Ranked by the World Bank as one of the easiest places for business, Singapore offers quick setup and simple compliance rules
Attractive Tax System
Competitive corporate tax rate of 17%, compared to the majority of markets
Startups that are eligible can enjoy tax exemptions and government incentives
No capital gains tax, making it attractive for long-term business growth
Clearly and effectively managed tax laws by IRAS
Build Instant Credibility
Singapore is also known to have good governance and transparency in business worldwide
Companies registered in Singapore have increased credibility from banks, investors, and clients
Improves confidence when dealing with suppliers and international partners
Better access to business banking and financing opportunities
Strategic Location in Asia
Singapore is a key gateway to Southeast Asia and international markets
Excellent connectivity through major airports, ports, and digital infrastructure
Perfect site of regional headquarters, trading businesses and expansion strategies
Availability of talented labour force and good professional ecosystem
Company Incorporation Requirements in Singapore
To register a company in Singapore, businesses must meet the requirements set byACRA.
Preparing these items early helps speed up the incorporation process.
Types of Companies You Can Incorporate in Singapore
Choosing the right company type is important as it influences the degree of liability protection, taxation, the necessity to comply with requirements, and expansion prospects in the future. Whether you are a startup founder, SME owner, or foreign investor, selecting the right entity helps build a strong foundation for your business.
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
Separate legal entity from shareholders and directors
Shareholders enjoy limited liability protection
Eligible for corporate tax benefits and startup tax exemptions
Easier to raise capital and onboard investors
Suitable for businesses seeking growth and scalability
A Private Limited Company is the most popular business structure in Singapore due to its flexibility, credibility, and growth potential. It is commonly chosen by startups, SMEs, and businesses planning long-term expansion.
Sole Proprietorship
Easy and lower-cost to set up
Full control remains with the owner
No separate legal entity from the owner
Owner is personally liable for business debts
Profits are taxed as personal income
A Sole Proprietorship is a simple business structure owned and managed by one individual or corporate entity. It is often chosen by freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small business owners.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Partners are generally protected from liabilities caused by other partners
Flexible management structure
Fewer compliance requirements than a private limited company
Suitable for consultants, agencies, and professional practices
Ideal for businesses with two or more active partners
A Limited Liability Partnership is a partnership with an added advantage of limited liability. Professional service firms and businesses having more than one partner usually use it.
Subsidiary Company
Separate legal entity from the parent company
Parent company can retain ownership control
May qualify for local tax incentives
Suitable for foreign companies entering the Singapore market
Provides operational flexibility and liability protection
A Subsidiary Company is a separate entity which is partly or fully owned by a local or foreign parent company. Overseas companies venturing into Singapore often use it.
Branch Office
Extension of the foreign parent company
Parent company remains liable for branch obligations
Can conduct commercial activities in Singapore
Suitable for international businesses with existing operations
Often used for regional presence and direct expansion
Branch Office enables a foreign company to make direct operations in Singapore without establishing a separate legal entity. It is applicable to those overseas businesses that are expanding their activities.
Representative Office
Cannot generate revenue or conduct commercial sales
Can perform market research and liaison activities
Suitable for testing the Singapore market
Useful for evaluating expansion opportunities
Often the first step before setting up a subsidiary or branch office
A Representative Office is a temporary setup for foreign companies exploring business opportunities in Singapore before full incorporation. It is commonly used for market entry planning.
Important Considerations Before Incorporating
Before starting a business in Singapore, it is important to assess your company structure, ownership model, compliance responsibilities, and long-term growth plans.
Key Statutory Requirements
At least 1 local resident director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore
At least 1 shareholder (individual or corporate entity)
A local registered office address in Singapore
A company secretary appointed within 6 months of incorporation
Minimum paid-up capital from S$1
Documents Required
For Directors and Shareholders:
NRIC or passport copy
Proof of residential address
Personal particulars and contact details
Shareholding information
For Company Registration:
Proposed company name
Principal business activity/SSIC code
Company constitution
Registered office address details
Choosing the Right Business Structure
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) – Best for growth and investment
Sole Proprietorship – Best for solo owners with simple operations
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Best for partnerships and professional firms
Any individual that is 18 years and above can be made a director, provided that there are legal eligibility requirements. One of the directors has to be a resident of Singapore.
Any individual that is 18 years and above can be made a director, provided that there are legal eligibility requirements. One of the directors has to be a resident of Singapore.
Directors are responsible for:
Maintaining proper company records
Ensuring timely annual filings
Meeting tax and statutory obligations
Acting in the best interest of the company
Registered Office Address
Must be a physical Singapore address
Cannot be a P.O. Box
Used for ACRA and government correspondence
Professional registered address services are available if needed
Tax & Compliance Obligations
After incorporation, companies must meet ongoing compliance requirements with Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and ACRA.
This may include:
Annual return filing
Corporate income tax filing
Maintaining accounting records
GST registration (if applicable)
Annual general meeting requirements (where applicable)
Banking & Operational Setup
After incorporation, businesses should prepare for day-to-day operations.
Common next steps:
Open a corporate bank account
Set up accounting and bookkeeping systems
Apply for business licences if required
Arrange payroll and employee onboarding
Define financial year end
Future Growth & Expansion Plans
Think beyond incorporation and choose a structure that supports long-term growth.
We learn about your business and recommend the best incorporation structure in Singapore.
Document Preparation
We prepare and organize all documents, from name reservation to incorporation and shareholder agreements.
Submission to Authorities
We handle your company registration by submitting all forms directly to ACRA on your behalf.
Incorporation Approval
We ensure you enjoy a smooth process and receive Singapore company incorporation approval in just a few days.
Post-Incorporation Service
We assist with bank account opening, tax registration, and ensure full legal compliance moving forward.
We Handle the Paperwork,You Build the Business
From company incorporation to accounting, tax, and work pass applications, One Tax CM ensures everything runs smoothly. Focus on what matters, we’ll handle the rest.
"Exceptional accounting services, attentive support, and budget-friendly software solutions for lasting results."
I have been using their accounting and secretarial services since 2014 and not only they have been top-notch, their team is accommodating, patient and gives good advice on maintaining proper accounting records. One Tax has also provided my firm with cost-effective accounting software solutions which helps me solve my accounting woes for the long haul.
— Jing Wei s
"Expert accounting services, responsive team, and tailored solutions for SMEs."
We have never been let down or kept waiting for an answer. As an SME, we feel we are in good hands with One Tax CM, who thoroughly understand our complex business structure and requirements, keep us up to date with Singapore’s tax regulations and have helped us with forward planning.
— John & Cassie
"Reliable accounting services, supportive team, and efficient business solutions for entrepreneurs."
Lancaster provided a legitimate avenue for me to leave my 9 to 5 job and start my own business. The opening of bank account, EP application, accounting and taxation were well handled through this team. I am now my own boss and I have a team to thank for assisting me on that journey. Trustworthy, reliable, and responsive; I have since recommended him to many of my peers who wanted to pursue their own business as well.
— William Ng
"Professional accounting services, responsive support, and tailored business solutions for optimal results."
If anyone is looking for a corporate service provider to incorporate a company in Singapore, you must talk to the team at One Tax CM. I Spoke with Multiple organizations but none of that compared to the amazing support and responsiveness of Lancaster and his team. The truly understand is what required and have a great “can do” attitude to helping you setup your business optimally.
— Mick Spiers
"Efficient accounting services, proactive support, and customized solutions to meet business needs."
Having multiple engagements with One Tax CM, they impressed me by their speed and quality of service. Their handling of the company incorporation and corporate account opening were seamless. They are always so helpful to share their professional advice and I certainly have no qualms recommending them to my..
— Sandy Tan
EXCELLENT
Based on 43 reviews
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Hemant
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We had a wonderful experience dealing with & working with the entire team at One Tax CM. A huge shout out to Lancaster, Emilia, Karyn and the team for extreme professionalism, great response times & always willing to solve our queries with patience.
Definitely recommend using their services to anyone looking to start their business!
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John Kos
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Outstanding service, great staff with exceptional efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process. Communication was prompt, attention to detail was excellent and everything was handled seamlessly and on time. Highly recommend for anyone looking for reliable and efficient business accounting support.
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Clement Chia
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We had an excellent experience with One Tax CM Pte Ltd and their dedicated team. They are knowledgeable in company incorporation, corporate secretarial support, and other related business services. The team is attentive, responsive, and always committed to delivering quality assistance while ensuring all regulatory requirements are properly met. I would confidently recommend them to anyone in need of professional corporate services.
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Calvin Loa
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I highly recommend Emilia and her team at One Tax CM to anyone looking for a corp sec team. Our company has been incorporated in Singapore for several years and gone through 2 other corporate sec companies and have been dissatisfied with their lack of response, high turnover rate of staff and thus creating redundant work and email responses on my end, and inexperience which causes recommendations that are not ideal for my company's situation.
One Tax CM solves all these problems. With a dedicated team, you have quick responses even after work hours and strong connections in Singapore that can recommend leaders in different industries that I need.
In the world of corporate secretaries, if you're looking for the cheapest services, you will also get the quality you pay for. While One Tax CM is not the cheapest, they are also far from the most expensive but you'll get the best value here.
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arjan ahluwalia
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Working with One Tax has been great, I had a fantastic consultation with Lancaster on their services !
Highly recommend it !
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Zach Ang
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I was previously using another corp sec, but always had to chase and chase and chase. Lancaster and his team are truly outstanding. Fuss free, and they take care of everything for you. If you’re a business owner, engage them for your next round. You won’t regret it, in fact, you’ll be happier that you did. Thank you very much, Lancaster & Team!
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MAE GLOBAL
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Best services !!
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Xiang Sheng
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Excellent service for company incorporation and corporate secretarial support. The team demonstrated strong professionalism, clear communication, and efficiency throughout the process. We appreciate their guidance and would highly recommend their services to anyone setting up a company in Singapore.
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Tommillusions
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Spoke to Lancaster of OneTax CM and team. They are prompt and professional. Giving the most sound advice as well as most effective way for us to maintain our business ooerarions smooth, from incorporating and the accounts and tax side of business. Highly recommended.
Register a Company in Singapore
with Expert Guidance
The process of incorporation can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the local requirements and regulations. That’s where expert guidance can make all the difference. One Tax CM offers personalized and professional assistance to help you register a company in Singapore without the hassle.
Singapore is ranked among the top places globally for ease of doing business. Here’s why registering a company here is a smart move:
1. Pro-Business Tax System
Singapore offers a flat corporate tax rate of 17% and significant tax exemptions for eligible startups. There’s no capital gains tax, and dividends are tax-free—allowing your business to maximize profitability.
2. Strategic Geographic Location
Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore serves as a gateway to regional and global markets. With strong trade infrastructure and world-class connectivity, it’s ideal for international business expansion.
3. Efficient Business Environment
Backed by ACRA and BizFile+, the company registration process in Singapore is streamlined and can be completed within days. The regulatory environment is transparent, stable, and highly supportive of new businesses.
– Choose a unique company name and reserve it via ACRA’s BizFile+. – Decide your business structure (Pte Ltd is the most common). – Appoint at least one local resident director and a company secretary.
2. Incorporation Process
– Submit incorporation documents to ACRA, including identification and company constitution. – Once approved, you’ll receive your company registration number within 1–3 business days.
3. Post-Incorporation Requirements
– Open a corporate bank account in Singapore. – Register for corporate tax with IRAS. – Maintain statutory records and fulfill annual filing obligations.
Some common hurdles include name rejections, incomplete document submissions, or lack of local compliance knowledge. One Tax CM helps you overcome these challenges with proactive support, ensuring your application is error-free and fully compliant.
– Personalized incorporation advice tailored to your business type and goals. – Expert team with deep knowledge of Singapore’s legal and tax environment. – End-to-end services—from name reservation to post-incorporation compliance. – Trusted by over 600 businesses across industries. – Competitive and transparent pricing.
Ready to launch your company in Singapore? Partner with One Tax CM for a seamless, expert-guided experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward successful company registration.
