Registering a Company in Singapore from Australia: Steps and Costs Explained
- Published: 29 July 2025
- 16 min read
- Starting a Company
Rodney Wong
Author
Rodney helps customers in Singapore navigate their way through the details and benefits of our products and services, and to see how the application of technology to their needs could be a game changer for their business. A big believer in the power of the written word, he makes tech topics accessible, applicable, but most of all, useful, to encourage entrepreneurs to chase that big idea.
Nisah Rahim
Reviewer
Nisah Rahim is our go-to expert reviewer for all things Corporate Secretary-related in Singapore. As the Corporate Secretary Team Lead and content reviewer, Nisah meticulously examines our blog posts to ensure we provide comprehensive information on Corporate Secretary services such as local regulatory compliance, managing board meetings, maintaining company records, and providing expert advice on corporate governance matters.
Want to register a company in Singapore? You’re in the right place! This guide breaks down the registration procedure and costs, making it easy for you to get started. Whether you’re in Australia or anywhere else, we’ll help you navigate the process smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Registering a company in Singapore is efficient for Australians, requiring minimal paid-up capital and facilitating full foreign ownership with a local nominee director.
- The registration process includes critical steps such as selecting a business structure, reserving a company name, and preparing necessary documentation, all completed via the BizFile+ platform.
- Singapore offers attractive tax incentives for businesses, including a tax exemption of up to 75% on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income for new startups during their first three years.
Understanding the Basics of Company Registration from Australia
Singapore’s business-friendly environment and efficient regulatory framework make it a strategic location for business owners to start a new business or for existing corporations to establish a subsidiary company to expand their market reach.
You can register your business in Singapore seamlessly via the online registration system, significantly reducing the need for physical presence. This is particularly beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations without relocating.
The key financial benefits of having a Singapore company include:
- The option to start with a minimal paid-up capital of just S$1.
- Audit exemptions for qualifying small companies make the financial entry barriers relatively low.
- The ability for foreigners to fully own shares of a Singapore company, provided that they appoint at least one resident nominee director. Additionally, the process of Singapore company registration is straightforward and efficient.
This flexibility allows Australians to maintain control over their investments while complying with local regulations.
Osome offers end-to-end company incorporation services for Australians looking to register a business in Singapore – completely online and fully compliant. From preparing documents to appointing a nominee director, we take care of everything so you can focus on launching and growing your business.
These basics lay the foundation for a smooth registration process. Leveraging Singapore’s strategic advantages enables Australian entrepreneurs to optimise operations, manage risks, and access regional as well as global markets.
Steps to Registering a Company from Australia
Registering a company in Singapore involves several important steps. For example, deciding on the type of business entity that best suits your needs, whether it’s a Private Limited Company, Sole Proprietorship, or Limited Liability Partnership, or a public company limited by shares.
Some of the key steps include:
- Selecting the right business structure
- Reserving a company name
- Preparing the necessary documents
- Creating your business profile on BizFile+
- Opening a corporate bank account
Step 🧾 | Details 📌 |
|---|---|
| Choose a Business Structure🏗️ | Select a suitable legal structure — options include a Private Limited Company (most common), Sole Proprietorship, or limited liability partnership. Each has distinct liability and tax rules and operates as a separate legal entity to protect personal assets. |
| Reserve a Company Name📝 | Submit your desired business name via ACRA for S$ 15. Once approved, you have 120 days to complete registration before the name is released. |
| Prepare Required Documents📂 | Gather essential documents such as shareholder and director IDs (e.g. passports), and draft your company constitution for ACRA submission to fulfil Singapore company incorporation requirements. |
| Register via BizFile+💻 | Use ACRA’s online platform, BizFile+, to officially register your business. The process usually takes up to 3 working days, provided all submissions are accurate and in place. |
| Open a Bank Account🏦 | Set up a business bank account. This helps separate personal and business finances and may take several weeks to finalise. |
Choosing the right business structure
Selecting the appropriate business structure is a critical first step in the company registration process. In Singapore, the main types of business structures include a Singapore private limited company, a sole proprietorship, and a branch office. A private limited company is often the preferred choice for many entrepreneurs due to its status as a separate legal entity, which provides limited liability and the ability to hold property.
On the other hand, a sole proprietorship is a business entity owned and operated by a single person, with no legal distinction between the owner and the enterprise. While this structure is simpler and involves fewer compliance requirements, it carries the risk of direct liability, potentially putting the owner’s assets at risk. Earnings from a sole proprietorship are taxed at individual income tax rates, which may be less favourable than corporate tax rates.
In 2022, two-way trade between Australia and Singapore reached A$52.9 billion, comprising A$38.8 billion in goods and A$14.1 billion in services. A double taxation agreement, known as the Australia-Singapore Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), also exists between the two nations.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), which also act as separate legal entities, offer a unique blend of benefits from both partnership and corporate structures. Understanding these options and their implications will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs and goals.
Reserving a company name
Reserving a company name is a straightforward and crucial step in the registration process. Key points to note are:
- The cost for applying for a business name in Singapore is S$ 15.
- Once your chosen name is approved, you have 120 days to complete the registration process.
- If you fail to register your business within this period, the name will be released for others to claim.
Osome can help you check name availability and reserve your company name quickly through our online platform. Our experts will also ensure your chosen name meets all ACRA requirements, avoiding unnecessary delays.
The name reservation process ensures that no two companies can have the same name in Singapore, thereby preventing confusion and protecting the identity of your business.
Choose a name that reflects your business activities and is easy to remember, as this will play a significant role in your branding and marketing efforts.
Preparing required documents
Preparing the required documents is a critical step that ensures compliance with ACRA’s regulations. Key documents needed for company registration include identification documents such as passport copies or identity cards of shareholders and directors, as well as the company constitution. The company constitution outlines the rules governing the internal management of the company and must be submitted for registration.
Accurate and complete documentation is vital for a smooth registration. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays and penalties, so double-check all details before submission.
Registering your company on BizFile+
The BizFile+ platform by ACRA allows for efficient online registration of businesses in Singapore. This user-friendly platform streamlines registration, enabling entrepreneurs to submit their applications and required documents electronically.
Once submitted, it typically takes about three days to complete the registration as long as all information is accurate and complete.
Opening a corporate bank account
A corporate account is essential for managing business finances separately from personal accounts, ensuring financial transparency, and accurately accounting for business transactions. Several major financial institutions in Singapore offer banking services to businesses, such as DBS, OCBC, and UOB. These banks are well-regarded in the business community.
The process of opening a corporate account can be lengthy, requiring substantial documentation and potentially taking several weeks. It is recommended to open a separate account for sole proprietorships to maintain clear financial records.
Not all banks guarantee approval of business accounts, so it’s important to prepare all necessary documentation and ensure compliance with the bank’s requirements.
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Costs Involved in Registering a Company in Singapore
Understanding the costs of registering a company in Singapore is crucial for effective budget planning. The main types of costs include government fees and service provider charges. The cost of electronic business registration in Singapore is S$50. If you're utilising a service provider to register your company, the typical cost will range between S$800 and S$1,500, depending on the complexity of services required.
Several factors can influence the cost of starting up a company in Singapore, including the company's structure and whether additional services like accounting and tax are utilised. Engaging a local nominee director also typically entails a significant fee. This cost is often the largest component of both the initial and ongoing expenses associated with company registration.
Government fees
The mandatory government registration fees include S$ 15 for name reservation and a fee of S$300 for the actual registration. These fees secure your company’s name as well as an electronic business registration certificate, a legal requirement for operating in Singapore.
Service provider fees
Engaging a corporate service provider can simplify the registration process, but it also comes with additional costs. These typically include fees for document preparation, a company secretary who is either a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, and a local company nominee director if required, as well as considerations related to the corporate entity, the incorporation process, and company incorporation.
Business registration costs can be reduced by enlisting existing employees as directors or conducting market analysis for competitive rates, especially when business registration is considered.
The fees for document preparation vary based on the complexity of the documents needed, while the cost of a secretary and nominee director can significantly influence the overall expense.
Compliance Requirements for Companies in Singapore
Compliance with Singapore’s regulations is crucial for smooth business operations. Key compliance requirements include annual filings, appointing a company secretary, and maintaining a registered office address, as outlined in the Singapore Companies Act. The company secretary must be a Singapore resident and will ensure regulatory compliance, as well as maintain statutory records on behalf of the company.
Non-compliance can result in penalties and damage your company’s reputation with ACRA. Therefore, it's important to stay updated with the latest announcements from the Corporate Regulatory Authority and other government agencies.
Annual filings and returns
All private companies in Singapore are required to:
- File their annual returns with ACRA within seven months of the end of their financial year.
- Include financial statements in the annual return, where applicable, formatted according to specific prescribed standards.
- Submit their annual tax returns to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Non-compliance with these filing requirements may result in punitive measures and damage the company’s reputation.
Role of the company secretary
A company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation to ensure regulatory compliance. The company secretary is responsible for maintaining statutory records and submitting necessary filings to regulatory bodies.
This role is crucial for ensuring that the company meets all legal requirements and maintains good standing with the corporate regulatory authority.
Maintaining a registered office address
Business owners must maintain a local business address in Singapore, which serves as the official location for legal correspondence and documents. Companies must notify ACRA of any changes to their office's physical address within 14 days.
A residential address can be used as a registered office address, provided it meets the criteria for accessibility during business hours. Some registered companies may also have a separate service address where the company conducts its business and daily operations.
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Tax Benefits and Incentives for Singapore Companies
Singapore offers a range of tax benefits and incentives that make it an attractive destination for company registration. The country boasts a low corporate tax rate, which significantly reduces the financial burden on businesses.
New companies registered in Singapore can benefit from attractive tax deductions, including a 75% exemption on the first S$100,000 of normal chargeable income and a 50% exemption on the next S$100,000, for each of their first three years of operation.
In addition to startup tax exemptions, various government initiatives provide grants and funding options to support business growth and innovation. These include:
- The Pioneer Certificate Incentive (PC&DEI), which offers incentives to companies engaged in high-value manufacturing or R&D activities.
- The Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which reduces tax liabilities.
- The Global Trader Programme, which promotes a conducive business environment.
- Startup tax exemptions for new companies in specific industries.
Startup tax exemptions
For new startups, the Singapore tax system offers significant exemptions to ease the financial burden during the initial years. Companies registered in or before 2019 receive a full exemption on the first S$100,000 of normal chargeable income and a further 50% exemption for the next S$200,000. If you register your company on or after 2020, you will receive a 75% exemption on the first S$100,000 and 50% on the next S$100,000.
Additional tax incentives
Beyond startup exemptions, Singapore offers a range of incentives designed to promote business growth and innovation. The Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) provides generous tax deductions for qualifying research and development (R&D) projects, allowing companies to enjoy tax deductions on up to 400% of their qualifying expenses.
Under the Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) from YA 2024–2028, businesses may claim 400% tax deductions on qualifying R&D expenditures up to S$400,000 per year, with the option to convert S$100,000 of that into a 20% non-taxable cash payout – delivering an effective cash benefit of up to S$20,000 annually.
Moreover, the Global Trader Programme enables international trading companies to benefit from reduced corporate tax rates on qualifying income. These incentives reduce tax liabilities and foster a conducive business environment, encouraging investment in innovation and international expansion.
Using a Registered Filing Agent
Employing a registered filing agent is especially beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs without local partners or a deep understanding of Singapore’s regulatory landscape. These filing agents:
- Help navigate company registration
- Ensure all necessary documents are lodged
- Make legal declarations on behalf of the clients
- May provide a registered office address for foreigners via virtual address services
- Can sometimes help set up an account with a major payment institution
This simplifies the process and reduces the risk of penalties for late submissions or non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
Moreover, filing agents have undergone mandatory training focusing on compliance and anti-money laundering. This ensures that they are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of the registration process and maintain high standards of integrity and compliance.
For foreign entrepreneurs, the additional cost of hiring a registered filing agent makes company incorporation in Singapore far more effective, ensuring successful registration and also provides a physical address for entrepreneurs based in other nations.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Company Registration
Registering a new business entity in Singapore also comes with certain challenges. Entrepreneurs often face:
- Lengthy working hours and time management, which poses difficulties in balancing new business needs and documentation and filing demands.
- Strict regulatory requirements, which must be met to avoid significant delays and potential legal issue
- Market entry barriers
- Finding a Singapore citizen company secretary or local company directors
However, these challenges can be mitigated with proper planning and the right support. Engaging a filing agent can alleviate many of the regulatory and compliance burdens from government agencies, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on strategic business activities.
It’s a good time to start a business
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Tips for Minimising Registration Costs
Minimising registration costs is crucial for maintaining financial efficiency during the company's formative period. One effective strategy is to utilise existing personnel as directors, which can significantly lower the cost of hiring at least one director. A thorough market analysis can also help identify competitive service provider rates, contributing to cost reduction.
Understanding the fee structure of corporate service providers aids in selecting the one that provides optimal rates against the services required.
How Osome Can Help with Company Registration from Australia?
Osome offers comprehensive support for Australian entrepreneurs looking to register a business in Singapore. From guiding you through the company registration process to assisting with setting up a local bank account, Osome simplifies the complexities involved in starting a business in Singapore. our team of experts ensures that all regulatory requirements are met and that necessary documents are prepared accurately, reducing the risk of delays and penalties.
Additionally, we provide ongoing customer support to address any questions or issues that may arise during the registration process. This level of support is often invaluable for foreign entrepreneurs navigating a new regulatory environment. By leveraging our expertise, Australian entrepreneurs can achieve a smooth and successful company registration in Singapore.
Verifying Company Registration in Singapore
Verifying the legitimacy of a registered business in Singapore is a straightforward process using ACRA’s BizFile+ platform. This platform enables a detailed search of a company’s details, confirming its registration status and providing important information, such as the company name, registration number, and date of registration.
If a company is not registered, there will be no information available from the search results. Bear in mind that the business registration certificate obtained through registration is crucial for business activities of any sort, including opening business accounts and entering into contracts.
Summary
In summary, registering a company in Singapore from Australia involves several crucial steps, from choosing the right business structure to understanding the costs and compliance requirements. The seamless online registration process, minimal capital requirements, and favourable tax incentives make Singapore an attractive launchpad for Australian entrepreneurs. By leveraging local expertise and engaging registered filing agents, the complexities of the registration process can be managed effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful company formation.
Osome offers expert company incorporation services that simplify the entire process, handling everything from documentation to compliance online. Contact us and get a dedicated expert to ensure your Singapore company is set up in full compliance with local regulations!
With the right guidance and support, Australian entrepreneurs can tap into Singapore’s strategic advantages, establishing a foothold in Asia for growth and expansion to regional and global markets. We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary insights and information to embark confidently on your business journey in Singapore.
Rodney helps customers in Singapore navigate their way through the details and benefits of our products and services, and to see how the application of technology to their needs could be a game changer for their business. A big believer in the power of the written word, he makes tech topics accessible, applicable, but most of all, useful, to encourage entrepreneurs to chase that big idea.
