Can I set up a Singapore company while living in Korea?

Yes. You can set up a Singapore company even if you live in Korea. However, at least one of the directors must be locally resident in Singapore, so you first need to decide how you will have a local resident director.

A local resident is a person who meets ACRA's residency requirement, such as a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or Employment Pass holder. There is no residency requirement for shareholders.

• If the founder plans to move to Singapore: If you obtain an Employment Pass after incorporation, you can become the local resident director. Whether a visa is issued depends on the outcome of the assessment.
• If you have an acquaintance or employee in Singapore who is a citizen or permanent resident: That person can be appointed as the local resident director.
• If neither is possible: You can use a nominee director service and replace the nominee director later.

Lee Kim Alliance provides a nominee director service.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA