Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore private limited company, but owning a company and working in Singapore are separate questions. We incorporate your company, provide a resident nominee director if you need one, and act as company secretary. If you plan to relocate, our associated licensed employment agency can help the company apply for your work pass.
The usual journey
- Incorporate the company. You need a company name, at least one shareholder, a locally resident director, a company secretary and a registered address. See company incorporation.
- Appoint a resident director. If none of the directors lives in Singapore, use a nominee director until you or another resident can take the role.
- Open a corporate bank account. Banks carry out their own checks on the company, its owners and the source of funds. We can introduce you to suitable banks.
- Apply for a work pass if you will work here. The company, as your employer, applies to MOM. Common routes are the Employment Pass, assessed on salary, qualifications and the COMPASS framework, and the EntrePass for eligible entrepreneurs.
- Run the company properly. Keep accounts, file annual returns and tax returns, and register for GST if required. See our corporate secretarial and tax hubs.
Separate decisions to keep apart
| Question | Decided by |
|---|---|
| Can I own the company? | Company law. Foreign ownership is allowed. |
| Can I work in Singapore? | MOM, through a work pass application |
| Can I live here long term or become a PR? | ICA, assessed separately |
| Where is the company tax resident? | IRAS, based mainly on where it is controlled and managed |
No work pass or PR application can be guaranteed. MOM and ICA decide each case on its merits.
Work pass support
Work pass and employment agency services are provided by our associated company, Little Big Employment Agency Pte Ltd, a licensed employment agency. See singaporeemploymentagency.com.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit Singapore to set up?
No. We can incorporate remotely after identity checks and a video call. Some banks may ask to meet you.
Can my Singapore company sponsor my Employment Pass?
Yes, a Singapore company can apply for an Employment Pass for its director or employee, provided the application meets MOM’s criteria. Read incorporating a company and applying for an EP.
More guides: work passes and immigration hub. Official guidance: MOM, ICA and ACRA.
Talk to our team
For help with setting up in Singapore, email [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +65 8501 7133. Our office is at 151 Chin Swee Road, Manhattan House, #02-04A, Singapore 169876, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.