How to Register a Company in Singapore in 2026: Step-by-Step for Locals and Foreigners
Registering a private limited company in Singapore costs S$315 in ACRA fees, foreign founders can own 100% of it, and the entire process is done online through ACRA’s Bizfile portal. Once your name is approved, registration can be processed within minutes of payment, though name review takes up to 3 working days and longer if it is referred to another agency. HeySara, a corporate service provider (CSP) registered with ACRA, guides founders through every step.
For the step-by-step process and timeline, see our Company Registration Process in Singapore guide.
Singapore is widely regarded as one of the easiest places in the world to start a business. The company registration framework is a major reason: a single portal, clear requirements, and a transparent fee structure make the process accessible to anyone, local or overseas.
What Is ACRA and What Is Bizfile?
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is Singapore’s national regulator for business entities and public accountants.Bizfile is ACRA’s online filing and information portal, available at bizfile.gov.sg, where all company registrations are submitted.
Every registered business in Singapore receives a Unique Entity Number (UEN) — your company’s official ID used for all regulatory, banking, and tax purposes.
Choosing Your Business Structure
The most popular choice for entrepreneurs and investors is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). It offers limited liability, a competitive 17% corporate tax rate with start-up exemptions, and higher credibility with banks, investors, and enterprise clients.
Other structures include a Sole Proprietorship (S$115 in ACRA fees for one year: S$15 name plus S$100 registration, simple but with unlimited personal liability — suited to freelancers and solo service providers), a Limited Liability Partnership (S$115 in ACRA fees: S$15 name plus S$100 registration, common for professional firms).
For most founders — especially those who plan to hire staff, raise investment, or work with corporate clients — a Pte Ltd is the right choice.
Registering as a Local or as a Foreigner?
The essentials above apply to every founder. From here, the process differs depending on your residency status — choose the guide that matches your situation for the full step-by-step walkthrough, required documents, and costs:
- Singapore citizen or PR? See our complete guide to company incorporation for locals.
- Foreign founder? See our complete guide to company incorporation for foreigners, including nominee director options and Employment Pass follow-on steps.
Key Requirements Summary Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Government fee | S$315 (S$15 name + S$300 registration) |
| Minimum shareholders | 1 |
| Maximum shareholders | 50 (for Pte Ltd) |
| Minimum directors | 1 (at least one must be Singapore-resident) |
| Minimum paid-up capital | S$1 |
| Company secretary | Must appoint within 6 months |
| Registered office address | Registered office address in Singapore (must be a physical address in Singapore, not a P.O. box) |
| Processing time | Name review: up to 3 working days (longer if referred to another agency). Registration is often processed within minutes of payment. |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted |
Can a Foreigner Register a Company in Singapore?
Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of a Pte Ltd. There is no requirement for a local partner or co-founder. The only requirement is that at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. Foreigners who are not yet in Singapore typically fulfil this through a nominee director service. See our full guide for foreign founders for the complete process.
Why Use HeySara?
HeySara is a corporate service provider (CSP) registered with ACRA that has helped over 3000 companies incorporate and manage compliance in Singapore and offshore.. As a one-stop service provider, HeySara handles your company name reservation, incorporation filing, nominee director, registered address, and company secretary appointment — so you can focus on building your business.
