Last updated: 28 August 2026 · 6 min read
Written by: Daania | Reviewed by: Corporate Secretarial Team, HeySara
Key Takeaways
- Registering a private limited company in Singapore requires ACRA name approval, at least one Singapore-resident director, S$1 minimum paid-up capital, a company secretary appointed within six months, and a local registered office address.
- Total government (ACRA) fees are S$315: S$15 to reserve the company name and S$300 to register the company.
- Local founders with Singpass can self-file via BizFile+; standard applications are typically approved within 3–5 business days once documents are ready.
“Best” moment to register is once your name, structure, and documents are ready — the filing itself is quick. This guide walks Singapore citizens and PRs through what’s required before you file, the filing process itself, and what to handle immediately after incorporation.
ACRA Government Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Company name application | S$15 |
| Company registration | S$300 |
| Total government fees | S$315 |
| Annual return filing (later) | S$60/year |
Fees are fixed by ACRA regardless of company structure or share capital. Figures current as of 28 August 2026 — confirm against ACRA’s fee schedule before filing.
How Long Does It Take?
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Name approval | A few hours to 1 business day |
| Document preparation | Varies by founder |
| ACRA incorporation approval | 1–3 business days for standard cases |
| Total (standard Pte Ltd) | 3–5 business days |
Regulated business activities (finance, education, healthcare, etc.) require additional agency review and can add weeks to this timeline.
Below are the steps to register your company if you are a local resident of Singapore:
Before You File: What You Need
1. An approved company name
ACRA must approve your company name before you can incorporate. It must be unique, free of trademark conflicts, and not contain restricted words. Have 2–3 backup names ready. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days — incorporate within that window or the reservation lapses.
2. A company structure
Singapore recognises several business structures; the private limited company is the standard choice for most founders, offering limited liability and full compliance flexibility. Compare structures →
3. An SSIC code
Every company must declare its business activity using a Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code. Search SSIC codes →
4. A company constitution
A legal document setting out your company’s governance rules — director/shareholder rights, share capital, and internal procedures. You can draft your own or adopt ACRA’s Model Constitution.
5. At least one resident director
Must be 18+ and ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, PR, or eligible pass holder). Non-resident directors are also allowed, provided they hold appropriate documents such as an EntrePass. No cap on the number of directors, resident or otherwise — but each must be free of bankruptcy or disqualification under the Companies Act.
6. At least one shareholder
Minimum 1, maximum depends on company structure. Individuals or corporate entities are both eligible.
7. A company secretary
Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation. Cannot be the company’s sole director. Read more about the roles and responsibilities of a company secretary →
8. S$1 minimum paid-up capital
Can be increased after incorporation — no upper limit.
9. A registered office address in Singapore
Must be a physical address (no P.O. boxes), accessible to the public for at least 3 hours during business hours daily. Residential addresses are permitted for eligible business types. Check out HeySara’s registered office address services →
Steps to Register Your Company
Step 1: Reserve your company name
Submit your name application on BizFile+ — ACRA‘s online platform — via Singpass, or have your corporate service provider file on your behalf. Cost: S$15. Most straightforward names are approved within hours.
Step 2: Prepare your incorporation documents
Gather: company name approval, SSIC code, registered address details, shareholder and director particulars, company secretary details, and your constitution (or adoption of the Model Constitution).
Step 3: File your incorporation application
Submit via BizFile+ using Singpass (local founders) or through your filing agent. Cost: S$300. You’ll be assigned an auto-generated Unique Entity Number (UEN) — or opt for a customised Special UEN (SUN) at an added cost. Find out how to get your Special UEN →
Step 4: Receive ACRA approval and confirm officer roles
Once approved, every director, shareholder, and company secretary must endorse their appointment in BizFile+ within 60 days, or the application lapses.
Step 5: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation and UEN
Issued electronically once all officers confirm. Your Unique Entity Number (UEN) is used on all official documents going forward. Download your free Business Profile within 60 days — after that, it must be purchased from ACRA.
After You’re Incorporated
- Open a corporate bank account — you’ll need your Certificate of Incorporation, Business Profile, Constitution, and certified copies of director/signatory/shareholder NRICs, plus a Board Resolution sanctioning the account and its signatories. Read more on how to open a corporate bank account in Singapore →
- Appoint an auditor within 3 months, unless your company qualifies for audit exemption.
- Check for required licences — depending on your business activity, you may need sector-specific approval before operating: e.g. Singapore Tourism Board (travel agencies), Ministry of Education (schools), Council for Estate Agencies (real estate), or Board of Architects (architectural services).
- Maintain statutory registers — directors, shareholders, CEOs, secretaries, auditors, controllers/beneficial owners (RORC), and nominee director/shareholder registers (ROND/RONS), updated within 14 days of any change via BizFile+.
- Choose your Financial Year End (FYE) — commonly 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, or 31 December. This sets your annual return and AGM deadlines. Changes are possible but capped at an 18-month financial year, and require Registrar approval if your last change was on or after 31 August 2018 and falls within 5 years of that change. Find out more on choosing your FYE →
- Consider trademark registration — optional, but protects your brand under the Trade Marks Act. Processing takes around 12 months; protection lasts 10 years, renewable.
