One of the requirements of setting up a business in Singapore is that one of the directors/authorised representatives/general partners/managers must be a local resident.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking to set up a business entity in Singapore, you must appoint a locally resident director/authorised representative to manage the company or business if you wish to continue to reside outside Singapore.
A Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder can be appointed as a locally resident authorised representative. FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Director, Secretary).
As a foreigner, you may choose to register any type of business entity provided you are able to fulfil the local residency requirement for the entity selected:
| Types of entity |
Local residency requirements |
Details |
| Sole-Proprietorship/Partnership |
At least 1 locally resident authorised representative* |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint at least one locally resident authorised representative.
Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of a sole proprietorship or a partnership must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the sole proprietorship or partnership.
FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Director, Secretary)
|
| Local Company |
At least 1 locally resident director |
Foreigners residing overseas can own shares of a Singapore-registered company and may be appointed as a foreign director of the company.
|
| Foreign Company |
At least 1 locally resident authorised representative* |
For more information, please refer to Registering a Foreign Company.
|
| Limited Liability Partnership |
At least 1 locally resident manager |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint a locally resident manager.
Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of an LLP must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the LLP.
FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Director, Secretary)
|
| Limited Partnership |
At least 1 locally resident general partner or local manager |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint a locally resident general partner or local manager.
Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of an LP must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the LP.
FIN holders are advised to check with the relevant pass issuing authority (e.g. MOM/ICA) on their eligibility before registering or taking on appointment (e.g. Director, Secretary)
|
*The authorised representative must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident or an employment pass holder. This authorised representative has personal liability for the appointment.
For more information about the different business entities, please refer to
Choosing a Business Structure.