Company Registration in Singapore for Foreigners

When choosing the right company structure for foreign-owned businesses in Singapore, some of the factors that should be kept in mind include ownership requirements, taxation, liability, compliance regulations, and business objectives. It is advisable to seek professional advice from a corporate service provider or a qualified lawyer to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations and to make an informed decision.

Some common mistakes to avoid when incorporating a company in Singapore as a foreigner include not complying with regulatory requirements, choosing the wrong business structure, and not seeking professional advice. Other mistakes should be avoided when opening a company in Singapore, our advice is for you to do research and be unafraid to ask for professional advice from qualified experts.

Some important factors to remember include obtaining the necessary permits and licences, complying with local regulations, appointing a resident director, and ensuring proper corporate governance. It is also important to choose the right business structure and seek professional advice to navigate the incorporation process smoothly.

Yes, you can register a company in Singapore even if you are based abroad. The process can be done entirely online with the right service provider like Lanturn, who can provide nominee director or corporate secretary services.

Yes, you can open and own shares with the company. To be a director in your company, you will have to acquire an LOC first from MOM.

You can set up a company in Singapore with your dependent pass, provided you can acquire a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

No, you do not necessarily need to visit Singapore to incorporate your company. You can engage a professional incorporation service provider like Lanturn, who can assist you with the entire process of incorporating your company in Singapore remotely.

Generally, it takes about 1–2 days once all the necessary documents and information have been provided. However, the timeline may vary and take longer depending on factors such as the complexity of your business structure, and the document processing by relevant government agencies. This is why you should acquire the assistance of incorporation specialists in Singapore to assist and keep you updated on the process.

Yes, shareholders of a Singapore company can be foreign entities. Singapore’s law allows 100% foreign ownership of companies. However, Singapore offers many grants for businesses that are 33% Singaporean-owned.

According to Singapore law, all companies must have a registered office address in Singapore. This address will be used for all official correspondence and must be a physical address, not a PO box. If you plan to work mostly abroad, you may consider engaging a professional service provider to handle your company’s administrative and compliance matters in Singapore, including using their address as your registered office address.

Acquiring a company secretary is beneficial as they can assist with administrative tasks, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide guidance on business operations in Singapore. This is particularly useful for foreign business owners who are starting a company from abroad and may not be familiar with Singapore’s legal and business environment.

Yes, acquiring a virtual CFO can be beneficial for your company in Singapore, especially if you are operating remotely from abroad. A virtual CFO can provide financial expertise and advice on a range of matters such as budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting, and risk management.

The processing time for the approval of a company name in Singapore typically takes around 1 to 2 business days. However, it may take longer if the proposed company name requires additional review due to other factors. It is recommended to provide several name options to increase the chances of getting a name approved quickly.