How to incorporate a company in Singapore in 2026

This guide provides general background on Singapore company setup. Requirements, authority processing, and outcomes change and should be confirmed against current ACRA guidance and an appropriately authorised provider.

Step 1 — Choose and reserve your company name

Every incorporation begins with a proposed company name. Check current ACRA guidance and Bizfile for name-review requirements, the applicable reservation period, and the authority outcome. ACRA makes the decision on each application.

Step 2 — Appoint directors, a secretary, and shareholders

A Singapore private limited company needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, at least one shareholder (individual or corporate), and a company secretary appointed within six months of incorporation. Shareholders can be fully foreign, and 100% foreign ownership is permitted. Founders without a local director often appoint a nominee director to satisfy the residency requirement.

Step 3 — Prepare your incorporation documents

Preparation may involve a constitution, consents, particulars of relevant people, address information, and activity codes. Confirm the current documents and their required form with official guidance and the responsible professional before relying on any draft.

Step 4 — Confirm external review and submission requirements

Before taking any incorporation step, check current ACRA guidance and confirm the responsible party, its authority, and its required review process. Authority acceptance and registration timing are determined outside UpVue.

Step 5 — After incorporation

After an authority outcome, ongoing obligations may apply. Confirm current requirements with official guidance and an appropriately qualified adviser for your circumstances.

The mechanics of incorporation are well defined, but details matter. Workflow software can help organise information and draft working documents; it does not replace professional advice, filing authority, or an authority decision.