Last updated: 10 November 2026
Key Takeaways
- Every Singapore company needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. Using a nominee director is one optional way to meet this.
- A nominee director is a full statutory director. The limits on their role are set by a written agreement.
- Appointment involves due diligence by a corporate service provider, a signed agreement and a filing with ACRA through Bizfile.
- Since 16 June 2025, the nominee and nominator must also be recorded in your private register and filed with ACRA’s Central Register within 2 business days of any change.
Singapore is a lucrative investment hub for foreign investors, but every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. If you are a foreign founder without a local resident to take that seat, a nominee director can fill it. This guide explains how to appoint one, step by step. For the agreement, risks and central register in more depth, see our complete guide to nominee directorship.
Who Is a Nominee Director?
A nominee director is an individual who acts as a director on behalf of another person or entity, known as the nominator. In practice, a foreign owner appoints a Singapore resident through a corporate service provider to sit on the board and meet the local director requirement.
A nominee director is still a full director in the eyes of the law, with the same duties and liabilities as any other director. What differs is the agreed scope of the role: it is usually limited to compliance, and the nominee acts on the nominator’s written instructions.
Do You Need a Nominee Director?
A nominee director is not mandatory. What the law requires is a locally resident director, and there are two ways to get one:
| Feature | Appoint a local director yourself | Use a nominee director |
| Who they are | A co-founder, employee or trusted associate who is a resident | An individual provided through a corporate service provider |
| Role | Can run the business | Usually compliance only |
| Cost | No service fee | Annual fee, and sometimes a refundable deposit |
| Liability | Full director liability | Full director liability, managed through an agreement |
| Filings | Standard officer filings | Standard filings, plus the nominee register and Central Register |
If you have a suitable resident who will take on the role, see appointing a local director. If not, a nominee director from a registered provider is the usual route.
Eligibility Requirements
A person who acts as the company’s resident director must be one of the following:
- A Singapore citizen
- A Singapore Permanent Resident
- An EntrePass or Employment Pass holder. A pass holder may need MOM’s approval to act as a director of a company other than the one sponsoring their pass.
A Dependant’s Pass holder needs a Letter of Consent from MOM before acting as a director. In addition, the person must be a natural person aged at least 18, must consent to the appointment, and must not be disqualified. For example, an undischarged bankrupt cannot be a director.
How to Appoint a Nominee Director
- Choose a registered provider. Since 9 June 2025, any firm providing director services in Singapore must be registered with ACRA as a corporate service provider (CSP). You can check a provider’s registration using Bizfile’s entity search.
- Complete due diligence. The provider will run know-your-client checks on you and your company, which typically covers your identity, ownership, business activities and source of funds. Exact requirements vary by provider.
- Sign a nominee director agreement. The agreement sets the scope of the nominee’s role, the fees, indemnities and the terms for termination or replacement.
- File the appointment with ACRA. The appointment is filed through Bizfile. If you are incorporating a new company, the nominee can be appointed as part of the registration.
- Update the nominee registers. The nominee and nominator are recorded in your private Register of Nominee Directors, and filed with ACRA’s Central Register. See the section below.
Nominee Register Requirements (Effective 16 June 2025)
Since 16 June 2025, a nominee arrangement involves more than the appointment itself:
- The nominee director must tell the company they are a nominee: on the date of incorporation if they already are, or within 30 days of becoming one.
- The company must update its private register within 7 days of a change, such as a director becoming or ceasing to be a nominee.
- The change must then be filed with ACRA’s Central Register within 2 business days of updating the private register.
- There are no extensions, and missing a deadline can lead to prosecution and fines of up to S$25,000.
The nominee’s status appears publicly on the company’s Business Profile, while the nominator’s details are available only to law enforcement agencies. For companies incorporated from 16 June 2025, this information is filed on the day of registration. Related registers are covered in our guides to RONS and the RORC.
Why a Competent Nominee Director Matters
A nominee director must understand the compliance requirements of the Companies Act. A good provider’s nominee will keep to deadlines, sign statutory documents promptly and keep you informed of anything affecting the company. Because the nominee carries personal liability, a provider that screens clients properly, keeps clear records and briefs its nominees on their duties protects both of you.
What It Costs
HeySara’s nominee director service starts from S$2,200 price per year. Fees vary by provider and by what is included. Some providers also ask for a refundable security deposit, which is returned when the arrangement ends. Ask any provider what the annual fee covers and what is charged separately, such as board meetings, replacements or urgent filings.
If You Don’t Have a Suitable Candidate
If you don’t know a suitable Singapore resident, you don’t need to find one yourself. A registered corporate service provider can supply a nominee director, handle the due diligence and agreement, and manage the ACRA filings. Looking to appoint a nominee director? See our nominee director service.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Will my nominee director have management or signing authority?
Usually not. A nominee director is normally appointed for compliance, and the agreement restricts them from managing the business or signing on its behalf. They are still a legal director, so those limits are contractual, and it is best practice to put them in writing.
Who is liable if the company doesn’t comply with statutory requirements?
The company must comply with the Companies Act. If it doesn’t, its directors, including a nominee director, can face fines or prosecution. This is why a clear agreement and a reputable provider matter.
Why do I need a nominee director?
You may not. The law requires a locally resident director. If you or a co-founder is not a resident, a nominee director is one way to meet that rule.
What is the difference between the security deposit and the service fee?
The service fee is the annual payment for the nominee director service. A security deposit, where a provider asks for one, is refundable and is returned when the relationship ends. Providers set their own terms, so confirm both before you sign.
How long does a nominee director serve?
There is no fixed term. You can usually replace or end the arrangement according to the agreement, and the change must be filed with ACRA and the registers updated.
Can my nominee director help with a licence application?
Usually not. Licence applications are business operations, which fall outside a nominee’s compliance-only role. They are typically signed by a director or officer who runs the business.
Can my nominee director open a bank account?
They can be involved in the process if your agreement allows, but best practice is not to make a nominee a bank signatory, because it increases their exposure. Banks also often carry out enhanced due diligence on nominee arrangements.
Is a nominee director’s status public?
The nominee status appears on the company’s Business Profile. The nominator’s details are held in ACRA’s Central Register and are available only to law enforcement agencies.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Director and nominee requirements are set by ACRA and the Companies Act and are subject to change. Verify current requirements on ACRA’s website or consult a qualified professional before making decisions. HeySara accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.
