In these free guides, you will get a complete overview of different types of Singapore business firms and entities, along with their respective benefits and features. According to their nature of structure, all of these firms and entities have to comply with annual regulations and applicable various tax rates.
Making choice of the perfect business structure is the secret of successful entrepreneur.
The most common type of Business Firms and Corporate Entities in Singapore are:
If you wish to carry out an activity on a continual basis for the purpose of profit, you must register the business entity with ACRA. Foreigners can register a company and own 100% of its shareholding. Please refer to “Before You Start” for essential information on starting a business in Singapore.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur residing in Singapore and wish to start and operate a business here, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Eligible foreign entrepreneurs can apply for the EntrePass before incorporating a company with ACRA, or within 6 months after incorporating a company with ACRA. For more information on what businesses are eligible and the application requirements, please visit MOM’s website.
If you are a Dependant’s Pass (DP) holder who wishes to start a business in Singapore, you can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM to run your business, after registering the business with ACRA. For more information on the eligibility and application requirements, please visit MOM’s website.
FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on an appointment (e.g. authorised representative)
The type of business structure you choose depends on your business needs. You should consider the following factors to determine the best structure for you:
One of the requirements of setting up a business in Singapore is that one of the directors/authorised representatives/general partners/managers must be a local resident.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking to set up a business entity in Singapore, you must appoint a locally resident director/authorised representative to manage the company or business if you wish to continue to reside outside Singapore.
A Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder can be appointed as a locally resident authorised representative. FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Director, Secretary).
As a foreigner, you may choose to register any type of business entity provided you are able to fulfil the local residency requirement for the entity selected:
Types of entity |
Local residency requirements |
Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
At least 1 locally resident authorised representative* |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint at least one locally resident authorised representative. Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of a sole proprietorship or a partnership must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the sole proprietorship or partnership. FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Owner, Partner, Director, Secretary) | ||
At least 1 locally resident director |
Foreigners residing overseas can own shares of a Singapore-registered company and may be appointed as a foreign director of the company. FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Owner, Partner, Director, Secretary) | ||
At least 1 locally resident authorised representative* |
For more information, please refer to Registering a Foreign Company. | ||
At least 1 locally resident general partner or local manager |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint a locally resident general partner or local manager. Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of an LP must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the LP. FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Owner, Partner, Director, Secretary) | ||
At least 1 locally resident manager |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint a locally resident manager. Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of an LLP must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the LLP. FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Owner, Partner, Director, Secretary) | ||
The authorised representative must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident or an employment pass holder. This authorised representative has personal liability for the appointment.
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