How To Start Company Formation In Singapore

By Eagle Ruth


Singapore is Asia's center for commerce and trade, which is exactly why it is a leading choice for business by both foreign and local entities.

Opening one's business in Singapore is comparatively hassle-free with its efficient bureaucracy, permitting interested parties to submit applications and have them reviewed and approved quickly so long as they achieve the requirements.

Company Formation In Singapore 101: Know The Requirements

Whether a sole proprietorship or partnership, interested entities can submit documents needed for registration to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the official government institution of Singapore for having businesses registered.

BizFile, ACRA's primary online platform, is the gateway for bodies to starting their business in Singapore.

Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents ought to ready their NRIC No. before using the BizFile, while foreigners need to secure an EntrePass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The MOM, however, only grants this to foreigners who plan to open companies in Singapore (instead of all the other types of businesses, such as sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, partnerships, and limited liability partnerships.

A SingPass is also necessary to log in on the BizFile. The SingPass is a PIN given by the government allowing users to gain access to government services online, and is open to holders of EntrePass, Singapore citizens, as well as Permanent Residents. After obtaining the NRIC No. or EntrePass and the SingPass, applicants could then log in on the BizFile and submit documentary requirements using any Internet-enabled computer or at any BizFile kiosk.

You may also hire a professional firm, like a lawyer or accountant, to lodge an application to ACRA on your behalf.

Company Formation In Singapore 101: What Exactly Are The Expenses?

Right after your application for registration is approved, you have to pay ACRA a S$50 Business Registration Fee as well as a S$15 Name Approval Fee.

This is possible through the BizFile website through credit card, by cash in the ACRA office, or via the ACRA kiosks.

The approval of company registration may take as quickly as 15 minutes or as long as two months, based on whether the business registered needs earlier review from other government bodies, like the Ministry of Education for schools.




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