Effortlessly incorporate and manage your company in Singapore with Vepapu—offering all-in-one services from registration to compliance, banking, and visa support.
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Unlock Growth Opportunities in an Emerging Market
Requires less expenditure on administrative work.
Simplified compliance requirements and regulatory processes.
Strong financial and industrial reputation worldwide.
Allows for foreign shareholding up to 100% in the company.
Everything You Need for Seamless Company Formation
Experience seamless company formation from anywhere with Vepapu. Our digital incorporation services ensure you can register your company online without the need to travel or submit paperwork in person.
We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing support for any incorporation-related queries.
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Meet the local requirements online with Vepapu. Having a local registered office address is mandatory for your company's registration and we will help you meet this requirement. We will receive, scan, and email you if any mail is received from the authorities at your address.
You can also build a physical presence in the country by opting for our nominee director services, who will act as your company's director while you retain total control over your company.
You can capitalise on our strong banking relationships with traditional banks as well as digital-first banking providers.
You would need to physically visit the bank's location if you opt for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, while modern digital banking providers welcome you with an online onboarding process.
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Leverage Vepapu’s expertise to navigate the visa application process for your business needs. Whether you require work visas for your team or investor visas to secure your investment rights, we facilitate the entire process.
Our services include comprehensive guidance on meeting eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting applications efficiently to minimize wait times and complications.
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Mandatory documents and information required for your company formation
A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), Resumé, or Linkedin profile.
One of the scanned copies of a bank reference, bank statement, Utility bill, or Driver license.
It should clearly show the holder's full name along with a physical address written in English (P.O. Box addresses are not accepted).
It must be the most recent version and dated within the last 3 months.
Please provide us with certified true copy (scanned version) of the following company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association / Constitution
Register of Director
Register of Shareholder / UBO
Extract of the company’s details from the Registrar of Companies, which can include any of the following: Business Profile / Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good standing (valid for within 6 months if any).
All members of the corporation, including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons, must provide identity and address proofs as mentioned above.
From Paperwork to Approval: Making Company Formation Fast and Straightforward
Click here and fill out the short form to let us know your requirements.
Afterwards, our team will get in touch with you to guide you through the process.
Begin the company incorporation process by sharing the requested documents, as listed here. This enables us to begin the mandatory KYC and due diligence procedures to comply with local and international laws.
During the process of due diligence, our team might request additional information, documents, or clarification as needed.
If you ever feel lost while organising the documents, please contact us, as your dedicated manager from Vepapu will guide you through it.
Our team will now have the required information and documentation in hand to proceed with completing the required paperwork involved in incorporating your company.
We will complete one or multiple application forms as required and coordinate with the registry to submit them for their official approval.
We will do timely follow-ups with the registry and actively work with them if they require any further clarification or documentation before their approval.
If there are any other registrations with different government departments that are generally required before commencement of any business, required for your specific business industry, or that you have chosen voluntarily, we will promptly complete them.
As Vepapu strongly believes that company incorporation is just the first step in any business journey, we will accompany you throughout your business's life cycle by keeping it in good standing with local rules and regulations.
We will take care of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports and return filings with the authorities. We will timely inform you of the upcoming compliance deadlines, such as conducting an annual general meeting, for your prompt action.
Get in touch and ask us anything. We'd love to help.
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This is the most popular and flexible business structure for foreigners in Singapore. A Private Limited Company is a separate legal entity, meaning shareholders have limited liability and the company can enter into contracts, own assets, and sue or be sued in its own name. It requires at least one local resident director, but foreigners can hold full ownership of the company, making it an attractive option for those seeking to establish a presence in Singapore.
A Branch Office is an extension of a foreign parent company, operating in Singapore under the same legal entity. It is not a separate legal entity, so the parent company bears full liability for the branch's activities. While a Branch Office is suitable for foreign companies wanting to establish a presence in Singapore without forming a new entity, it lacks the independence and limited liability that a Private Limited company offers.
This entity is designed for foreign companies seeking to explore the Singapore market without engaging in any commercial activities. A Representative Office can conduct market research and promote the parent company’s products or services but cannot engage in profit-generating activities. This is a temporary setup, usually lasting for three years, and is ideal for companies testing the waters before committing to a more permanent business structure in Singapore.
This is the simplest form of business entity in Singapore, where the business is owned and run by a single individual. The owner has full control over the business but also bears unlimited liability for all debts and obligations. While it's easy to set up, this structure may not be ideal for foreigners due to the risks associated with unlimited personal liability.
A partnership in Singapore involves two or more individuals or entities conducting business together. There are three types of partnerships: General Partnership, Limited Partnership, and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). General and Limited Partnerships share similar characteristics with Sole Proprietorships regarding liability, while LLP offers partners limited liability, making it more appealing to foreigners looking to minimize personal risk.
Yes, foreigners can incorporate a company in Singapore, and the most common structure for this purpose is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). This entity type is favored by both local and foreign investors due to its flexibility, limited liability, and separate legal entity status. In a Pte Ltd, shareholders are not personally liable for the company’s debts beyond their shareholdings, making it a secure option for foreign founders. Additionally, foreigners can own 100% of the shares in a Singaporean Private Limited Company, which is a significant advantage for those looking to establish a fully foreign-owned business in the country.
To incorporate a Private Limited Company in Singapore, certain regulations must be followed. The company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, which includes Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, or holders of valid Employment Passes or EntrePasses. However, the other directors and shareholders can be foreigners. There is also no minimum paid-up capital requirement beyond S$1, making it accessible for small to medium-sized foreign enterprises. The company must also appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation, and this role must be filled by a resident of Singapore.
Singapore’s regulatory framework strongly supports foreign investment, with several acts and reforms designed to encourage it. The Singapore Companies Act (Chapter 50) governs the incorporation and regulation of companies in Singapore, providing a clear and transparent legal framework. In addition, the country’s policies on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) are liberal, with no restrictions on the repatriation of profits or the return of capital. The Economic Development Board (EDB) and other government agencies actively promote Singapore as a hub for global business, offering various incentives, tax breaks, and grants to attract foreign investors.
Moreover, Singapore has established itself as a leading financial center, providing a stable and pro-business environment, robust infrastructure, and access to international markets. The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is another initiative aimed at attracting foreign entrepreneurs and investors by offering Permanent Residency status to those who make significant investments in Singapore.
A Private Limited Company in Singapore must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This means the director can be a Singapore citizen, a Permanent Resident, or a holder of an EntrePass or Employment Pass. While additional directors can be of any nationality, they must be natural persons, as corporate directors are not allowed. Foreigners often use a nominee director service if they do not have a local director available.
A Pte Ltd in Singapore can have between 1 to 50 shareholders, and these shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities. Foreigners can fully own the shares, allowing 100% foreign shareholding. The shareholders can be of any nationality, and nominee shareholders are allowed, providing flexibility for foreign investors who wish to maintain anonymity. Shareholding can be transferred freely unless restricted by the company’s constitution.
In Singapore, a Private Limited Company is required to appoint an auditor within three months of its incorporation unless it qualifies for an audit exemption. Companies that meet the criteria of a "small company" (having annual revenue of less than S$10 million, total assets not exceeding S$10 million, and fewer than 50 employees) may be exempt from appointing an auditor.
Singapore law mandates that every Private Limited Company appoints a company secretary within six months of incorporation. The company secretary must be a resident of Singapore and cannot be the sole director of the company. The role of the company secretary is crucial as they are responsible for ensuring that the company complies with statutory obligations, such as filing annual returns and maintaining the company’s registers.
The minimum paid-up capital required to incorporate a Private Limited Company in Singapore is just S$1. However, the actual amount of paid-up capital can be higher depending on the business needs and industry requirements. There is no maximum limit, and the capital can be increased after incorporation by issuing new shares.
Every Singaporean company must have a registered office address in Singapore. This address must be a physical location where official documents can be served, and it cannot be a P.O. Box. The office must be accessible during normal business hours. For foreign investors, there are options to use a virtual office service, which provides a professional business address without the need to maintain a physical office.
To incorporate a company in Singapore, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are essential to complying with Singaporean regulations and ensuring your business operates legally. The documents will be used in KYC due diligence procedures, application preparation, and document submission to the authorities.
The first step is to choose and reserve a unique company name through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The name must be approved, meaning it should not be identical or too similar to existing company names, contain any offensive words, or be reserved by another entity.
Once the company name is approved, prepare the necessary incorporation documents, including the company’s constitution (formerly known as the Memorandum and Articles of Association), particulars of directors and shareholders, and the company secretary’s details.
Appoint at least one director who is a Singapore resident (citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder) and a company secretary who is also a resident. Ensure that all directors and shareholders consent to their appointments.
Submit the incorporation application to ACRA via its online portal, BizFile+. This process includes submitting the incorporation documents, providing details about the company's directors, shareholders, and company secretary, and paying the necessary fees. The registration process is typically completed within a few hours if all documents are in order.
After incorporation, the company needs to open a corporate bank account in Singapore to manage its finances. This requires presenting the incorporation documents, company constitution, and resolution from the board of directors authorizing the account opening.
Post-incorporation compliance requirements in Singapore are crucial for maintaining the legal standing of a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). These requirements ensure that the company adheres to regulatory standards and avoids penalties or legal issues.
A Private Limited Company must hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months after the end of its financial year. During the AGM, the company’s financial statements are presented to shareholders, and any necessary resolutions are passed. However, companies can opt for an AGM waiver if they meet specific criteria, such as having a small number of shareholders.
After holding the AGM, the company is required to file its annual return with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) within 30 days. This filing includes updated information about the company’s directors, shareholders, and financial statements. Filing the annual return on time is essential to avoid late penalties and maintain the company’s good standing.
Every company in Singapore must file its corporate tax return with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) annually. The company must submit its Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within three months from the end of the financial year, even if no profits were made. Additionally, companies need to file Form C-S or Form C, depending on their size and revenue, detailing their income, expenses, and tax computations.
If the company does not qualify for audit exemption, it must appoint an auditor within three months of incorporation. The auditor will review the company’s financial statements and ensure they comply with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS). The audited financial statements must be presented at the AGM and filed with ACRA as part of the annual return.
The company must maintain and regularly update its statutory registers, including the register of directors, shareholders, and company secretary. These records must be accessible at the company’s registered office and available for inspection by regulatory authorities or stakeholders upon request.
Companies are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records that reflect their financial transactions and position. These records must be kept for at least five years and should be sufficient to enable the preparation of financial statements that comply with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
If a company’s annual taxable revenue exceeds S$1 million, it must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with IRAS. Once registered, the company must charge GST on its goods and services and file regular GST returns.
If the company hires employees, it must comply with Singapore’s employment regulations, including CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions, maintaining employee records, and ensuring that employment contracts comply with the Employment Act. For foreign employees, the company must secure the appropriate work passes or permits.
The EntrePass is specifically designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business in Singapore. To qualify, the business must be registered as a Private Limited Company with ACRA, and the applicant must meet certain criteria, such as owning at least 30% of the company’s shares and having a business that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technology. The EntrePass allows the entrepreneur to live and work in Singapore and is typically valid for one to two years, with the possibility of renewal based on business performance.
The Employment Pass is the most common visa for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who wish to work in Singapore. To qualify, the applicant must have a job offer in Singapore with a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 (higher for more experienced candidates) and possess acceptable qualifications, such as a degree from a recognized university. The EP is usually granted for one to two years and can be renewed. It also allows the holder to bring their immediate family members to Singapore under the Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.
The Personalised Employment Pass is available to high-earning professionals and provides greater flexibility compared to the regular Employment Pass. PEP holders are not tied to a specific employer and can switch jobs without reapplying for a new pass, as long as they meet the criteria of earning at least S$144,000 annually. The PEP is valid for up to three years and is not renewable.
The S Pass is designed for mid-skilled foreign employees who earn a minimum monthly salary of S$3,000 and have relevant qualifications, such as a diploma or technical certification. The S Pass is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. Employers are subject to quotas and must pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder. This visa is commonly used for positions that require technical skills but may not meet the higher salary threshold of the Employment Pass.
Dependant’s Passes are available for the spouses and children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders. DP holders can stay in Singapore for the duration of the primary pass holder’s stay. In certain cases, Dependant’s Pass holders can work in Singapore if they secure a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower, allowing them to be employed by a local company.
GST is a consumption tax levied on the supply of goods and services in Singapore. The current GST rate is 8%, with a planned increase to 9% in 2024. Companies are required to register for GST if their taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in the past 12 months or is expected to exceed this threshold in the next 12 months. Once registered, the company must charge GST on its taxable supplies and file periodic GST returns. This tax is collected from customers and paid to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Foreign companies can also register for GST voluntarily if their turnover does not meet the S$1 million threshold, but they need to consider the administrative responsibilities involved.
Singapore's corporate income tax rate is a flat 17% on chargeable income. However, the effective tax rate is often lower due to various tax exemptions and incentives available to businesses. For instance, newly incorporated companies that meet certain conditions can benefit from the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE) scheme, which offers significant tax exemptions on the first S$200,000 of chargeable income for the first three consecutive years of assessment. Additionally, there are partial tax exemptions for all companies, providing further tax relief.
A company is considered a tax resident in Singapore if its management and control are exercised in Singapore, typically meaning that the board of directors' meetings are held in Singapore. Tax-resident companies enjoy certain benefits, such as access to Singapore’s extensive network of double tax treaties, which helps minimize the risk of double taxation on income earned abroad.
Singapore imposes withholding tax on certain types of payments made to non-resident companies, including interest, royalties, management fees, and rental payments for movable property. The rates vary depending on the nature of the payment and whether a tax treaty exists between Singapore and the recipient’s country. For example, the standard withholding tax rate on interest and royalties is 15%, but this may be reduced under an applicable tax treaty.
Singapore offers a range of tax incentives to attract foreign investment and encourage business activities that contribute to the country’s economic growth. These incentives are provided under schemes such as the Pioneer Certificate Incentive (PC) and the Development and Expansion Incentive (DEI), which can offer partial or full tax exemptions for qualifying companies. Other incentives focus on specific sectors, such as research and development, finance, and international trade.
