To start a business in Singapore, first check that you are eligible to register, choose the right business structure, reserve an approved business name, prepare the required address and ownership details, then complete the registration through Bizfile. The structure you choose matters because it affects liability, tax treatment, ownership and ongoing compliance.
Foreigners must engage a registered corporate service provider to reserve a business name and register a business structure in Singapore. They must also meet the local residency requirements that apply to the chosen structure.
Why do businesses choose Singapore?
Singapore is attractive to many business owners because it combines access to regional markets with a stable legal and regulatory environment, established financial infrastructure and a competitive tax system. These are useful advantages, but they do not determine which business structure is right for you. That decision should come first.
1. Check the registration requirements
Before registering, confirm whether you need to register a business and whether you can hold the required local role for the structure you plan to use. ACRA’s current eligibility guidance explains the rules for local and foreign business owners.
If you are still testing a business idea, market research and a practical business plan are useful. For registration itself, however, the important first decision is the legal structure.
2. Choose the right business structure
The common choices include a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP) and private limited company. Each has different rules for liability, ownership, tax and compliance. Our guide to business structures in Singapore compares the main options.
If you already know the structure you want, see our guides to sole proprietorships, limited liability partnerships and setting up a Singapore company.
3. Choose and reserve your business name
You must reserve an approved name before registering the entity. The name should not be identical to an existing registered name and may be referred to another government agency if it contains regulated words or relates to a regulated activity.
Our business and company name guide explains what to check before submitting the name application.
4. Prepare the business address and other details
You will need a Singapore address for the business or registered office, depending on the structure. A P.O. Box cannot be used as the business address. If you plan to operate a small-scale business from home, approval under the relevant Home Office Scheme may be required before registration.
You should also check whether your activity needs any licences or permits before you start operating. Our business licences and permits guide covers the main starting points.
5. Register the business through Bizfile
Once the name is approved and the required details are ready, complete the registration through ACRA’s Bizfile system. The information required depends on the structure, but typically includes the approved name, business activities, address, position holders and ownership details.
ACRA’s business registration guide sets out the current five-step registration process.
6. Complete the post-registration setup
Registration is only the starting point. Depending on the structure and activity, the next steps can include setting up Corppass, opening a business bank account, appointing required officers, obtaining licences, keeping proper accounting records and preparing for ongoing tax and regulatory filings.
See our post-registration checklist for the practical next steps.
Need help registering?
We can help you work through the structure and registration process, whether you are setting up a private limited company, LLP or sole proprietorship. If you are unsure which structure fits what you are trying to do, contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
