What Is a Singapore Pte Ltd — and Why It’s the Only Option for Foreigners

A Singapore Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the most widely used legal entity for foreign entrepreneurs establishing a business in Singapore.

  • 100% Foreign OwnershipForeigners can fully own a Singapore Pte Ltd without local shareholders.
  • Limited Liability ProtectionShareholders’ liability is limited to their paid-up capital.
  • Global Banking & CredibilityRecognized by international banks, payment processors, and partners.
  • Regulated by ACRAIncorporated and supervised by Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

ACRA licensed corporate service provider Singapore official verification logoACRA-Licensed Singapore Corporate Service Provider

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CSP Act 2024 Compliant

Operating under strict AML and RORC protocols to ensure 100% compliance with the latest regulations.

Verified Transparency

Full visibility on the ACRA Directory of Registered Filing Agents. We uphold the highest standards of integrity.

12,000+ Entrepreneurs
80+ Countries
Since 2011 Service History

What Is an ACRA Licensed Corporate Service Provider (CSP) in Singapore?

An ACRA licensed Corporate Service Provider (CSP) in Singapore is an authorised firm approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority to provide company incorporation, nominee director, and statutory compliance services under the CSP Act. Foreigners must engage a licensed CSP to register and maintain a Singapore Pte Ltd.

Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose Singapore in 2026

Singapore ranks #1 in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index.
Here's why it's the top choice for global startups and scaling businesses.

Singapore tax incentives and startup tax exemption for foreign owned companies
Singapore strategic location and Asia Pacific business hub advantages

World-Class Tax Benefits

Gateway to 4.5 Billion consumers in Southeast Asia

  • Startup tax exemptions: Effective rate as low as 4.25% on first S$200K profits
  • 50% tax rebate up to S$44,000 in 2026
  • No capital gains tax, dividend tax, or inheritance tax
  • Extensive tax treaties with 96+ countries(avoid double taxation)

Strategic Asia-Pacific Hub

Gateway to 4.5 billion consumers in Southeast Asia

  • Access ASEAN Free Trade Area (zero tariffs on most goods)
  • Located at the crossroads of major shipping lines
  • Direct flights to 400+ cities worldwide (Changi Airport)
  • English as business language — seamless communication

Streamlined Company Setup

Fast and straightforward incorporation process

  • Register company in 24 hours
  • 100% foreign ownership allowed
  • Minimal paid-up capital (S$1)
  • No physical presence required

Business-Friendly Ecosystem

Supportive environment for growth and innovation

  • World's #1 ease of business ranking
  • Strong IP protection laws
  • Government grants & funding programs
  • Stable political & economic environment

Global Banking Hub

Secure and accessible financial services

  • Multi-currency corporate accounts
  • Access to international payment gateways
  • Strong banking privacy protections
  • Fintech-friendly regulations

Key 2025 Regulatory Changes for Foreign — Owned Singapore Companies

Singapore introduced significant compliance changes in 2025. HSJGlobal ensures your company meets all new requirements from day one.

Singapore register of registrable controllers RORC compliance requirement

Immediate RORC Registration (Effective June 2025)

All Singapore companies must maintain a Register of Registrable Controllers from the date of incorporation. There is no longer a grace period. Foreign founders must ensure accurate disclosure to avoid penalties.

Mandatory ACRA licensed corporate service provider requirement for foreigners

Mandatory Use of an ACRA-Licensed CSP

Foreigners are legally required to engage an ACRA-licensed Corporate Service Provider for company incorporation and ongoing compliance under the CSP Act 2024.

Common Challenges Foreigners Face When Registering a Singapore Company

Starting a business in foreign jurisdictions is complex. We've helped 12,000+ founders overcome these exact challenges.

C1. Corporate Bank Account Rejection

Foreign-owned Singapore companies face stricter bank KYC requirements.Incomplete documentation and unclear business models are the main reasons for rejection.

2. Meeting Local Director and Compliance Requirements

Singapore law requires at least one resident director.Foreign founders typically appoint a professional nominee director to meet this legal requirement and remain compliant.

Can Foreigners Register a Singapore Company Without a Local Director?

No. Foreigners cannot register or operate a Singapore company without appointing at least one locally resident director, as required under Singapore company law. However, licensed CSPs can provide compliant nominee director arrangements while allowing 100% foreign ownership and control.

How to Register a Singapore Pte Ltd as a Foreigner (Step-by-Step)

From initial consultation to fully operational business — complete process in 2-3 weeks

day 1

Free Consultation & Planning

30-minute video call to understand your business model, goals, and requirements. We'll recommend the optimal company structure and walk you through the entire process.

  • No obligation • Get clarity on costs, timeline, and requirements
Days 2-3

Document Preparation & Name Approval

We guide you through document preparation (passport copies, proof of address, etc.). Meanwhile, we submit your desired company name to ACRA for approval.

  • Name approval: Usually within 24 hours
  • We handle all ACRA correspondence
Days 4-5

ACRA Registration Completed

Once documents are ready and name approved, we submit the incorporation application to ACRA. Your company is officially registered within 24 hours!

  • Receive: Certificate of Incorporation, Business Profile, UEN, Constitution, Share Certificates
Days 6-21

Corporate Bank Account Opening

We assist with preparing KYC documents, business plans, and coordinate with our banking partners. DBS typically approves within 12 days, OCBC within 18 days.

  • 83% success rate • Multiple bank options if first choice declines

100% Remote Process — All steps completed from your home country via secure digital channels.

Day 22+

Business Operational & Ongoing Support

Bank account activated — you can now receive payments, pay suppliers, and operate globally. HSJGlobal continues providing compliance support, reminders, and guidance.

  • You're officially in business! Time to grow and scale.

How Can Non-Residents Open a Singapore Corporate Bank Account?

Non-residents can open a Singapore corporate bank account remotely after company incorporation, subject to each bank’s independent KYC and risk assessment. Engaging an ACRA licensed CSP for pre-screening, documentation, and bank matching significantly improves approval outcomes.

Experience with Foreign-Owned Singapore Companies

HSJGlobal has supported foreign founders from over 80 countries in setting up and maintaining Singapore Pte Ltd companies.

Trusted by International Founders

  • Clients across Europe, Middle East, North America & Asia-Pacific
  • SaaS, trading, consulting, e-commerce & holding structures
  • Non-resident founders & complex shareholder setups

Real-World Setup Scenarios

  • EU SaaS Founder: APAC HQ with remote bank account
  • Middle East Trading: Multi-currency settlement hub
  • US Consultant: Singapore entity for regional invoicing

Core Singapore Pte Ltd Registration Services for Foreigners

Clients work with us for a combination of structured thinking, coordinated execution and long-term alignment with their growth plans.

Singapore Pte Ltd company incorporation service for foreign founders
  • Company Incorporation: Name reservation, ACRA filing,issuance of incorporation documents, and UEN registration.
Nominee director and company secretary service Singapore
  • Nominee Director & Company Secretary:Appointment of a compliant Singapore resident director and statutory company secretary.
Singapore corporate bank account opening assistance for foreigners
  • Corporate Bank Account Assistance:Guidance on bank selection and preparation of required KYC documents.

Additional services such as accounting, tax filing, and work pass applications are available upon request.

Singapore Pte Ltd Registration Cost for Foreigners (2026)

The cost of registering a Singapore Pte Ltd for foreigners typically ranges from SGD 1,500 to SGD 3,500 in 2026, depending on the scope of services required. This usually includes government filing fees, licensed CSP services, and mandatory nominee or compliance arrangements.

Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Fees

Choose the package that fits your needs. All packages include ACRA registration,company secretary, and registered office address.

Package Best For Price (SGD) What's included
Pte Ltd Startup Package
Most Popular
Solo entrepreneurs & small startups with simple structures
S$699
PROMO
Regular S$999
  • ACRA company registration
  • Company secretary (1st year)
  • Registered office address (1st year)
  • Constitution & incorporation docs
  • Email support
  • Limited availability — first 20 clients/month
Entrepreneur Package
Foreign founders needing full support
S$2,500
  • Everything in Startup Package
  • Nominee director service (1st year)
  • Corporate bank account assistance
  • Free entrepreneur toolkit (worth S$500)
  • Priority email & phone support
  • 30-min strategy consultation call
Premium Package
Full Service
Established businesses & complex structures
S$3,500
  • Everything in Entrepreneur Package
  • Compliance advisory (ongoing)
  • Tax optimization consultation
  • Government grant application support
  • Dedicated account manager
  • 24/7 urgent support line
  • Quarterly business reviews

Or schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs

How HSJGlobal Compares to Typical CSP Providers

Aspect Typical CSP HSJGlobal
Foreign Founder Focus Mixed Foreigners Only
Bank Pre-Screening Not Included Included
ACRA Compliance Setup Post-Incorporation Day 1
Remote Setup Partial 100% Remote

Singapore Pte Ltd Registration for Foreigners – FAQs

Get answers to the most common questions about Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners

Can foreigners register a Singapore Pte Ltd company?

Yes. Foreigners can register a Singapore Pte Ltd with 100% foreign ownership. By law, you must appoint at least one local resident director and engage an ACRA-licensed CSPto handle the incorporation.

Can non-residents register a Singapore company without visiting Singapore?

Yes. Non-residents can complete the entire Singapore Pte Ltd registration 100% remotely. Through an ACRA-licensed CSP, all documents can be signed and filed electronically, meaning no visit to Singapore is required.

Can foreigners open a Singapore corporate bank account remotely?

Yes, remote bank openingis possible for many foreigners. While approval depends on your business model and KYC documentation, our clients enjoy a high 83% success ratewithout visiting Singapore.

How much does it cost to register a Singapore Pte Ltd for foreigners in 2026?

For foreign founders, the total setup cost typically ranges from SGD 1,500 to SGD 3,500. This includes mandatory ACRA government fees , nominee director services, corporate secretary appointment, and a registered office address.

How long does Singapore Pte Ltd registration take for foreigners?

The company incorporation itself is fast, usually completed within 1–3 working days. However, corporate bank account opening typically takes 1–4 weeks, depending on the bank's internal due diligence and KYC requirements.

Is an ACRA-licensed CSP required for foreign founders?

Yes. Under Singapore law, foreigners cannot self-register and must engage an ACRA-licensed Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to incorporate a company and filing requirements.

Do foreigners need a local director to register a Singapore company?

Yes. The Companies Act requires at least one resident director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or EntrePass holder). If you do not have a local partner, professional nominee director services are commonly used to meet this legal requirement.

What are the common reasons foreigners fail to open a bank account in Singapore?

The most common reasons for rejection include incomplete KYC documentation, unclear business models, and origins from high-risk jurisdictions. At our firm, we mitigate these risks by pre-screening your application to ensure full compliance with bank requirements.

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