How to Register a Company in Singapore: E-Commerce and Online Business

Singapore has rapidly evolved into Asia’s leading hub for digital commerce and online entrepreneurship. If you want to sell products or offer services, it is important to register your business properly. This action is essential for legal operations and growing your business.

Through this guide, we will walk you through the steps of registering an e-commerce or online company in Singapore. You will also learn about requirements from ACRA and EDB, compliance steps, and post-registration essentials.

Do Online Businesses Need to Be Registered in Singapore

Yes. According to ACRA, all individuals conducting business on a continuous and profit-driven basis must register their business. (Unless stated otherwise)

If you trade under your full legal name, such as Tan Mei Ling Trading, you may be exempt. However, if your business name differs from your personal name, registration is mandatory.

Why Registration Matters

Registering your online business provides multiple advantages:

• Legal recognition and name protection
• Limited personal liability for incorporated entities
• Access to government support and financing
• Better credibility with banks, customers, and investors
• Eligibility for grants and startup schemes from Enterprise Singapore

Singapore’s Online Business Landscape

The Singapore e-commerce market surpassed five billion US dollars in 2024 and continues to grow. Government initiatives such as IMDA’s E-Commerce Booster Package and Enterprise Singapore’s Productivity Solutions Grant support local digital entrepreneurs in scaling globally.

This makes it the perfect time to formalise your business and join a thriving online ecosystem.

Common Misconceptions About Online Business Registration

Myth: “I do not need to register my online business.”

Even small online stores selling through Instagram, Shopee, or Etsy must register if they operate regularly for profit.

Risks of Not Registering

• No legal or financial protection for personal assets
• Ineligibility for funding, loans, or government grants
• Risk of fines under the Business Names Registration Act
• Reduced trust among customers and suppliers

Quick Online Business Registration Checklist

Before You Register: Essential Pre-Checks

1. Define your product or service clearly
2. Identify your target customers and whether you will sell locally or internationally
3. Estimate your startup budget and funding method (self-funded, investors, or grants)
4. Understand the regulatory framework, such as IMDA codes, PDPA, and ACRA’s rules
5. Develop a simple business plan covering logistics, marketing, and risk management

How to Register an Online Business in Singapore

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure and Company Name

You can choose from:

• Sole Proprietorship: Best for individuals starting small
• Partnership or LLP: Suitable for businesses with multiple owners
• Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd): Ideal for businesses seeking growth, liability protection, and funding

Choose a company name that reflects your brand and passes ACRA’s rules. Avoid restricted words and ensure your name is not already registered.

More readings on Business Structure:
Which Business Structure Should I Choose for a Startup in Singapore? (2025) 

Step 2: Complete Incorporation and Registration

For a Pte Ltd company, you must:

• Appoint at least one resident director
• Have one or more shareholders
• Appoint a company secretary within six months
• Maintain a physical Singapore address (no P.O. boxes)
• Provide a minimum paid-up capital of one Singapore dollar

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Required Documents

You will need to prepare:

• Approved company name and SSIC code (business activity classification)
• Particulars of shareholders and directors
• Company Constitution (formerly Memorandum and Articles of Association)
• Identification and proof of address for directors and shareholders

Step 4: Register Your Business with ACRA

Use the BizFile+ portal:

• Log in with Singpass
• Complete the incorporation forms and upload documents
• Pay the fee (115 Singapore dollars for a sole proprietorship or 300 for a company)

Most applications are approved within one to three working days.

More reads: How to Incorporate a Company in Singapore – A Complete Guide

E-commerce Models

Understanding which model fits your goals helps determine the best structure, licensing, and logistics strategy.

Post-Registration Essentials

Apply for Licenses and Permits

Use the GoBusiness Licensing portal to check specific requirements. Common examples include:

• Home-Based Business License
• Advertising License (IMDA)
• Sector-specific permits (food, beauty, education)

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Required documents include:

• ACRA Business Profile
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Director identification documents

Many banks and fintech firms offer digital onboarding and e-commerce-friendly accounts with payment gateway integrations.

Set Up Your E-Commerce Infrastructure

• Build your website using Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix
• Set up payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or PayNow
• Integrate accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks
• Establish logistics partnerships and digital marketing channels

Maintain Compliance

Stay compliant by:

• Filing annual returns and taxes with ACRA and IRAS
• Renewing licenses and registrations as needed
• Keeping accurate accounting and financial records

Need more details on post-registration matters? You can use this article as a reference:
After ACRA Registration: Your 30‑Day Compliance Checklist 

Foreign Ownership and E-Commerce in Singapore

Foreign entrepreneurs can easily register a private limited company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore.
They must:

• Appoint at least one resident director
• Provide a registered Singapore business address
• Use a corporate service provider (CSP) for incorporation support

The Economic Development Board (EDB) also offers incentives for foreign digital companies establishing operations in Singapore.

Key Deadlines and Estimated Costs

More readings: What Happens If You Don’t Renew Your Business Registration on Time? 

Final Takeaway

Registering an e-commerce business in Singapore ensures your operations are compliant, credible, and ready to grow. With government support, strong digital infrastructure, and clear regulations, Singapore is an ideal to start and scale an online business.

By following this guide, you can confidently register your company, set up your e-commerce systems, and focus on expanding your brand globally.