Nominee Director Services
in Singapore
Singapore law requires every company to have at least one locally resident
director. If you’re a foreign founder or non-resident entrepreneur, HeySara
provides a fully ACRA-compliant nominee director — so you can incorporate and operate your Singapore company without relocating.
From S$2,200/year. Appointed within 1 business day.*
What Is a Nominee Director in Singapore?
A nominee director is a locally resident individual — a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid Employment Pass holder — appointed to satisfy Section 145 of the Companies Act (Cap. 50). This law mandates that every Singapore-incorporated company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.
The nominee director’s role is purely statutory. They fulfil the legal residency requirement on paper but do not participate in your business
operations, hold any shares, sign financial documents, or make decisions on your behalf. All business control remains entirely with you, the beneficial owner.
This arrangement is fully legal and widely used by foreign entrepreneurs, multinational companies, and overseas investors who wish to establish a Singapore presence without relocating.
Who Needs a Nominee Director?
Foreign Entrepreneurs
Incorporating a Singapore company from overseas? You are required by ACRA to appoint at least one locally resident director before your company can be registered.
Non-Resident Founders
Already incorporated but don't live in Singapore? A nominee director keeps your company compliant while you run operations remotely from anywhere in the world.
Foreign Companies Expanding to Singapore
Setting up a Singapore subsidiary or branch? You'll need a local resident director before ACRA can approve your registration. Our nominees step in immediately.
The Legal Requirement: Companies Act Section 145
Under Section 145 of the Singapore Companies Act, every company incorporated in Singapore must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore at all times. “Ordinarily resident” means the person must hold one of the following:
- Singapore Citizenship
- Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)
- An Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass with a Singapore residential address
Failure to maintain a locally resident director is a statutory offence. ACRA may issue fines, and in serious cases, initiate strike-off proceedings against the company.
A nominee director service is the standard, legally recognised solution for
foreign founders and non-residents to meet this requirement while maintaining full beneficial ownership and control.
How Our Nominee Director Service Works
- Get in Touch With Us Reach out to our team via WhatsApp, email, or by booking a call. Tell us about your company, your business activities, and your timeline. We'll confirm suitability and answer any questions before moving forward.
- Sign the Nominee Director Service Agreement We prepare a legally binding Nominee Director Deed that clearly defines the nominee's limited role, indemnity protections, and your rights as beneficial owner. Both parties sign before any appointment is made.
- ACRA Filing — Completed Within 1 Business Day * Once the deed is signed, we file the director appointment with ACRA via Bizfile. Your company's profile is updated promptly, keeping you fully compliant.
- Ongoing Compliance Support Your nominee remains in place for the duration of the annual term. We monitor renewal dates and ACRA deadlines and notify you well in advance so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Exit When You're Ready Once you obtain your own EP, PR, or appoint a local director of your choice, we handle the ACRA cessation filing to remove the nominee — smooth, fast, and hassle-free.
Documents Required to Appoint a Nominee Director
From You (the Business Owner):
- Passport copy (for foreign directors/shareholders)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, within 3 months)
- Intended company name (if new incorporation)
- Business activity description (SSIC code)
- Shareholder structure details
Prepared by HeySara:
- Nominee Director Service Agreement (signed by both parties)
- ACRA director appointment form (Form 45B)
- Letter of Consent to Act as Director
- Register of Directors update
All documents are prepared and managed by HeySara. You do not need to engage a separate law firm or visit any government office in person.
Nominee Director Service Fees
3rd Party Nominee
(Standard)-
ACRA director appointment filing
-
Nominee Director service agreement included
-
Annual renewal management
-
Cessation filing when no longer needed
-
Security deposit of S$2,000 may apply
In-House Professional
-
Everything in Standard
-
Business & compliance advisory
-
Faster escalation to HeySara team
-
Suitable for companies with active operations
-
Security deposit of S$2,000 may apply
All HeySara nominee directors are Singapore Citizens or PRs, over 18, with no bankruptcy record, no ACRA disqualification, and no criminal history. Pricing is nett with no hidden fees.
Nominee Director vs. Other Options: Which Is Right for You?
| Nominee Director | Hire a Local Employee as Director | Relocate to Singapore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | From S$2,200/year | S$60,000–S$120,000+/year | High (visa, relocation) |
| Speed | 1 business day* | Weeks to months | 3–6 months |
| Your control | 100% retained | Shared risk | 100% retained |
| Legal complexity | Low — deed protects both parties | Employment contract required | Work visa required |
| Best for | Foreign founders, early-stage | Scaling companies with local ops | Long-term Singapore residents |
Why Foreign Founders Choose HeySara
Legally Protected
Flat, Transparent Fees
S$2,200 or S$2,800 per year. No hidden charges, no bundling, no surprises. We tell you upfront if a security deposit applies to your case.
Zero Business Interference
Appointed in 1 Business Day*
Testimonial
FAQs
A nominee director is a local resident appointed to fulfill Singapore’s legal requirement for every company to have at least one locally resident director. They do not participate in daily operations or business decisions.
Singapore law (Companies Act, Section 145) requires at least one director to be a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder. If you don’t meet this, a nominee director is essential to stay compliant.
No. HeySara’s nominee directors serve strictly for compliance purposes. You retain 100% ownership and decision-making authority.
No. Nominee directors do not sign bank documents, agreements, or act on your behalf unless otherwise agreed under separate arrangements.
Yes. A service agreement outlines all duties, limitations, and indemnities to protect both your company and the nominee director.
Yes. You can appoint your own local director at any time, and we will assist with the ACRA cessation filing.
Failure to meet compliance can result in fines or director disqualification. Our team helps manage filings, deadlines, and ensures your company remains in good standing.
Under Singapore law, all directors — including nominees — carry certain statutory duties. However, HeySara protects nominees through a legally binding Nominee Director Deed that includes indemnity clauses. This means that if a nominee faces liability caused by your actions, you are contractually
obligated to indemnify them. This is standard practice and fully enforceable.
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