Incorporate · Asia

Company Formation in Singapore

Reputable Asian hub with a broad treaty network and territorial-style tax. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 17%
VAT / GST: 9% GST
Formation: 1-3 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 90+
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 4,000

At a glance

Common entity: Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
Formation time: 1-3 days
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 4,000
Annual cost: USD 2,000 - 5,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 90+

Holding companyFintechSaaS and technologyTradingIP and licensing

Best for

Regional Asia HQ
IP and holding structures
Fundraising-ready startups

Less ideal for

Founders wanting zero local-presence obligations
Ultra-low-cost setups

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law
Common entity types	Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
Formation timeline	1-3 days
Minimum capital	SGD 1
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1 (at least one ordinarily resident in Singapore)
Local presence	Resident director + company secretary required
Public registry	Directors and shareholders on the public ACRA register
Audit	Small companies may be exempt

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	17% (partial exemptions reduce the effective rate on early profits)
VAT / GST	9% GST
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	15%
Withholding, royalties	10%
Capital gains	Generally not taxed
Territorial system	Yes
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Foreign-sourced dividends often exempt if conditions are met

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in Singapore

1
Reserve a company name with ACRA
2
Appoint at least one ordinarily-resident director and a company secretary
3
Prepare the constitution and register the Pte Ltd through BizFile
4
Obtain any activity-specific licences
5
Open a corporate bank account and register for GST if thresholds are met

Banking reality

Banking is well developed but KYC is thorough, so local banks may take a few weeks and prefer some economic substance, while fintech and EMI accounts offer a faster alternative for early-stage companies.