Open and run a business in Singapore.
Singapore is the operating hub of the Asia-Pacific region, with territorial taxation, a strong regulator (MAS), and the rule of law. Our priority for structures focused on Southeast Asia and for fintech licensing under the PSA.
- Region
- Asia-Pacific
- Class
- Midshore
- CIT
- 17% (с льготами эффективная ставка часто ниже)
- VAT
- 9% GST
- Desk
- Singapore · partner office · since 2019
Available registration forms
Banking & operations
- Banking
- DBS, OCBC, UOB, plus international banks (Standard Chartered, HSBC). Onboarding is manageable with the right ownership structuring and documentation.
- Operations
- For foreign shareholders without a local director, a nominee director is generally required. PSA licensing for fintech operators is a separate track, with its own nuances.
- INNOVA desk
- Singapore · partner office · since 2019
Packages & pricing in Singapore
Services in Singapore
Industries in Singapore
Tools & comparisons
Frequently asked questions — business in Singapore
Singapore consistently ranks in the top 3 globally for ease of doing business. It offers a stable legal system based on English common law, zero capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends, a corporate income tax rate of 17%, and over 90 double-tax agreements. The government actively supports foreign investment, and the strategic location in Southeast Asia provides access to a market of 650 million people in ASEAN.
Foreigners can register a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a branch office, or a representative office. The Pte. Ltd. is by far the most popular choice due to limited liability, separate legal personality, and eligibility for startup tax exemptions. Registration is handled through ACRA's BizFile+ portal and typically takes 1–3 business days once all documents are in order.
Singapore companies pay Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at a flat rate of 17% on chargeable income. There is no capital gains tax and no withholding tax on dividends paid to shareholders. GST at 9% applies to businesses with annual taxable turnover above S$1 million. Singapore uses a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed unless remitted under certain conditions.
A Singapore Pte. Ltd. can typically be incorporated within 1–3 business days through ACRA's BizFile+ online portal. The government filing fee is S$315. If your proposed company name or business activity requires additional review by another government authority — for example, financial services regulated by MAS — approval may take longer. Having all documents prepared in advance (passport, residential address proof, shareholder details) minimises delays.
Yes. Singapore law requires every Pte. Ltd. to have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore — a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or EntrePass/Employment Pass holder. Foreign founders who do not reside in Singapore must appoint a nominee local director. Professional nominee director services typically cost S$1,500–S$3,000 per year and are widely available through licensed corporate service providers.