How to Register a Business from Hong Kong in Singapore: A Complete Guide
- Published: 4 September 2025
- 14 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.
Wondering how to register a business in Singapore from Hong Kong? This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to help you start a Singapore company quickly and legally. From choosing a business structure to filing the necessary paperwork, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
Key Takeaways
- Many entrepreneurs find opening a company in Singapore beneficial due to its stable economy, low taxes, and support for startups.
- Key steps to register your business in Singapore include selecting a business structure, reserving a business name, finding a physical address to serve as your business's registered address, filing registration on BizFile+, and opening a corporate bank account.
- Post-registration, businesses must appoint a company secretary, ensure compliance with regulatory obligations, and understand corporate tax requirements to maintain operational integrity.
Why Registering a Business in Singapore is Beneficial?
Singapore is a premier destination for entrepreneurs due to its stable economic and political environment, providing a secure foundation for different business entities, such as sole proprietorships, limited liability partnerships, and public companies limited by shares. Singapore has also been recognised as the world’s best business environment for 15 consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to fostering a favourable business climate for companies in Singapore.
The incorporation process in Singapore from Hong Kong is notably efficient, allowing most companies to complete their registration in less than three days using online tools provided by the Corporate Regulatory Authority. This allows companies in Singapore to focus on actual business activities instead of redundant paperwork. The Inland Revenue Department also offers various support programmes and tax incentives for sole proprietorships, startups, and small businesses.
Singapore’s tax system also offers significant advantages, especially for businesses with a foreign parent company. With low corporate tax rates and various exemptions, the tax regime is designed to attract global businesses. The Enhanced Industry Scheme (EIS) further supports new businesses by reducing operational costs and freeing up capital for reinvestment. These tax incentives, coupled with the efficient regulatory environment, make Singapore an ideal location for starting a new business entity.
In conclusion, Singapore offers several advantages:
- A highly skilled and multilingual workforce that provides a strong talent pool.
- A strategic geographic position, making it a critical hub for multinational companies and trade, enhancing market access and business opportunities.
- Well-established infrastructure that promotes business efficiency and innovation.
These factors collectively contribute to Singapore’s appeal as a business destination.
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Key Steps to Register a Business in Singapore
Registering a business in Singapore from Hong Kong is a streamlined process, but it involves several essential steps. To guide you through this process, we’ve outlined the key steps to ensure a successful registration. First, choosing the right business structure is crucial as it impacts your business’s legal, financial, and operational aspects.
Each step of the following step-by-step guide is integral to the overall process, and understanding them will help you navigate the registration procedure smoothly.
Step 📆 | Details 🔍 |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose Business Structure📅 | Decide between Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). Pte Ltd is a popular choice due to limited liability and better credibility with investors. The structure affects liability, taxation, and business operations. |
| 2. Reserve Business Name🔖 | Reserve your company name via ACRA's BizFile+ system. Ensure the name is unique and follows regulatory guidelines. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days. If registration is not completed within that time, it becomes available to others. You may also pay to reserve a preferred UEN. |
| 3. Prepare Documents📄 | Gather an approved name application, business activity description (with SSIC Code if applicable), valid IDs and addresses of directors or partners, and the company constitution. All directors must sign a Consent to Act. Using a checklist ensures all documents are ready for submission. |
| 4. File on BizFile+🚀 | Use SingPass or CorpPass to log in to BizFile+. Complete your registration by submitting all required details. The fee is S$ 315 plus S$ 50 for the registration certificate. After submission, download your free Business Profile within 30 days. Confirm all details are correct before submitting to avoid delays. |
| 5. Open Bank Account🏦 | Open a business bank account. Banks require completed forms, board resolutions, and incorporation documents. Some banks offer remote setup, but approval is not guaranteed and depends on the bank's internal review. A corporate account is necessary for managing finances and supporting international transactions. |
Choosing the right business structure
Selecting the right business structure is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when starting a business in Singapore from Hong Kong. Choosing the right business structure depends on your business needs and long-term goals. The available options include:
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Limited partnership
- Limited liability partnership
- Private limited company
Each structure has its advantages and implications for liability, taxation, and operational flexibility.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business entity, owned by a single person, with no legal distinction between the owner and the business. Key points include:
- It’s ideal for low-risk businesses due to its simplicity.
- It is not treated as a separate legal entity and incurs unlimited liability, connecting personal and business finances, and may put personal assets at risk.
- Foreigners can register a sole proprietorship in Singapore with an authorised representative and a local business address.
Partnerships in Singapore allow for 2-20 partners. Partners incur personal liabilities for business debts.
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) offer the benefits of partnership but protect partners from unlimited liabilities with a separate entity. However, at least one partner must hold general liability.
A private limited company (Pte Ltd) is favoured by corporate entities due to its status as a separate legal entity, meaning liabilities incurred by the company will not affect the shareholders' personal assets. At least one shareholder is required to form a private limited company. Pte Ltds can also bring on foreign employees with employment passes, providing more hiring flexibility for the company.
Branch offices are representative offices for a foreign parent company that also serve as separate legal entities in Singapore, while providing a physical interaction point for your Singapore customers. A representative office or branch office also allows you to bring foreign talent into Singapore with an employment pass.
Reserving your business name
Reserving a business name is a crucial step in Singapore's company registration process. A unique and compliant business name not only defines your brand but also ensures legal identity protection. The process is facilitated through ACRA’s BizFile+ system, where you can add descriptive words to check the availability of your desired business name.
To check if a company name is available:
- Use the ‘Search ACRA Register’ feature on BizFile+, which ensures that the proposed name complies with naming rules and is not already in use.
- Once your business name is approved, it is reserved for 120 days.
- If the business is not registered within this period, the name will be released for others to claim.
Additionally, ACRA provides a service to reserve a preferred Unique Entity Number (UEN) for businesses willing to pay a required fee. This step is essential to secure intellectual property and establish a strong brand identity from the outset.
Preparing necessary documents
Preparing the necessary documents required by the Corporate Regulatory Authority is critical for registering your business in Singapore. Some of these required documents include:
- An approved company name application
- A brief description of your business activities, including specifics such as the SSIC Code, if applicable
- Proof of business registered address that is a physical address instead of a virtual office
- Valid IDs and addresses for partners or directors, with at least one director who is a local director
- A company constitution
All directors must sign a Consent to Act as Company Director during registration, and at least one local director is required to register your business in Singapore. Utilising a pre-incorporation checklist can help business owners ensure they have all necessary documents in place before registration.
These documents form the backbone of your business profile, enabling you to navigate the registration process smoothly and efficiently.
Filing for registration on BizFile+
Filing for registration on BizFile+ is the next step in the process. To access BizFile+, you will need a SingPass or CorpPass login. Once logged in, you’ll need to fill in the necessary details, such as the transaction number, registration validity, and business address.
The registration fee for establishing a new company in Singapore is S$ 315, and an additional SG$ 50 is required for the electronic business registration certificate. Before confirming your submission, it’s crucial to verify that all entered details are accurate and complete to minimise delays.
After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement page confirming your submission. Business owners must download their free Business Profile within 30 days of registration, or it will expire. This step marks the successful registration of your company in Singapore.
Opening a corporate bank account
Opening a corporate bank account is essential for managing your business finances. Financial institutions require documentation such as completed bank forms, board resolutions, and certified copies of incorporation certificates. Popular banks for opening a corporate bank account in Singapore include DBS, OCBC, and UOB.
Airwallex offers unique features for corporate accounts, such as managing global finances in one place and facilitating online transactions. Another advantage of using Airwallex is that it provides a multi-currency account with local bank details, which can benefit businesses operating in multiple currencies.
Some banks in Singapore offer remote account opening services, making it convenient for business owners to establish accounts without visiting a branch office. However, it’s important to note that approval for a business bank account is not guaranteed, as banks will evaluate applications based on their criteria.
Post-Registration Requirements
After successfully registering your business, there are several post-registration requirements to fulfil:
- A registered company must appoint a company secretary within six months after registration.
- The company secretary ensures compliance with legal obligations.
- The company secretary maintains statutory records, including the registered office address.
- The company secretary submits annual returns.
Certain business activities may require additional licenses or approvals from Singapore's corporate regulatory authority, such as businesses in the finance, education, healthcare, food and beverage, and telecommunications industries.
In addition, companies in Singapore must also meet specific compliance obligations set out by government agencies. For example, GST registration with the Inland Revenue Authority becomes mandatory when a local company's projected annual revenue exceeds SG$ 1 million.
Any company in Singapore is also required to hold annual general meetings (AGMs) and submit annual returns as part of their ongoing compliance responsibilities.
Upon successful registration, a certificate of incorporation is issued by ACRA as official proof of registration at your local registered address. Adhering to these steps ensures your business remains compliant with corporate regulations and continues to operate smoothly.
Compliance and Regulatory Obligations
Compliance and regulatory obligations are vital for the sustainable operation of your business in Singapore. Companies are mandated to hold annual general meetings unless they qualify for an exemption. Failure to comply with the annual general meeting or annual return requirements may result in enforcement actions and penalties.
All companies must file annual returns with ACRA, regardless of their operational status, as long as they are registered. These filings must be completed within seven months following the conclusion of a company’s financial year. Maintaining proper financial statements and accounting records is essential for all registered companies to stay compliant with regulatory obligations.
Osome offers a corporate secretary service to help companies stay compliant with regulatory filings and maintain essential documentation, acting as your registered filing agent. Their experts provide guidance on navigating business compliance and regulatory obligations, keeping your business on track.
Understanding Corporate Tax in Singapore
Singapore’s corporate tax system is one of the most competitive in the world, designed to attract global businesses and foster growth. The flat corporate tax rate stands at 17%, which is considerably lower compared to many other countries. This rate is applied to taxable income, which includes:
- Profits from trade
- Royalties
- Property rental income
- Investment income
One of the significant advantages of Singapore’s tax system is that companies are taxed only on their profits, and dividends are not taxed further. This feature makes Singapore an attractive destination for businesses looking to maximise their profitability. Additionally, companies must file their Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within three months after their financial year ends, ensuring timely tax compliance.
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Qualifying startups in Singapore can benefit from significant tax exemptions aimed at easing the financial burden during their early years. Companies incorporated in or before 2019 enjoy a full exemption on the first S$ 100,000 of normal chargeable income and a 50% exemption on the next S$ 200,000 for the first three consecutive years of assessment. For companies incorporated on or after 2020, a 75% exemption applies to the first S$ 100,000 of chargeable income and a 50% exemption applies to the next S$ 100,000, also for the first three years. These tax incentives provide a substantial financial boost to new ventures during their formative stages.
Starting January 1, 2025, large multinational enterprises in Singapore have been subject to a minimum effective tax rate of 15%. This regulation aligns with global tax standards and ensures that significant players contribute their fair share to the economy. Understanding these tax obligations and benefits is crucial for effective business planning and financial management.
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How Can Osome Help You Register a Company from Hong Kong?
Osome is a leading corporate service provider that simplifies the business registration process in Singapore. From choosing your business structure to registering your business on BizFile+, Osome provides comprehensive support at every step. Their expertise ensures that you navigate the registration process smoothly and efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls and delays.
In addition to registered filing agent services, Osome also aids in compliance management. They help businesses meet ongoing regulatory obligations, ensuring proper company conduct and efficient filings and documentation. This service is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that may lack the resources to manage compliance independently.
Osome also assists with other business operations, such as setting up a corporate bank account and managing accounting tasks. Their holistic approach ensures that your business is well-supported from inception through to growth, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your company.
Summary
Registering a business in Singapore from Hong Kong offers numerous benefits, including its stable economic environment, efficient incorporation process, attractive tax system, and skilled workforce. By following the key steps outlined in this guide – choosing the right business structure, reserving your business name, preparing necessary documents, filing for registration on BizFile+, and opening a corporate bank account – you can successfully register your business and set it on the path to success.
Singapore’s supportive business environment, coupled with comprehensive services from providers like Osome, ensures that you have the resources and guidance needed to navigate the company registration process and beyond.
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.
