Company Incorporation for Foreigners in Singapore

1. Fulfill the official requirements

   We help you with all the things that Singapore government requires from the founders:

   • Corporate Secretary

     A certified expert who covers you on reporting.

     Wait, but why?

     Singapore law requires each company to have a Secretary. This officer is in charge of state compliance: files annual returns and resolutions on changes, prepares Annual General meetings, and processes dividends distribution. Share Allotment and Issuance Preparation of your share capital table is also part of their duties
   • Nominee Director

     A local person who puts his name on your papers and shares legal liability.

     Who is that guy?

     At least one of your directors has to be a Singapore resident. Hire a Nominee — it’s a common and legal practice.

     A Nominee can not make any business decisions. But, if there’s any wrongdoing, for example, the reports are late or incorrect, he shares responsibility. That’s why you have to get an Accounting package with this service.
   • Registered address

     A real Singapore mailbox for your legal correspondence

     What’s that now?

     All Singaporean companies must have a local registered address. It goes on all legal documents.
   

2. Get your company registered

   Foreigners need a certified agency to file for incorporation. We collect all the documents online, put them together, and send you the application to sign electronically.

   What do you need from me?

   We need passports and proof of address for you and any other directors of the company. You also have to send us a selfie to prove it’s really you :) Next, we need the share structure — all of that goes into the company Constitution we’ll draft for you. Finally, let us know your paid-up capital — S$1 is enough.

   

3. Open an account

   We partner with Singapore banks and payment services that can open an account for you remotely online. We present you, but we can’t guarantee you’ll get an account. The decision is always up to banks.

   What does it take?

   Each bank has their own procedure to open an account without physically visiting the branch. They do KYC interviews online using video conferencing and send couriers to exchange docs. Talk to us to learn about details, rates, and requirements.

   

4. Set up the accounting routine

   You need to submit several tax reports a year. Our Chartered accountant will organise your docs, prepare reports, and file them neatly. We also proactively advise on exemptions so you pay taxes smartly.

   Why would i do that now?

   Even if you have no transactions, you still need to submit annual reports: Estimated Chargeable Income, financial statements, and annual tax return called Form C or Form C-S. It’s crucial to prepare them right and on time, otherwise your company and the Nominee director can face fines and penalties.

   

5. Get an Employment Pass if you want to move to Singapore

   A permit that allows you to work, live and bring your family to Singapore. Only a Singapore company can apply for an EP. It has to be a real operational business. We can register a company for you, set up the reporting, and apply for EP.

   How do I get one?

   We will file your CV with relevant professional experience, education data and the company profile to get the visa. The process can take up to 3-6 months depending on the requirements. Once you get it, the employment pass is valid for 1 or 2 years and can be renewed afterwards.

   

FAQ

• Can foreigners start a business in Singapore?

  Singapore is very welcoming to foreigners who want to incorporate. Foreigners can become directors and shareholders here without any restrictions. The only requirement is that each local company must have at least one resident director — a Singapore national or a Permanent Resident. To comply with this law, you can hire a Nominee director.

• Do I need a company address?

  Yes, all Singaporean companies must have a local registered address. It goes on all legal documents. If you don’t have an office address, use our service. We handle your incoming letters, scan and store them in your Osome account so you have easy access to all your documents.

• Can a business owner relocate to Singapore?

  Yes, it’s possible. To do that, you’ll need to receive an Employment Pass. It’s a permit that allows to live and work in Singapore. Employment Passes are sponsored by Singapore companies. To get one you need a salary of about S$6,000, especially if you plan to bring your family, too.

• How Osome opens a local company in Singapore for foreigners?

  We check that the company name you’ve chosen is available. You send us your IC or passport copy, details on directors and shareholders. We prepare all the necessary documents, send them to you for electronic signature, and submit them to ACRA (a government entity that registers companies). On your end, it’s just a message thread in a secure chat. Once a UEN has been issued, your company is operational.

• What’s your timeline?

  We can set up a company as fast as within 1 hour. The most important factor is to collect all the docs: once you’ve handed them over to us, we can act fast. Keep in mind that the authorities only process registrations during working hours.

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