in its own name
- Can enter contracts
- Can sue or be sued
Shareholders enjoy limited liability, so personal assets are protected if the business faces debts or losses.
Key advantages of a private limited company:
- Can start with 1 shareholder and scale up to 50 shareholders
- Allows 100% foreign ownership
- Offers access local tax incentives when structured correctly
- Protects personal assets with limited liability for shareholders
- Builds credibility with clients, partners, and investors
- Attracts funding more easily with an investor-friendly structure
- Ensures business continuity through perpetual succession
- Operates as a separate legal entity that can own property, sign contracts, and act independently
Step-by-step: How to register a private limited company in Singapore
1. Choose your company name
Start by picking a suitable company name that reflects your business identity.
To reserve your name through the official registry (ACRA):
- Submit it via the BizFile+ portal
- Typically, name approval takes under an hour
- Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days
Ensure your company name meets these 4 criteria for immediate ACRA approval:
- Does not infringe any trademark rights
- Is not obscene or vulgar
- Is not similar or identical to existing companies
- Is not reserved
2. Standard requirements and documentation
Standard requirements for incorporation
Here are the standard requirements:
- Minimum 1 Shareholder
- Minimum 1 Resident Director
- Minimum 1 Local Company Secretary
- Minimum SGD $1 Paid-up Capital
- Local Registered Address
Required documents
- Business activity details with the SSIC code
- Shareholder particulars
- Director particulars
- Registered office address details
- Company constitution
- Consent to act form for director
- Consent to act form for the company secretary
- Identification documents of directors and shareholders
- Shareholders' agreement, if applicable
3. Submit the incorporation application
Once your name is approved, you can file the incorporation application.
Key points:
- The process is mostly online
- With complete and correct documents, incorporation can take 1–2 business days
- There's a mandatory government fee of SGD $315
- Professional service provider fees are separate
4. After incorporation
Incorporation is only the beginning. Singapore companies must also:
- Maintain statutory records
- File annual returns with the regulator
- Hold an annual general meeting, if applicable
- Comply with tax and regulatory requirements
Many founders choose to work with a corporate service provider who handles these compliance needs on an ongoing basis.
Can foreigners register a private limited company on their own
Note that as a foreigner, you can set up a private limited company without relocating to Singapore. Whether you choose to relocate or run your company from overseas, it is essential that you engage a corporate service provider to register a Singapore company, and that a local resident director be appointed before registration.
Common ways foreigners set up and run their Singapore company
Option 1: Relocate to Singapore
- Engage a resident nominee director temporarily
- Incorporate the company
- Apply for an Employment Pass (EP)
- Upon EP approval, replace the nominee director with yourself
- Run your Singapore business locally
Option 2: Operate from overseas
- Engage a resident nominee director
- Incorporate your Singapore company
- Run the company remotely without relocating
Select your operating model based on your relocation goals and business footprint.
Keen to incorporate a Singapore private limited company?
Incorporating a Singapore company is a simple process. Through our partnership with Incorp - Asia's leading corporate service provider - we can assist you in getting your company started seamlessly.
Get started on your 2026 entrepreneurship journey here today.
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