Exempt Private Company (EPC) in Singapore — Real Estate Investment Formation Guide
Consider setting up a holding company in a tax-efficient jurisdiction (like the UAE or certain US states like Wyoming or Delaware) to own local property-holding LLCs. This isolates liability and optimizes tax on rental income and capital gains.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
17.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$245
Annual Fee
$47
Forming a Exempt Private Company (EPC) in Singapore as a Real Estate Investment means a total tax burden of 17.0% and an official formation cost of $245. The minimum capital requirement is 1 USD. Standard formation takes 1-3 business days, or 1 business day expedited. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $2,883
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $2,695
Why Exempt Private Company (EPC) for Real Estate Investment?
A business model focused on acquiring, managing, renting, or selling real estate properties for profit. Choosing the right jurisdiction is critical for asset protection, minimizing capital gains taxes, and facilitating cross-border investments.
Ideal for
- Property developers
- International landlords
- REIT managers
- House flippers
- Family offices
Challenges to watch
- High capital requirements
- Complex local property taxes
- Strict foreign ownership laws in some countries
- Illiquidity of assets
Key decision criteria
- Look for jurisdictions with strong property rights
- Favorable capital gains tax rates
- Double taxation treaties (DTTs)
- Robust asset protection laws
Exempt Private Company (EPC) formation requirements
Minimum capital
1 USD
Standard timeline
1-3 business days
Expedited timeline
1 business day
Local director
Required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
Foreign founders must hire a resident Nominee Director.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $500,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 9%. Registration threshold: 1,000,000 SGD. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 9% as of 2026. Under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime, foreign digital service providers must register and charge GST if their global turnover exceeds S$1 million and B2C sales to Singapore exceed S$100,000.
Banking & payments for Real Estate Investment
Opening a traditional bank account (e.g., DBS, OCBC) as a non-resident founder is highly challenging and usually requires an in-person visit to Singapore. However, digital platforms like Aspire, Airwallex, and Wise offer fully remote onboarding for EPCs, provided you pass their strict KYC and compliance checks. Having a clear business model and proof of identity is essential.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Aspire
Top choice for modern startups and non-residents, offering fully remote onboarding, multi-currency accounts, and seamless integration with accounting software.
Airwallex
Great for e-commerce and global businesses needing virtual cards, payment links, and low-cost cross-border transfers.
Wise Business
Ideal for holding multiple currencies and paying international contractors with transparent, mid-market exchange rates.
Singapore incentives & advantages
Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE)
75% exemption on the first S$100,000 of normal chargeable income; 50% exemption on the next S$100,000.
Partial Tax Exemption (PTE)
75% exemption on the first S$10,000 of normal chargeable income; 50% exemption on the next S$190,000.
Exempt Private Company (EPC) formation steps
Step 1: Choose a compliant company name and reserve it via the ACRA BizFile+ portal (S$15 fee).
Step 2: Prepare the incorporation documents, including the company constitution and signed consent forms from the proposed directors and secretary.
Step 3: Appoint at least one resident director (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible Employment Pass holder). Foreigners typically engage a Nominee Director.
Step 4: Secure a local registered office address in Singapore (P.O. boxes are not permitted).
Step 5: Submit the formal incorporation application and pay the S$300 registration fee to ACRA through a registered corporate service provider.
Step 6: Receive the electronic Certificate of Incorporation and Business Profile from ACRA, usually within 1 to 3 business days.
Step 7: Appoint a qualified Company Secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
Step 8: Open a corporate bank account and register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual taxable turnover is expected to exceed S$1 million.
Real Estate Investment FAQ
Can a foreign company own real estate directly?
It depends on the country. Many nations require a locally registered entity or impose higher taxes on foreign corporate owners.
Why use an LLC for real estate?
An LLC protects your personal assets from liabilities related to the property, such as tenant lawsuits or debt obligations.
What is a holding company structure in real estate?
It involves a parent company (often in a tax-friendly jurisdiction) owning subsidiary companies that hold individual properties, isolating risk per property.
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Related guides
Complete Exempt Private Company (EPC) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Exempt Private Company (EPC) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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