Singapore
7 company types available — choose the structure that fits your business.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Why Incorporate in Singapore?
Singapore is widely recognized as the premier business hub of Asia, offering a strategic gateway to the rapidly growing APAC markets. For international founders, it combines the stability of a first-world financial center with a highly attractive tax regime and a pro-business regulatory environment.
Legal Landscape & Entity Types
Built on English Common Law, Singapore's legal system is transparent, efficient, and highly protective of intellectual property. The most popular entity for foreign entrepreneurs is the Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), which allows for 100% foreign ownership. Startups often structure as an Exempt Private Company (EPC) to benefit from reduced compliance and audit exemptions.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: No local shareholding requirements.
- Local Director Requirement: Every company must appoint at least one ordinarily resident director.
- Minimum Capital: Just S$1 is required to incorporate.
Tax Climate
Singapore operates on a territorial tax system. The headline corporate tax rate is 17%, but the effective rate is often much lower. The Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE) scheme provides a 75% tax exemption on the first S$100,000 of normal chargeable income for the first three consecutive years. Furthermore, Singapore levies no capital gains tax and no tax on dividends paid to shareholders.
Banking Reality
Singapore is home to world-class local banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) and major international institutions. While the banking sector is highly stable, strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations mean that opening a traditional corporate bank account often requires an in-person visit and a solid business case. However, modern fintech solutions and digital banks increasingly offer remote account opening options for non-resident founders.
Who is it for?
Singapore is the ideal jurisdiction for tech startups, fintech companies, regional headquarters, and holding companies looking to attract venture capital. It suits founders who need a highly reputable jurisdiction, strong IP protection, and seamless access to Asian markets.
Why incorporate in Singapore?
- Attractive tax regime with a 17% headline corporate tax rate and up to 75% exemption on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income for qualifying startups.
- Strategic geographic location serving as the primary business and financial gateway to Southeast Asia and broader APAC markets.
- World-class digital infrastructure, ranking #1 globally for fixed broadband internet speeds.
- Robust and transparent legal system based on English Common Law, offering exceptionally strong intellectual property (IP) protection.
- Top-tier global financial center providing access to major international banks, venture capital, and private equity funding.
- 100% foreign ownership allowed with no currency controls or restrictions on the repatriation of profits and capital.
Key facts
- Capital
- Singapore
- Population
- 6.11 million
- Currency
- Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- GDP per capita
- $173,708
- Corporate tax
- 17% flat rate with partial exemptions for startups and SMEs.
- EU member
- No
- OECD member
- No
- FATF member
- Yes
Economy & ecosystem
- Startup ecosystem rank
- #4
- Global innovation rank
- #5
- Internet speed
- 425 Mbps
- Cost of living index
- 87.7
- English proficiency
- Very High (Ranked 2nd globally)
Notable industries
Choose your entity type
Different structures have different tax, liability, and compliance rules. Compare them below.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of the shares in a Singapore company. However, the Companies Act requires every company to have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (a citizen, permanent resident, or valid employment pass holder).
What is the corporate tax rate in Singapore?
The headline corporate tax rate is a flat 17%. However, with the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE) scheme, qualifying new companies enjoy a 75% exemption on their first S$100,000 of chargeable income for the first three years, significantly lowering the effective tax rate.
Do I need to visit Singapore to open a corporate bank account?
For traditional tier-1 banks (like DBS, OCBC, or UOB), an in-person interview is usually required due to strict KYC regulations. However, many digital banks and global fintech platforms allow remote account opening for Singapore companies.
What is the minimum paid-up capital required?
The minimum paid-up capital to incorporate a company in Singapore is just S$1 (or its equivalent in any currency). You can increase the share capital at any time after incorporation.
Are there capital gains taxes or withholding taxes on dividends?
No. Singapore does not levy any capital gains tax. Additionally, under the one-tier corporate tax system, dividends paid by a Singapore resident company to its shareholders are exempt from Singapore tax.
What is an Exempt Private Company (EPC)?
An EPC is a Private Limited Company with fewer than 20 shareholders, none of which are corporate entities. EPCs enjoy reduced compliance burdens, such as exemptions from filing audited financial statements if their annual revenue is below S$10 million.
Do I need a visa to incorporate a company in Singapore?
No visa is required to simply incorporate and own a company from overseas. However, if you plan to relocate to Singapore to run the business and act as the local resident director, you will need to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) or an EntrePass.
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Singapore Pte. Ltd.?
Key annual requirements include holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM), filing an Annual Return with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), and submitting an annual tax return (Form C or Form C-S) to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).