Yes! Singapore is a magnet to individuals wanting to opt for company incorporation. Indian wannabee business owners are no exception to this. And many of them are eager to know about how to register a company and relocate to Singapore.

How Can Indians Form a Company in Singapore?

The process for Singapore company incorporation is straightforward. You have only to deal with 2 steps to successfully complete it. It can be initiated by applying to the Company Registrar of Singapore or ACRA. However, as a foreigner, you cannot do so. Singapore does not allow foreigners to self-register their businesses.

The solution is simple. You need to appoint an experienced provider of company incorporation services for the task. Make sure the firm is one of the registered filing agents in Singapore. SBS Consulting is one such a company. We are authorized to interact with ACRA on your behalf. We can register your company in 1-3 days in a hassle-free manner.

Types of Singaporean Businesses

You can register your business using one of the legal structures that are available in Singapore. Your options are as follows:

  • Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

  • Sole Proprietorship

  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

You should know the strengths and differences in these structures. We can also advise you on this matter and help you in choosing a structure that is most conducive for your business needs. It is an important decision, and your choice can affect the scope, liability, taxation, and compliance requirements of your business.

Choose the Right Legal or Business Structure

It is vital to choose the right legal structure for your business. In Singapore, most of the business owners register a private limited company. It is a dynamic and salable business structure that grows with an expanding business.

Your private limited company limits your liability to the amount you have invested in its shares. It means your personal assists remain safe even if your company suffers losses. We have the expertise to register such a company for you. Ready?

Pre-Incorporation Requirements

Before we can initiate the process to register your company, you need to be prepared with the following:

  • At least one shareholder (maximum 50)

  • At least one local or resident director

  • At least one company secretary

  • Registered local office address

  • Minimum initial paid-up capital of S$1

What is a Local or Resident Director?

At the time of company incorporation, you need to submit the details of an individual who is ordinarily resident of Singapore in the application. This individual can be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or an EntrePass holder.

Company Name

After you hire as your agent, you need to submit a list of 3-5 names. We will verify which one of them is available. Our expert will visit the ACRA's portal BizFile+ for the purpose. We will register the available name for your use by paying ACRA's fee (S$15).

You need to be careful with the company name as ACRA can reject it for being improper, vulgar, or black-listed. Choose a name that describes your business. If your application gets referred to higher authorities, the approval for your company name may take up to 2 months.

Submit Incorporation Documents

You also need to submit the following documents with your application to set up a Singapore company:

  • Company name registered with ACRA

  • Description of business activities

  • Registered physical office address

  • Particulars of shareholders

  • Particulars of directors

  • Particulars of company secretary

  • You need to submit a copy of passport and your residential address proof (overseas)

Applying to ACRA to Incorporate a Company

After registering your company name, we can proceed to the next step. In this step, you need to provide information like SSIC code to inform ACRA of your company's activities. We can also help you with your company constitution.

We submit your application, documents, and pay ACRA's fee of S$300 to set up a Singapore company. And within 1-3 days, you can be an owner of a brand new company. ACRA sends an incorporation email to convey successful registration of your company. It contains Incorporation Certificate, Unique Entity Number (UEN), and other details.

Your next step is to open a corporate bank account in a Singapore bank. It will streamline the company's cash flow and helps you in keeping company & personal expenses separate. You may also need to acquire business licenses and permits before you could start operating your business.

Employment Pass

You need a work visa or pass to relocate and work in Singapore. After the company registration, your company secretary can apply to MOM on your behalf for an employment pass. After acquiring it, you can relocate to Singapore and take charge of its activities as its foreign director.

Author's Bio: 

I am a technical consultant & writer who loves to forge knowledge on software product & services.