
As far as launching a new business is concerned, Singapore continues to be a favourite for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. The country has been consistently rated as the best for starting a company in its Doing Business Report by the World Bank Group for the tenth consecutive year. Some major factors that make Singapore an appealing destination to set up a business include quick registration process, SGD 1 minimum share capital requirement, strong economy, zero capital gains tax, low tax rates, excellent infrastructure, and several interesting government schemes and subsidies. Also, the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), a body responsible for the regulatory environment of business establishments, oversees the company registration process in Singapore. Launching or registering a company in Singapore is quick, if done systematically. This article provides step-by-step instructions to register a company in Singapore, in a simple and systematic manner.
Steps to Register a Company in Singapore
Step 1: Finalize the Establishment Type
First and foremost decide on the legal structure that is ideal for your business, keeping in mind the tax benefits. In case of a Private Limited Company establishment type, you need to consider the higher registration cost, complex compliance requirements post registration, and risks involved. A Private Limited Company establishment type is recommended to businesses that involve higher risks, long-term plans, and high profits. On the other hand, Sole Proprietorship is ideal for a small business with minimum risk factors and less post-registration compliance requirements. Another option is Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), where the funds and resources are provided by two or more partners. The chargeable profits of Sole Proprietorship and LLP will be accessed as per the owner’s income and subjected to personal tax rates. Although a Private Limited Company attracts more investors and provides better financial options, the existing compliance cost for this entity is higher compared to that of Sole Proprietorship or Limited Liability Partnership Company. Go through the registration process for a Private Limited Company before finalizing the establishment type.
Step 2: Finalize a Company Name
Naming your business can be quite an exciting affair. However, we suggest you choose a name that is relevant to your business. While deciding names, be mindful not to use undesirable names or those that are identical to other companies. After you shortlist probable names, check if they are available or already taken up by other companies. An easy way to check if the name you have chosen is still available is by using the Singapore Company Name Checker Tool. After short listing the name, apply for approval with ACRA. In case there are no discrepancies and the selected name meets all requirements mentioned in the guidelines, it will be approved immediately. To avoid delay in the registration, we request our clients to provide two additional names apart from the preferred one.
Step 3: Keep the Necessary Details Ready
Keep the following list of items ready before proceeding with the registration process.
• ACRA approved company name
• Brief description of business activities
• Personal identification and address details of at least one resident director in your company
• Personal identification and address details of shareholders
• Local company office registered address
• Details of the appointed Company Secretary
• Paid-up initial capital of minimum SGD 1
Step 4: Register a Singapore Company
After ACRA approves the name of your company, the next step is to register your company. Submit the duly signed application form along with relevant documents and registration fees. If all your documents are in order, the Registrar will approve the registration within one working day. However, if additional information or documents are needed, then the registration process might take longer.
Step 5: Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
On approval of your registration application and completion of the Singapore Company incorporation, you will receive an official email notification containing the Certificate of Incorporation along with the company’s registration number from ACRA. For a hard copy, place an online request to ACRA along with a payment of SGD 50 per copy. You can collect the hard copy from the ACRA office the next day. Post incorporation, your company will receive a Business Profile, a PDF document, containing vital information like company name, registration number, previous names for company, if any, incorporation date, principle activities, paid-up capital, registered address, shareholder details, director details, and company secretary details.
Step 6: Post Incorporation Tasks
Post incorporation, the company must ensure that the following are in order:
• Shareholders’ share certificates
• Share register containing details of shares allotted to each of the shareholders
• Company seal
• Company rubber stamp
Step 7: Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account in Singapore is a quick and simple process. Singapore offers a huge choice of banks that include international as well as regional banks. Due to the strict international regulatory regime, we suggest that you are physically available to open your corporate bank account. However, if it is not possible for you to be physically present, we will guide you through your corporate bank account opening process. Click here for more details and documents required for opening the bank account.
Step 8: Get a Business License
All businesses need a license to operate. Some businesses may even need more than one. After receiving Certificate of Incorporation, you must apply for your company license with the concerned government agencies.
Step 9: GST Registration
All companies with annual revenue above SGD 1 million must register for the Goods and Service Tax (GST) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Companies with annual revenue below SGD 1 million need not register. GST is charged on goods and services sold to clients, which is then remitted to the tax authorities by the company.
Step 10: Filing Annual Returns
It is mandatory for Singapore registered companies to prepare their annual financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards of Singapore. They also have to file the Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) form with Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) within three months of the financial year-end. Apart from this, the company must also file annual returns with ACRA within a month of its Annual General Meeting, which must be held once every calendar year.
All the steps mentioned above must be executed systematically. To avoid penalties and prosecution, it is advisable to appoint a corporate service provider to handle your company’s annual filing and ongoing compliance obligations.