Question 1

Do I need to be in Singapore or have a local partner to start?

Accepted Answer

No. You can own 100% of your company from anywhere and never set foot in Singapore to incorporate. The one local requirement is a resident director, which is covered by our nominee service in the foreigner package — so you keep full control while the legal box stays ticked.

Question 2

How much do I actually pay, and are government fees on top?

Accepted Answer

The plan price is what you pay — the mandatory ACRA fees (S$315 to incorporate and S$60 for the annual return) are already built into it, not added at the end. Plans start at S$950 for incorporation with a company secretary, with accounting and the foreigner essentials bundled in the higher tiers.

Question 3

What's the catch with the resident-director requirement?

Accepted Answer

There isn't one. Singapore law just needs one director who lives locally. A nominee fills that seat on paper for compliance only — they have no say in your business, no signing power over your accounts, and no shareholding. It's a standard, legal arrangement for foreign-owned companies.

Question 4

Can I open a business bank account if I'm not a resident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We introduce you to local banks and digital payment providers that onboard non-residents, and many can open an account remotely. The bank makes the final decision, but we prepare your application to give it the best shot.

Question 5

How much tax will my company really pay?

Accepted Answer

Singapore's headline corporate rate is 17%, but it's single-tier — profits are taxed once, and dividends you take out aren't taxed again. There's no capital gains tax, and newly incorporated companies can claim start-up exemptions, so most pay an effective rate well below 17% in the early years.

Question 6

What has to happen every year once I'm set up?

Accepted Answer

Each year you file an annual return with ACRA, hold an AGM, and keep your bookkeeping and tax filings current. Our Full Compliance plan rolls the company secretary, those filings, and your first year of accounting into one price so nothing slips through the cracks.

Question 7

Pte Ltd or sole proprietorship — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

For most founders, a Pte Ltd: it's a separate legal entity, so your personal assets are protected, and it unlocks the corporate tax exemptions. A sole proprietorship is cheaper to run but leaves you personally liable for every debt and taxed at personal rates — fine for a small side venture, risky for a growing business.

Question 8

Can I switch to you from another provider or a DIY setup?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you already have a Singapore company, we can take over the company secretary role and your ongoing compliance and accounting. You don't need to re-incorporate — we step in, review where things stand, and keep you in good standing from there.

Singapore Formation Services

Singapore Formation Services

Pte Ltd Formation

Corporate Secretary

Nominee Director

Employment Pass

Registered Address

Accounting & Tax

Business Bank Account

CorpPass Registration

Form your entity

Protect your privacy

Stay operational

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