Business Set Up Services in Singapore
Start and manage your business in Singapore with confidence.
We provide seamless business setup solutions backed by expert compliance and corporate support.
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We Are Trusted By Companies Globally
Corporate structure advisory and bank advisory
Why Set Up Your Business with SCS?
Licensed & Experienced
We’re an ACRA-registered firm offering tailored business setup solutions for local and foreign entrepreneurs.
Set Up Remotely
Foreign-owned businesses can be fully set up without visiting Singapore. We handle everything from start to finish.
Full Corporate Support
Beyond setup, we support you with corporate secretary, accounting, tax filing, and annual compliance. All in one place!
Business Formation Options
Corporate Services to Support Your Business
Starting a business can be complex, but with the right support, it becomes a clear and structured process. As a leading corporate service provider, we help both local entrepreneurs and foreign founders simplify their business setup in Singapore.
Our experienced team includes Chartered Secretaries registered with SIACSA and ACRA-registered filing agents. With over a decade of experience, we ensure that your business is built on a strong, compliant foundation.
Whether you're launching a startup or expanding into Singapore, proper business setup goes beyond paperwork. It requires the right business structure, a local business address, a resident director, and supporting documentation based on your business activity.
Through our virtual company secretarial services, we manage the setup process from end to end. From document preparation to appointing directors and submitting filings, we handle the formalities so your business can become operational quickly and correctly.
Our Business Set Up Services
Planning to start a business in Singapore? A successful setup begins with smart preparation and clear goals. Use this checklist to guide your business launch:
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Choose the right business structure (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Private Limited Company)
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Evaluate market demand, competition, and your business model’s potential for growth
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Estimate startup costs, explore funding options, and forecast your cash flow
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Define your ideal customer profile and map out a marketing approach
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Understand industry regulations and licensing requirements
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Review corporate tax rates and look into eligible tax incentives
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Plan your internal processes, hiring needs, and resource allocation
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Identify potential risks and prepare contingency strategies
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Consider long-term scalability and future expansion opportunities
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Corporate Secretarial Services
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Appointment of a qualified Company Secretary
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Acting as the Registered Filing Agent for your company
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Maintenance and timely updates of statutory registers and minutes
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Automated reminders for Annual General Meetings (AGM) and filing deadlines
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Preparation of AGM-related documents
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Filing of Annual Returns with ACRA
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Secure custody of statutory records and company seal
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Advisory on corporate governance in line with the Companies Act and your company’s Constitution
Corporate Bank Account Opening
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Assistance with opening a corporate bank account, typically within 1 to 2 months, subject to the bank’s due diligence and documentation requirements
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Fully remote onboarding process, including virtual meetings and digital document verification
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Use of electronic signatures to streamline the application and eliminate the need for physical paperwork
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Access to bank accounts with low initial deposit and minimal balance requirements
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Competitive and transparent bank account opening fees
Application for Employment Pass/S Pass/Work Permit/Dependant's Pass
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Setting up Employment Pass Online (EPOL) or Work Permit Online (WPOL) accounts with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
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Registering with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board to obtain a CPF e-submission number required for EPOL/WPOL access
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Advising on eligibility, document requirements, and application timelines for Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, and Dependant’s Pass
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Assisting with the preparation, review, and submission of work pass applications to MOM
Business Setup with SCS vs Doing It Independently
| Aspect | Registering Your Business with SCS | Registering Your Business Independently |
Long-Term Efficiency and Cost Savings |
Our team has deep expertise in Singapore’s business setup regulations and procedures. This ensures a smooth and compliant setup process that helps you avoid delays, rework, or penalties, resulting in long-term savings. | Requires significant time and effort to understand local requirements. Errors caused by inexperience may lead to unexpected costs and compliance issues. |
Compliance & Accuracy |
All documents and processes are managed by experienced professionals who ensure full alignment with Singapore's statutory and regulatory requirements. | Higher risk of non-compliance and errors due to limited understanding of local laws. This can result in delays or penalties. |
End-to-End Support |
SCS provides complete support throughout your business journey. From business setup and bank account assistance to corporate secretarial and compliance services, everything is handled under one roof. | Each step must be managed independently. This can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with local procedures. |
Peace of Mind for First-Time Founders |
Gain confidence knowing that a professional team is handling the details of your business setup. You can focus on building your company while we manage the complexities. |
Starting a business on your own can be stressful, particularly for first-time founders who are unfamiliar with local regulations and processes.
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Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore
Our business or company set up services in Singapore help to streamline the setup and compliance of diverse business entities, such as:
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is a business owned and run by one person. It is the simplest and least expensive business structure to set up, with minimal regulatory requirements.
The owner has complete control over all business decisions and directly receives all profits. However, the owner alone holds liability for all business debts and obligations, which means personal assets may be at risk.
Partnership
A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals work together to operate a business. It is relatively simple to set up and allows partners to combine resources, share expertise, and contribute capital to support business growth.
Similar to a sole proprietorship, partners in a general partnership are subject to unlimited liability. However, the level of liability depends on the type of partnership. In a general partnership, all partners share full liability. In a limited partnership, certain partners enjoy limited liability, meaning their financial risk is restricted to their investment in the business.
Private Limited Company
A Private Limited Company is a widely preferred business structure known for its credibility and scalability. It provides limited liability protection to its shareholders, ensuring that personal assets are safeguarded against business obligations. This structure offers continuity, ease of ownership transfer, and greater appeal to investors, making it ideal for long-term business growth and expansion.
Branch Office
A branch office serves as an extension of a foreign parent company and is registered to conduct business activities in Singapore. It can be a strategic option for exploring the local market before establishing a more permanent presence, such as a subsidiary. However, as it is considered a non-resident entity, a branch office does not enjoy the same tax incentives and benefits available to locally incorporated companies.
Steps to Set Up Your Company in Singapore
Here's a quick overview of the company set up process in Singapore:
1. Reserve Your Company Name
Choose a unique and compliant name, then reserve it with ACRA.
2. Choose the Right Business Structure
Decide on a suitable legal structure, such as Sole Proprietorship, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or Company.
3. Appoint Directors, Secretary, and Shareholders
Appoint at least one resident director, a company secretary, and decide on other key roles.
4. Define Financial Year-End
Establish your company's financial year-end for accounting and tax purposes.
5. Determine Share Capital
Decide on the initial paid-up capital and share allocation among shareholders.
6. Establish Registered Office
Secure a local physical address for official correspondence (not a P.O. Box).
7. Prepare Constitution
Draft the company's constitution, outlining its rules and regulations.
8. Submit Set Up Documents & Application
File the registration application and all necessary documents to ACRA via BizFile+.
9. Receive Your ACRA Business Profile
You are now a properly registered corporation in Singapore
What You Need to Prepare Before Setting Up a Business in Singapore
To begin your business setup process in Singapore, you will need to prepare the following documents:
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Proof of a registered office address in Singapore
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Identification documents of directors and shareholders
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A brief description of your business activities and the corresponding SSIC code
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Signed consent forms from directors and shareholders confirming their appointments
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The company’s constitution, outlining internal governance and management rules
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Information on the company’s initial share capital
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Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up Company
How long does it take to set up a company in Singapore?
Once all required documents are submitted and due diligence is completed in line with Singapore’s regulations, the company setup process can typically be completed within one to two working days.
Do I need to travel to Singapore to set up my business?
You are not required to be physically present in Singapore to complete the business setup process. Our services support a fully remote setup, allowing you to handle everything from abroad with digital verification and secure documentation.
Can I set up a company in Singapore without a local address?
Yes, you can use our Singapore address as your registered business address during the setup process. Once your operations begin, we can help you update the address to reflect your official business location.
What are the advantages of setting up a Singapore Pte. Ltd.?
Setting up a Singapore Pte. Ltd. offers several strategic benefits for your business:
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Income Tax Exemption: Newly established companies can enjoy a 75% corporate income tax exemption on the first S$100,000 of taxable income for the first three years of tax filing.
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Low Corporate Income Tax: Singapore maintains a competitive flat corporate tax rate of 17%, making it attractive for businesses.
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Business-Friendly Environment: Singapore ranks among the top global destinations for doing business, supported by a strong legal framework, political stability, and efficient regulations.
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Access to Capital: The country has a robust financial ecosystem, offering access to funding options such as venture capital, private equity, and crowdfunding for private companies.
What are the key deadlines to be aware of after setting up a company in Singapore?
Once your company is officially set up in Singapore, it is important to stay on top of the following statutory deadlines:
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Annual Return Deadline: Submit within seven months from your financial year-end
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AGM (Annual General Meeting) Deadline: Hold within six months from your financial year-end
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Tax Return Deadline: File by 30 November of the Year of Assessment
If you need support, our team also provides accounting and tax services to help keep your business fully compliant with local regulations.
What should I do after setting up my company in Singapore?
After setting up your company, the next step is to open a corporate bank account to begin business operations. If you plan to manage the business personally in Singapore, you will also need to apply for an Employment Pass. This work visa allows foreign business owners to reside and work legally in Singapore.
As a foreigner, what are the challenges in setting up a Singapore company?
One of the main requirements for foreign business owners is the appointment of a local resident director, as specified under the Companies Act. To help meet this requirement, we provide nominee director services to support the setup process and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Explore Our Other Comprehensive Services
Company Secretarial Services
Let our experienced corporate secretarial team handle the complexity of ACRA regulations for you. From maintaining statutory records to managing your filings, we ensure your company stays compliant and organised every step of the way.
Bookkeeping & Accounting Services
Gain peace of mind with our accurate bookkeeping and financial reporting solutions. We help you stay on top of your tax filings, meet compliance requirements, and make smarter business decisions with clear, reliable financial data.
Tax Compliance Services
Stay ahead of IRAS deadlines with our full-suite tax solutions. We ensure your corporate and personal tax returns are prepared and filed on time, helping you avoid penalties and meet your obligations confidently.
Learn More About Business Set Up in Singapore
Striking Off a Singapore Company
Is your company no longer active? Understand the official process for striking off your business in Singapore to avoid penalties and unnecessary compliance burdens.
Business Set Up for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Planning to enter the Singapore market? Learn how foreigners can set up a business with ease. This guide explains each step clearly, from choosing the right structure to meeting local requirements — all without needing to travel.
Complete Guide to Business Set Up in Singapore
Ready to start your business in Singapore? Get expert insights into the business set up process, including registration, compliance, and key timelines. Discover how to launch quickly, legally, and confidently.