Last updated: 29 October 2026 · 9 min read
Key Takeaways
- ACRA’s fees to register a private limited company are S$315 (S$15 name application plus S$300 registration), paid through Bizfile.
- An approved company name is held for 120 days, so you need to register within that window.
- Foreigners without a Singpass must use a corporate service provider (CSP) to register.
- Since 16 June 2025, nominee and controller registers (ROND, RONS, RORC) are filed with ACRA on the day a new company registers.
- On approval you receive a notice of incorporation, your UEN and a free Business Profile. The certificate of incorporation is bought separately.
Registering a private limited company in Singapore costs S$315 in ACRA fees (S$15 for the name application and S$300 for registration), and the whole process is done online through Bizfile. You can file it yourself if you have a Singpass, or engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to do it for you. Foreigners without a Singpass must use a CSP.
This guide walks through the process step by step, with the timeline and what to do after your company is registered. New to this? Start with our overview, How to Register a Company in Singapore, which covers business structures and key requirements. For a full walkthrough by residency, see our guides for locals and foreigners.
What you need before you register
- An approved company name. ACRA holds an approved name for 120 days, and you must register within that period. See our tips on picking a company name.
- At least one director who is a local resident (Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or EntrePass or Employment Pass holder). Foreign founders can use a nominee director.
- At least one shareholder, and your share capital. The minimum is S$1.
- A registered office address in Singapore.
- Your SSIC code for your principal business activity. See our SSIC Code guide.
- Your financial year end and your company constitution.
A company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation, so you don’t need one at the point of registration.
Step-by-step company registration process
- Reserve your company name. Apply through Bizfile for S$15. ACRA’s review takes up to three working days, and up to 15 working days if the name is referred to another agency.
- Prepare your details. Gather the particulars of directors, shareholders, the company secretary (if appointed at incorporation), your registered office address, SSIC code and share capital.
- Log in to Bizfile. Use Singpass or CorpPass, or have a CSP file for you.
- Enter the company details. Add directors, shareholders, share allotment, constitution and business activities. You also enter your nominee and controller register information (ROND, RONS and RORC). For companies registered from 16 June 2025, these are filed on the day of registration.
- Get the other officers’ endorsement. If a director or other position holder files the application (not a CSP), the other position holders endorse it in Bizfile with their own Singpass before payment.
- Pay the S$300 registration fee. Together with the S$15 name fee, ACRA’s total is S$315.
- Check your Bizfile inbox. On approval you receive a notice of successful incorporation, your UEN, and a link to download a free Business Profile.
How long does it take?
The time depends mainly on your name and business activity. The name application takes up to three working days for ACRA to review, and longer if it is referred to another agency. If your name and details are straightforward and every officer endorses promptly, registration itself can be quick. Businesses in regulated activities may need approval from other agencies, which adds time.
File it yourself or use a CSP?
| File through Bizfile yourself | Engage a CSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Locals and foreigners with a Singpass | Anyone, including foreigners without a Singpass |
| Who files | A director or other position holder | The CSP, on your behalf |
| Endorsements | Other officers endorse with their own Singpass | The CSP manages the process with your officers |
| ACRA fee | S$315 | S$315, plus the CSP’s service fee |
| After registration | You set up and maintain your registers and filings | The CSP can set up your statutory registers and handle ongoing filings |
What to do after your company is registered
- Check your documents. Your notice of incorporation, UEN and Business Profile arrive automatically. If a bank or overseas party asks for a signed copy, an authorised officer can buy the certificate of incorporation through Bizfile. Other documents, such as a Certificate of Good Standing, are also bought separately.
- Appoint a company secretary within six months (see how to appoint one) and an auditor within three months, unless your company is exempt.
- Open a corporate bank account. Requirements vary by bank. Some require directors to be in Singapore, while others offer remote options. See our guide to opening a corporate bank account.
- Register for GST if needed. Registration is compulsory once your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, either over the past 12 months or if you reasonably expect it to over the next 12 months, and you must apply within 30 days. It is voluntary below that. Exports are zero-rated, not exempt.
- Apply for any licences your business activity requires, before you start trading. See business licences and permits.
- Plan your annual compliance: AGMs and annual returns. See our post-incorporation compliance guide.
- Understand CPF. Employer CPF contributions apply to Singapore citizen and Permanent Resident employees, but not to foreign work pass holders.
For a full cost breakdown, see company registration and compliance fees in Singapore.
Need help? HeySara’s company incorporation service handles registration through Bizfile, and our corporate secretarial service looks after your company secretary role, registers and filings. For bookkeeping, see our accounting and taxation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?
ACRA’s fees are S$315: S$15 for the name application and S$300 for registration. If you engage a CSP, its service fee is additional.
How long is an approved company name reserved?
120 days from approval. You need to register the company within that window, or the name is released.
Can a foreigner register a company without being in Singapore?
Foreigners without a Singpass must use a CSP to register. The company also needs at least one local resident director, which can be a nominee director.
How much share capital do I need?
At least S$1. ACRA sets no higher minimum for a private company.
Do I get a certificate of incorporation automatically?
No. ACRA sends a notice of incorporation, your UEN and a free Business Profile. The certificate of incorporation is bought separately through Bizfile.
Do I need a company secretary when I register?
Not at the point of registration, but you must appoint one within six months of incorporation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Registration requirements and fees are set by ACRA and other agencies and are subject to change. While we make every effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, you should 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.
