A foreigner, who would like to set up his own company and be present in Singapore to actively manage its operations, should apply for an EntrePass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). For more information on the EntrePass, please refer to the MOM website.
The person* intending to incorporate a company is required to engage the services of a professional firm (e.g. lawyers, accountants, chartered secretaries) or a service bureau (e.g. DP Bureau) to submit the online application on his behalf if any of the company officers or shareholders does not have SingPass. Only an individual with SingPass can proceed to submit any online transactions or perform the required endorsements via BizFile (ACRA’s online filing system). They will need to log in to BizFile using their identification number (NRIC or FIN no.) and SingPass.
(*Any person above the age of 18 years old with effect from 1 March 2009 can be a director of a Company)
What about a foreigner who is to be employed as an employee eg a salaried director?
Any foreigner who wishes to work in Singapore as an employee would have to apply for an appropriate work pass eg. an Employment Pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Can the Company commence business upon successful registration with ACRA?
The Company may commence business once it has been registered with ACRA. This is on condition that the Company does not require any license/approvals from other government agencies in order to carry out the business activities.
Information on licensing requirements, business assistance and key industry information
Can a foreigner incorporate a company without applying for an EntrePass?
If the foreigner wishes to incorporate the company with no intention to stay on in Singapore to manage its operations, then he can do so without having to apply for an EntrePass. However he will need to have at least 1 locally resident director at the point of incorporation. He has to engage the services of a professional firm to file the application online.
Can a foreigner incorporate a company first and then apply for an EntrePass with MOM?
A foreigner is required to submit his EntrePass application with MOM. Upon approval of his EntrePass application, he may then proceed to incorporate the company with ACRA. He may also apply for an EntrePass if he owns a company registered with ACRA for not more than 6 months at the point of his EntrePass application. This is subject to MOM’s assessment and approval. Please refer to the MOM website for information on the EntrePass.