Singapore is a global business hub known for its favorable business climate and entrepreneur-friendly environment. Learn more about the advantages of starting a company in Singapore.

For Malaysian entrepreneurs seeking to expand their market, attract investor funding, or establish a foothold in Asia, setting up a company in Singapore in 2025 could be the ideal move.

Can you Register a Company in Singapore from Malaysia  in 2025?

Absolutely! There are no restrictions on nationality for company registration in Singapore in 2025. As a Malaysian  citizen, you can initiate the entire process remotely online or appoint a local representative like us to handle the legalities. The process typically takes about 3 to 5 working days, assuming no further approvals or permits are required.

You have two main legal structures to choose from when registering your business in Singapore in 2025:

Ownership Type	Business Structure	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Individual and/or Corporate Owner	Singapore Private Limited Company (PTE LTD)	Offers separation of personal and business assets. Similar to the SDN BHD Structure in Malaysia	Limited liability protection, easier access to funding Tax Incentives for 1st 3 years. Audit exemption if revenue is less than S$ 1 million	Annual Filing & Yearly Reporting requirements
Corporate Owner	Singapore Branch Office	An extension of an existing foreign company, operating under the parent company’s regulations.	Easier and quicker to establish compared to a subsidiary, utilizing existing resources and brand recognition.	Limited operations. Only to service existing clients in Singapore. Cannot Source for new Business. No Tax Incentives.

We would recommend a Singapore Private Limited Company as the most preferred structure.

Requirements to Start a Singapore Company in 2025 from Malaysia

Here are the essential requirements for setting up a company in Singapore:

 

• 1. Minimum of One Director: A company must appoint at least one director who is at least 18 years old, not an undischarged bankrupt, and without a criminal record. This director can be of any nationality, including a foreigner.
  2. Minimum of One Shareholder: Only one shareholder is required to establish the company, and they can be of any nationality. A corporate shareholder, such as your Bangladeshi company, can also hold shares in the Singapore entity.
  3. Company Secretary: A qualified company secretary must be appointed as part of the registration process. The appointed agency will handle this responsibility for you.
  4. Registered Address: Your company must maintain a local address in Singapore for official correspondence. The agency you choose will provide this service.
  5. Minimum of One Local Nominee Director: Singapore companies must appoint at least one resident director who is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. This nominee director will not be involved in daily operations or hold any shares in the company. You can learn more about the nominee director role [here].
  6. Tax & Accounting Services: Singapore companies are required to prepare unaudited financial statements and submit tax returns annually. The agency will assist with bookkeeping, tax compliance, and accounting services to ensure your company meets all regulatory obligations.

 

What Are the Operating Costs for a Singapore Company?

The cost of running a Singapore company can be broken down into two main categories:

• Starting Costs:

Your one-time fixed costs payable to the Singapore Authorities are as follows. Note that agencies may have a small mark-up as an administrative fee on this cost:

One-Time Registration Fees	Cost (SGD)	Cost (RM)
* ACRA Company Registration Fee	$300	RM995
* Business Name Reservation	$15	RM50
TOTAL One-Time Setup Cost:	$315	RM1100

 

• Annual Fees:

 

Type of Yearly Fee	Amount (SGD)	Amount (RM)
ACRA Annual Filing Fee	$60	RM200
Auditing Costs (if applicable) *only if revenue >$1million	Varies	Varies
Company Secretary Fees	Starting from S$240	Starting from RM 800
Nominee Director Fees	$1,200	RM4000
Preparation of Unaudited Financial Statements (UFS)	Starting from S$1,000 onwards depending on revenue	Starting from RM3314
Preparation of Tax Returns (Form CS+ ECI)	Starting from S$600 onwards depending on revenue	Starting from RM2000
TOTAL YEARLY FEE:	Starting from $3,100	Starting from RM10,273

Notes:

• The ACRA annual filing fee is a fixed cost for maintaining your company’s good standing.

• Auditing costs depend on the company’s size, complexity, and chosen auditor. Note that an Audit is only required if your Singapore company revenue exceeds S$ 1 million (RM3.4million)

• Company secretary fees depend on the scope of services provided. They typically start from a few hundred SGD annually and can increase based on the complexity of the company’s structure and activities. The TK conversion will fluctuate with exchange rates.

Opening a Bank Account for Your Singapore Company 

Once your company is registered, setting up a corporate bank account is essential for handling business transactions. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Company Registration Documents: Your Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and Articles of Association (AA) are key documents.
• Board Resolution: A board resolution authorizing the opening of a corporate bank account.
• Identity Documents: Passports and proof of residence for all directors and shareholders.
• Business Plan: Some banks may request a business plan detailing your company’s activities and financial projections.
• Invoices & Contracts: Having a Letter of Interest (LOI), Expression of Interest (EOI), or contracts with suppliers, clients, or employees linked to your Singapore company can improve your chances of successfully opening an account.

Types of Bank Accounts (Traditional Vs Digital)

Digital Banks

• Aspire
• Wise

These banks are authorized and licensed to operate in Singapore, offering digital multi-currency accounts. The application process is completed online and typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. Operating costs are generally lower, but keep in mind that their services are limited. They do not provide checkbooks, physical cards, or branch locations

Traditional banks

• OCBC
• DBS

Accounts are typically multi-currency in nature and usually include a debit card, checkbook services, trade/forex/loan services, and physical branches.

Note that you may be required to physically visit the branch in Singapore for verification and authentication by the banker. 

Options for international banks like Standard Chartered, Citibank, HSBC, etc are also available but come with higher fees & deposit requirements. Typically they are more appropriate for multi-national companies and also for relevant details visits.

Moving to Singapore from Malaysia

 

If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your company, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate work visa. Here are some options to consider:

• EntrePass: This visa is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to start and run a new business in Singapore. It requires a minimum investment of S$50,000 in your company. For detailed information about the application process, click here.
• Employment Pass: If you plan to work in your own Singapore-based company, you can apply for an Employment Pass. This visa has specific requirements regarding salary and qualifications. For more details on the process, click here.

Important Note: If you plan to relocate to Singapore with your immediate family (spouse, children, and parents), you will need to apply for the Employment Pass. This option involves higher salary requirements and additional conditions. Your family members may be eligible for dependent visas linked to your Employment Pass.

Reach out to us here for more information.

Conclusion

Registering a Singapore company from MALAYSIA  in 2025 offers a plethora of advantages for Malaysian entrepreneurs seeking to expand their reach in Asia. The process is relatively straightforward, and the government actively encourages foreign investment. By carefully considering the different business structures, costs involved, and necessary permits, you can establish a strong foundation for your Singaporean venture. You can also read more about the benefits of opening a Singapore company here.

Remember, consulting with professional service providers specializing in Singapore company registration such as SINGBAC can significantly streamline the process and ensure compliance with all regulations. Reach out to us with your plans to see how best we can help you.

FAQ

1.      Can I register a Singapore company from Malaysia?

Yes, absolutely! Singapore welcomes foreign ownership, and the registration process can be completed remotely. It typically takes about 3 to 5 working days, assuming no permits or licenses are required, and the first-year cost about RM7,400.00 as a foreigner.

  2.    What are the additional considerations for registering from Malaysia?

While the core registration process remains the same, there are a few additional points to keep in mind:

You may require assistance with document legalization or posting for certain documents submitted to ACRA. Here at SINGBAC, we can help in coordinating with the MALAYSIAN Embassy or any legal providers for such services on your behalf.

 3.    Do I need to travel to Singapore to register a company?

No, the entire registration process can be completed online or through a corporate service provider in Singapore. Opening of Digital corporate bank accounts with providers such as Wise or Aspire can also be done remotely. However, for opening of traditional bank accounts, depending on the provider, you may be required to physically travel to Singapore for bank account opening if they are unable to provide authentication service at your local branch in Malaysia.

 4.   Are there any additional costs for registering from Malaysia?

The core registration fees remain the same. However, you might incur additional costs related to document legalization and potentially higher service fees from some corporate service providers catering to foreign clients. We have highlighted one of the lowest average costs and hence we encourage you to compare rates to ensure you do not pay a fee that is higher than expected.

In fact, you can even save significantly more cost, if you already have or know someone who is Singapore PR or Citizen who is willing to act as your local nominee director in your Singapore company.