Company setup in Singapore

Start with the right structure

Explore legal entity forms and registration sources for Singapore. Use the local terminology below when discussing your application with the relevant authority.

Choose a local or foreign-company route

An overseas business can consider a Singapore business structure or registration as a foreign company branch. Compare the obligations of each route before filing.

Local representation

ACRA requires a locally resident person for each business; the role depends on the chosen structure. Check the rules for foreigners and your immigration status before registration.

Company & entity types

Listed forms include commercial companies and other legal entities. A listing is not confirmation that a foreign founder can establish that form. Local names are preserved to avoid misleading legal translations.

Find a legal form or sub-jurisdiction

11 legal forms listed

Partnership

SingaporeELF 0NYS

Limited Partnership

SingaporeELF 17FJLP;limited partnership;Limited Partnership

Limited Liability Partnership

SingaporeELF 5SGVlimited liability partnership;LLP;Limited Liability Partnership

Unlimited Private Company

SingaporeELF BAMJ

Public Company Limited by Guarantee

SingaporeELF HRKG

Private Company Limited by Shares

SingaporeELF IWZF

Sole-Proprietorship

SingaporeELF NFDF

Unlimited Public Company

SingaporeELF QGSA

Unlimited Exempt Private Company

SingaporeELF R997

Public Company Limited by Shares

SingaporeELF VVOX

Exempt Private Company

SingaporeELF Y8W9

Source: GLEIF ELF v1.6, February 2026 ↗. Active codes only; language variants grouped by code. The source is not an exhaustive list of all available legal forms.

What to confirm before applying

These are planning questions, not verified Singapore requirements.

Foreign ownership & activity

Ask whether your nationality, ownership percentage and proposed business activity require investment approval, a local partner or a sector licence.

Directors & local presence

Confirm the required directors, shareholders, registered office, local representative and any residency or company-secretary rules.

Capital & incorporation costs

Obtain the current minimum capital, filing fees, notarisation costs, translations and annual renewal or service charges for the selected legal form.

Tax & ongoing compliance

Verify corporate tax, VAT or sales tax, withholding, beneficial-ownership reporting, accounting, audit and annual-return obligations.

Banking & immigration

Check bank onboarding and source-of-funds evidence separately. Company registration should not be treated as approval for banking, residence or work permission.