How to Set Up Your Business in Singapore

Choose your business structure

Business entities in Singapore are licensed and regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). There are several types of business structures that can be set up in Singapore. The ACRA website will provide you with more information about which business structure is most suitable for your needs.

Visit ACRA

Register your business

Registering your business can be done online at Bizfile, ACRA’s online portal.

or

Open a representative office

A representative office can be registered in Singapore as a temporary arrangement for conducting market testing and/or research activities. To open a representative office, please approach the following government agencies:

Banking, finance and insurance - Monetary Authority of Singapore

Legal - Legal Services Regulatory Authority

All other industries (Manufacturing, international trading, wholesale, trade and trade-related business sectors) - Enterprise Singapore

Address key business needs

Before any business can commence operations in Singapore, it is important for business owners to be aware of any regulatory compliance requirements. Subsequently, you may proceed with recruitment, financing, and property acquisition. For more details and guidelines, visit our wide range of Resources.

New businesses in Singapore may also leverage EDB’s network of partners in the private sector, who provide a full range of business support services. For our full list of partners, visit our Connections Concierge.

Incentives & Schemes

To better facilitate and speed up the discussion with Singapore Government, it is recommended to prepare a business plan.

Foreign businesses with plans to grow through conducting high value and substantive activities in Singapore may be eligible to apply for various incentive programmes.

Visas & Immigration

Individual foreign entrepreneurs and investors who are interested in setting up a long-term base in Singapore can either apply for the EntrePass, or consider applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) under the Global Investor Programme.

EntrePass
The EntrePass is designed to facilitate the entry and stay of entrepreneurs who intend to start and operate a new business in Singapore. Successful applicants will be awarded a one-year pass. Visit the Ministry of Manpower for more information.

Global Investor Programme (GIP)
The GlP accords PR status to investors with a substantial business track record who intend to drive the growth of their investments from Singapore. To qualify for the GIP, the applicant must either (a) demonstrate an investment of minimally S$10 million in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation in Singapore, or (b) invest S$25 million in a GIP-select fund3 that also invests in Singapore-based companies, or (c) establish a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with Assets-Under-Management (AUM*) of at least S$200 million, where minimally S$50 million must be deployed in any of the 4 investment categories of: (i) equities, REITS or business trusts listed on Singapore-approved exchanges; (ii) qualifying debt securities listed on MAS’ enquiry system; (iii) funds distributed by Singapore-licensed/registered managers or financial institutions; and (iv) private equity investments in non-listed, Singapore-based operating companies. 

* Offshore assets can be qualified as part of the AUM requirement, provided at least S$50 million investible AUM has been deployed into any of the specified 4 investment categories in Singapore.  

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