Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore
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Starting a Sole-Proprietorship / Partnership

What is a Sole Proprietorship
What is a Partnership
Who Needs to Register
Registering a Sole-Proprietorship / Partnership
Foreigner Registering a Sole-Proprietorship / Partnership
Choosing a Sole-Proprietorship / Partnership Name
Business Address
Appointment of a Manager

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Foreigner Registering a Sole-Proprietor/Partnership


A foreigner, who would like to register a Sole-Proprietorship in Singapore, is required to appoint a locally resident manager whilst he continues to reside outside Singapore.

If a foreigner wishes to register a Partnership in Singapore whilst he continues to reside outside Singapore, there must be a least a locally resident partner in the business firm. If all the partners are foreigners, a locally resident manager needs to be appointed.

MOM will not issue an EntrePass to a foreigner who wishes to register and run a sole-proprietorship or partnership. Foreigner who wishes to set up a business and be present in Singapore to manage its operations is strongly advised to seek approval from MOM before registration. Even if you have successfully registered a business with ACRA, MOM may still refuse your application for a pass subsequently.

The *person carrying out the business 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 partners 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 Sole-Proprietor or a Partner)

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).

Last Updated/Reviewed on 12 Oct 2010
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