To set up a company and start doing business in Singapore, a company must first be incorporated. To do so, one must submit an application online via BizFile upon the approval of its name.
The application for all types of business is similar and the *person incorporating the local company may choose one of the following ways:
-
Log into
BizFile using his/her identification number and
SingPass to submit an online transaction (For self-incorporation, the proposed directors, secretary and subscribers must all be Singapore NRIC holders). This can be done from home, office or at one of ACRA’s BizFile Kiosks at our premises. Please refer to the
step-by-step guide.
-
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.
(*Any person above the age of 18 years old with effect from 1 March 2009 can incorporate a local company)
Find out here if a private or public company is better suited for the business you are starting.
Registration fees
| Name Approval Fee |
$15 |
| Registration Fee for Company Limited by Shares |
$300 |
| Registration Fee for Company Limited by Guarantee |
$600 |
Processing Time
A company is usually incorporated within 15 minutes after the registration fee is paid.
However, it may take between 14 days to 2 months if the application needs to be referred to other authorities for approval or review. For example, if the intention of the company is to carry out activities involving the setting up of a private school, the application will be referred to the Ministry of Education.
[Refer to the Referral Authorities Table]
How does the Standard Memorandum and Articles of Association look like?
Section 19(1) of the Companies Act requires the memorandum of association (Memorandum) and articles of association (Articles) of the proposed company to be submitted to the Registrar. We have created a sample Memorandum. The Fourth Schedule of the Companies Act contains a sample Articles (also known as a Table A). To access these two samples, please click here.
If you are a private company limited by shares, section 18 of the Companies Act requires the company’s Memorandum or Articles to (1) restrict the right to transfer its shares, and (2) limit its members to 50 at most. We have created a sample Articles which is a variation of Table A to cater to these two legal requirements. To access the sample Memorandum and sample Articles for private company limited by shares, please click here.
Is there any endorsement required for company incorporation?
A company incorporated by the directors themselves will require the proposed directors/secretary and subscribers to endorse their consent online via BizFile within 3 days of submitting their application for incorporation.
How long will an approved company name be reserved?
An approved company name will be reserved for 60 days from the date of name application. If you need more time, you can extend the reservation of the approved company name via BizFile for another 60 days. The fee payable is $10. Please note that you will have to apply for the extension latest by the 59th day from the date of name application; otherwise you will not be able to apply for the extension.