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Singapore Company Incorporation FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore Company Formation

TOP FAQs

  • What visa does the director of a Singapore company need to work in Singapore?

    Usually the newly incorporated Singapore company acts as the employer and applies for the director's own Employment Pass. If the founder has raised investment or has a track record as an entrepreneur, EntrePass can also be considered.

    To work in Singapore, even a managing director or director needs an Employment Pass. The Employment Pass is applied for online by the employer or an appointed employment agent, and approval depends on MOM's review.

    • If a Korean head office is setting up a subsidiary: when a head office employee is seconded, the Singapore subsidiary applies for the Employment Pass, and intra-corporate transferees may be exempt from the COMPASS assessment.
    • If you are an individual founder: after incorporation, the company applies for the director's own Employment Pass, and the review considers salary as well as education, work experience and the business.
    • If your spouse holds an Employment Pass and you hold a DP: you can consider running the business with a separate permission (LOC).

    Lee Kim Alliance provides an Employment Pass application service.

    As of November 2026, source: MOM

  • What is the process for incorporating a Singapore company?

    The usual order is submitting company information and documents, paying the fees, signing the incorporation documents electronically and registering with ACRA. Once signing is complete, registration is completed within 1-2 business days.

    1. Confirm the company name, business activities, directors and shareholders, and share capital, and submit documents
    2. Pay the incorporation fees
    3. Sign the incorporation resolutions and other documents electronically
    4. Register with ACRA and receive the company registration number (UEN)
    5. After incorporation, open a bank account, apply for an Employment Pass and start company secretary services

    If the company name or business activity is subject to review by another authority, registration may be delayed.

    You can find step-by-step guidance on the Lee Kim Alliance How it works page and apply through the online application form (for-profit company).

    As of November 2026, source: ACRA

  • 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

  • How long does it take to set up a company in Singapore?

    Usually, once the required documents are ready and signed, registration of a Singapore company is completed within 1-2 business days. It may take longer if the company name or business activity requires review by another agency.

    ACRA approves most registrations right after payment, and if review by another government agency is required, it may take up to 15 business days.

    • Individual founders: Only passport and proof of address are needed, so document preparation tends to be quick.
    • If a Korean parent company is setting up a subsidiary: More time is needed to prepare documents, such as notarising the appointment letter for the representative.
    • Industries such as finance, education and real estate: Registration may be delayed by review from the relevant authorities.

    You can check each step on the Lee Kim Alliance How it workspage.

    As of November 2026, source: ACRA

  • Can a non-resident also use a nominee director service?

    Yes. If all directors live overseas, you can meet the local director requirement by appointing a nominee director through a corporate service provider (CSP) registered with ACRA.

    From 9 June 2025, a person who acts as a nominee director by way of business can only be appointed after a registered CSP has confirmed that they are fit and proper. The company must file with ACRA the fact that the director is a nominee director and the details of the nominator, and a nominee director has the same legal duties as the other directors.

    For this reason, customer due diligence procedures such as identifying the beneficial owners, and signing the nominee agreement, are required before the service begins.

    As an ACRA registered Filing Agent (FA20122902), Lee Kim Alliance provides a nominee director service.

    As of November 2026, source: ACRA

  • What documents are needed to open a Singapore corporate bank account?

    The basic documents are usually the company documents (BizFile, constitution), passport copies of directors, shareholders and authorised signatories, English proof of address dated within the last 3 months, and an English business profile.

    All documents must be in English, and documents not in English must be translated and notarised. The bank may ask for additional documents such as business contracts and information on major customers or suppliers.

    • If a Korean head office is setting up a subsidiary: the Korean company's business registration certificate and shareholder register (translated and notarised) are also required, and the bank usually asks for the identification of individual shareholders holding 25% or more.
    • If you are an individual founder: the application proceeds with the passports and proof of address of the directors and shareholders themselves.

    Lee Kim Alliance provides a corporate bank account opening support service.

  • What is the minimum paid-up capital required to set up a Singapore company?

    S$1. A Singapore private limited company (Pte. Ltd.) can be set up with paid-up capital of S$1 and one share, and the capital can be denominated in currencies other than Singapore dollars, such as US dollars.

    However, it is advisable to set the actual capital taking into account the size of the business, initial operating funds, corporate bank account opening and any plans to apply for an Employment Pass. Banks and MOM also look at the substance of the company's business, and the outcome depends on their assessment.

    Capital can also be increased after incorporation by issuing new shares.

    Lee Kim Alliance reviews a capital structure that suits your business plan as part of its company incorporation service.

    As of November 2026

  • Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?

    Yes. Singapore does not restrict the nationality or residence of shareholders, so an individual living in Korea or a Korean parent company can hold 100% of a Singapore company.

    However, separately from the shareholders, at least one of the directors must be locally resident in Singapore.

    • Regulated industries such as finance: Regardless of the shareholding structure, you should first check the licensing requirements of the relevant authorities.

    Lee Kim Alliance provides a nominee director service.

    As of November 2026, source: ACRA

  • What are the requirements for setting up a company in Singapore?

    With at least one director (at least one of whom is locally resident), one shareholder, capital of S$1, a Singapore registered address and a company secretary, even foreigners can set up a Singapore private limited company (Pte. Ltd.).

    • Directors: At least one, and at least one of them must meet the local residency requirement, for example as a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or Employment Pass holder.
    • Shareholders: 1 to 50, and both individuals and corporate entities are allowed. There are no nationality or residency restrictions, so 100% foreign ownership is also possible.
    • Capital: A minimum of S$1, with at least one share issued.
    • Registered address: An address in Singapore is required.
    • Company secretary: A locally resident individual must be appointed within 6 months of the date of incorporation.

    You can check the items to prepare in the incorporation checklist, and Lee Kim Alliance provides a company incorporation service.

    As of November 2026, source: ACRA

  • Is a local director required to set up a company in Singapore?

    Yes. Every company set up in Singapore must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (local resident director). The other directors may live overseas, for example in Korea.

    The local resident director can be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or work pass holder who meets the local residency requirement. The local resident director has the same legal duties as the other directors.

    • If a Korean parent company is setting up a subsidiary: The employee or executive to be seconded can obtain an Employment Pass under the subsidiary and become the local resident director, or the company can use a nominee director service until the visa is issued.
    • Individual founders (living overseas): The usual approach is to set up the company with a nominee director service and then, if needed, replace the nominee director after the founder obtains an Employment Pass.
    • Singapore residents (PR and work pass holders): First check the type and conditions of your pass to see whether you can be the local resident director yourself.

    Lee Kim Alliance provides a nominee director service.

    As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Company Formation

What documents does a Korean parent company need to set up a Singapore subsidiary?

You usually need the Korean parent company's business registration certificate in English, a notarised letter appointing a representative of the corporate shareholder, a copy of the representative's passport, the register of shareholders, and identification documents for shareholders holding 25% or more.

Because the incorporation agent must identify the company's actual owner (Ultimate Beneficial Owner), if a shareholder holding 25% or more is a corporate entity, we trace up through that entity's shareholders and collect documents until the individuals are identified.

  1. Business registration certificate in English
  2. Letter appointing a representative of the corporate shareholder (notarisation required, template provided by Lee Kim Alliance)
  3. Copy of the representative's passport and email address
  4. Register of shareholders (in Korean or English, no notarisation required)
  5. Identification documents for shareholders holding 25% or more: a copy of the passport for individuals, and documents 1 and 4 above for corporate entities
  • If the Korean parent company is listed: Documents 4 and 5 are not required.
  • If there are also individual shareholders: A copy of each individual shareholder's passport and proof of address are also required.

Lee Kim Alliance provides the appointment letter template and document review as part of its company incorporation service.

What are the requirements for setting up a company in Singapore?

With at least one director (at least one of whom is locally resident), one shareholder, capital of S$1, a Singapore registered address and a company secretary, even foreigners can set up a Singapore private limited company (Pte. Ltd.).

  • Directors: At least one, and at least one of them must meet the local residency requirement, for example as a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or Employment Pass holder.
  • Shareholders: 1 to 50, and both individuals and corporate entities are allowed. There are no nationality or residency restrictions, so 100% foreign ownership is also possible.
  • Capital: A minimum of S$1, with at least one share issued.
  • Registered address: An address in Singapore is required.
  • Company secretary: A locally resident individual must be appointed within 6 months of the date of incorporation.

You can check the items to prepare in the incorporation checklist, and Lee Kim Alliance provides a company incorporation service.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

What form does a non-profit organisation take in Singapore?

A non-profit organisation is usually set up as a public company limited by guarantee. It has no shares or shareholders, and its members undertake to contribute a set amount if the company is wound up.

It is mainly used by charitable, religious and educational organisations, and since it has no share capital, it is not suitable for profit-making purposes that distribute profits as dividends.

  • If you also plan to register as a charity or run educational activities: Registration with or approval from the relevant authorities may be required separately from incorporating the company.

For setting up a non-profit organisation, you can request a consultation through the Lee Kim Alliance Contact page.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

What are the features of a Singapore public company (Ltd)?

A public company is a company with Ltd at the end of its name. There is no limit on the number of shareholders and it can offer shares to the public, but its disclosure and reporting obligations are heavier than those of a private company.

A company with more than 50 shareholders must operate as a public company, and to offer shares to the public it must separately meet MAS requirements such as a prospectus.

  • If you are planning a listing or a large investment round: It is advisable to review in advance when to convert to a public company and the requirements.
  • For general overseas expansion and subsidiaries: A private company (Pte. Ltd.) is sufficient.

For choosing the company form, you can request a consultation through the Lee Kim Alliance Contact page.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

How long does it take a Korean parent company to set up a Singapore subsidiary?

Usually, once all documents are ready, ACRA registration is completed in 1-2 business days. However, preparing documents such as notarising the Korean parent company's appointment letter for its representative takes longer, so it is advisable to allow some extra time in the schedule.

The time needed to prepare documents depends on the parent company's circumstances. If the company name or business activity requires review by another government agency, it may take up to 15 more business days.

You can check the process on the Lee Kim Alliance How it workspage.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

What information do I need to decide when applying to set up a company in Singapore?

Usually, once you decide the company name, business activities (SSIC code), directors, shareholders and their shareholdings, share capital and number of shares, registered address and the first financial year end, you can prepare the application to set up a Singapore company.

  • Company name: It is a good idea to prepare first and second choices. Incorporation must be completed within 120 days of the ACRA name application.
  • Business activities: Choose the SSIC code for one primary activity and, if needed, one secondary activity.
  • Directors and shareholders: Full names in English, email addresses, contact details and each shareholder's shareholding are required.
  • Share capital: You also need to decide the currency (SGD, USD, etc.), the amount and the number of shares issued (at least one share).
  • First financial year end: Since it sets the timetable for year-end closing and tax, it is advisable to decide it in consultation with your accountant.

You can check all the items to enter at once in the Lee Kim Alliance online application (for-profit company).

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Do I need to draft a separate constitution for a Singapore company?

No. You can usually use the standard constitution provided by ACRA (Model Constitution) as it is, and if special arrangements between shareholders are needed, you can draft and register a customised constitution.

The constitution is the document that sets out the company's internal rules, such as shares, the board of directors and the conduct of general meetings.

  • Single shareholder or 100% subsidiary of a Korean parent company: The standard constitution is often sufficient.
  • Joint ventures and raising outside investment: Consider a customised constitution that includes restrictions on share transfers, rights to appoint directors and so on. In this case, a legal review is required.

Lee Kim Alliance includes preparation of the constitution in its company incorporation service.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Do I need to visit Singapore to set up a company there?

No. Setting up a Singapore company is done through document submission and electronic signatures, so you can complete everything up to registration while staying in Korea, without visiting Singapore.

Under ACRA rules, foreigners must apply for the company name and register the incorporation through a corporate service provider (CSP). Lee Kim Alliance is an ACRA registered filing agent (Filing Agent No. FA20122902).

  • Bank account opening: Depending on the bank, in-person or video verification may be required, and whether the account is opened depends on the outcome of the bank's review.

Lee Kim Alliance provides its company incorporation serviceremotely.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Do I need to check the Singapore company name before incorporation?

Yes. Before incorporation, you must apply to ACRA for the company name and have it approved. An approved name is reserved for only 120 days, so you must complete the registration of the Singapore company within that period.

A name that is the same as or similar to a name already registered cannot be used. Most names are approved right after payment, but it may take up to 3 business days if ACRA review is required, and up to 15 business days if review by another agency is required.

  • If the name uses education or finance related words: Education related words such as "academy" and "college", or finance related names, require approval from the relevant authority and may be rejected.

You can first check availability with the Lee Kim Alliance company name search tool.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

What documents do individual directors and shareholders need to set up a Singapore company?

Individual directors and shareholders usually need a copy of their passport (for Singapore residents, a copy of their NRIC or pass), proof of address in English, a verification photo of themselves holding their ID, and their email address and contact number.

These documents are used for ACRA registration and the incorporation agent's customer due diligence (KYC) procedures. Documents not in English may require a notarised translation.

  • Residents of Korea: Copy of passport, resident registration certificate in English (proof of address), verification photo
  • Singapore residents (EP, DP, PR): Copy of NRIC or pass, and proof of address such as a recently issued utility bill, tenancy agreement or bank statement. Citizens and permanent residents may in some cases be exempt from providing proof of address.
  • Corporate shareholders, such as a Korean parent company: A business registration certificate in English, a notarised letter appointing a representative of the corporate shareholder, the register of shareholders and other documents are also required.

You can see the full list in the Lee Kim Alliance incorporation checklist.

How long does it take to set up a company in Singapore?

Usually, once the required documents are ready and signed, registration of a Singapore company is completed within 1-2 business days. It may take longer if the company name or business activity requires review by another agency.

ACRA approves most registrations right after payment, and if review by another government agency is required, it may take up to 15 business days.

  • Individual founders: Only passport and proof of address are needed, so document preparation tends to be quick.
  • If a Korean parent company is setting up a subsidiary: More time is needed to prepare documents, such as notarising the appointment letter for the representative.
  • Industries such as finance, education and real estate: Registration may be delayed by review from the relevant authorities.

You can check each step on the Lee Kim Alliance How it workspage.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

I am a foreigner who would like to incorporate a company in Singapore. Will I be able to relocate to Singapore to manage my business?

Will I be able to relocate to Singapore to manage my business?

Yes, you will need to incorporate your Singapore company and apply for an Entrepreneur Pass or Employment Pass from the Ministry of Manpower.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?

Yes. Singapore does not restrict the nationality or residence of shareholders, so an individual living in Korea or a Korean parent company can hold 100% of a Singapore company.

However, separately from the shareholders, at least one of the directors must be locally resident in Singapore.

  • Regulated industries such as finance: Regardless of the shareholding structure, you should first check the licensing requirements of the relevant authorities.

Lee Kim Alliance provides a nominee director service.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

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

What documents will I receive after setting up a Singapore company?

Usually, once registration is complete, you receive ACRA's notice of incorporation, the company registration number (UEN) and the Business Profile, and Lee Kim Alliance sends electronic copies of the incorporation documents within 1 business day.

The Business Profile is an official ACRA document showing the company name, UEN, directors, shareholders and registered address, and it is mainly used for opening bank accounts and visa applications.

You can check the tasks to do after incorporation on the Lee Kim Alliance How it workspage.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Do I need to be present for the incorporation process?

No, you can complete the whole process online.

What is the process for incorporating a Singapore company?

The usual order is submitting company information and documents, paying the fees, signing the incorporation documents electronically and registering with ACRA. Once signing is complete, registration is completed within 1-2 business days.

  1. Confirm the company name, business activities, directors and shareholders, and share capital, and submit documents
  2. Pay the incorporation fees
  3. Sign the incorporation resolutions and other documents electronically
  4. Register with ACRA and receive the company registration number (UEN)
  5. After incorporation, open a bank account, apply for an Employment Pass and start company secretary services

If the company name or business activity is subject to review by another authority, registration may be delayed.

You can find step-by-step guidance on the Lee Kim Alliance How it works page and apply through the online application form (for-profit company).

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

How many business activities (SSIC) can a Singapore company register?

When incorporating a Singapore company, you usually register up to two SSIC codes: one primary activity and, if needed, one secondary activity. The secondary activity is optional.

SSIC is the 5-digit code of the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification and is used by all ACRA-registered companies. Some activity codes are subject to review by other authorities, which may delay registration.

  • If you plan to run several businesses: it is best to choose the business with the largest share of revenue as the primary activity.

You can check what to prepare in the Lee Kim Alliance company setup checklist.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Do I need to check business licences before incorporating a Singapore company?

Yes, some industries such as finance, education and real estate need approval or a licence from the relevant government authority separately from ACRA registration, so you should check before incorporating a Singapore company.

Approval of ACRA registration does not give you an industry licence. If another authority needs to review the company name or business activity, it may take up to 15 additional business days.

  • Finance, investment and digital asset businesses: first check whether the business requires an MAS licence.
  • Education businesses: names such as "academy" or "college" are subject to approval by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
  • Real estate agency, construction, food and beverage, etc.: follow the registration or licensing requirements of the authority responsible for each industry.

If you need an industry-specific check, you can contact us through the Lee Kim Alliance Contact page.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Do documents for setting up a subsidiary of a Korean head office need notarisation or an apostille?

Yes, the corporate shareholder's representative appointment letter usually needs to be notarised, and an apostille may also be requested in some cases, so it is best to confirm what is required before preparing the documents.

The shareholder register can be submitted in Korean or English without notarisation. Official documents not in English may need a notarised translation.

  • If a Korean head office is setting up a subsidiary: notarisation of the representative appointment letter is the key item, and the template is provided by the incorporation agent.
  • If setting up a branch: ACRA requires certified copies of the head office's certificate of incorporation and constitution, along with certified English translations, so more documents need to be prepared.

Through its company incorporation service, Lee Kim Alliance tells you in advance which documents need notarisation.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

Can a Singapore company managed by another provider be transferred to Lee Kim Alliance?

Yes, an existing Singapore company can also transfer its corporate administration, such as company secretary and registered address services, to Lee Kim Alliance. This is done by reporting the resignation of the existing secretary and the appointment of the new secretary to ACRA.

During the transfer, statutory registers such as the constitution, shareholder register and minutes are handed over by the previous provider, and the new provider carries out identity verification (KYC) of the directors and shareholders again.

  • If you were using the previous provider's nominee director service: there must always be at least one locally resident director, so the new local resident director is appointed first and the existing director resigns afterwards.
  • If accounting and tax are also being transferred: previous accounting records and filing history must also be obtained.

Lee Kim Alliance provides a company secretary service.

As of November 2026, source: ACRA

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