As a foreigner, you can register and manage a company in Singapore while remaining based in the United States and operate remotely with regular travel visas.
Singapore offers US businesses an attractive gateway to Asian markets with its business-friendly environment and strategic location.
Understanding Business Structures
For US entrepreneurs, a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore serves the same function as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States. Both structures provide limited liability protection while maintaining operational flexibility.
US citizens can fully own companies in Singapore as ultimate beneficial owners.
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) is the most popular choice for foreigners registering a company in Singapore. This structure:
- Can accommodate 1-50 shareholders
- Has separate legal entity status from its shareholders
- Limits the liability of its shareholders to the amount they have invested in its shares
- Offers a corporate tax rate of 17% with potential tax exemptions for new companies. You might qualify for tax exemptions on the first $100,000 of chargeable income during the first three years.
Alternative structures include sole proprietorship and limited liability partnership, though these offer less protection and credibility for foreign businesses.
Tip: The banks & financial institutions in Singapore consider Pte Ltd more credible than a sole proprietorship or partnership. They can easily raise funds for expansion of their business activities.
Foreign Company Registration for Existing US Businesses
If you already operate a company in the US, establishing a Singapore entity through subsidiary incorporation represents the recommended approach.
A subsidiary operates as a separate entity from its parent company, allowing the US parent company to own 100% shares while maintaining limited liability protection. The Singapore subsidiary will be structured as a Private Limited Company under Singapore law.
The parent company’s assets remain protected from subsidiary debts and losses, providing an additional layer of protection for your US business. However, establishing a subsidiary typically requires relocating an employee to Singapore who will need an Employment Pass to work locally.
How to Start a Pte Ltd Company in Singapore from the US?
Mandatory Requirements:
- At least one shareholder (individual or corporate entity)
- At least one local director (a nominee director) who is a Singapore resident (Citizen, Permanent Resident
- Company Secretary
- Data Protection Officer (required as of 2024 to stay compliant with the Singapore Personal Data Protection Act)
- Registered office address in Singapore
Capital Requirements:
- No minimum paid-up capital required; you can start with as little as S$1
Step-by-Step Registration Process
1. Engage a Registered Filing Agent
Foreigners must use a registered filing agent (law firm, accounting firm, or corporate secretarial service) to submit applications through BizFile+ on their behalf. Complete the KYC onboarding process including the choice of your company name.
2. Secure Company Name
Submit your proposed company name to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) for approval. The name must be unique and not already in use.
3. Submit Required Documents
- Proof of residential address in the United States
- Passport or identification documents (social security card or driving license)
- Preferred financial year end date. (by default, it is 12months from date of registration)
- Copy of Passport for all individual shareholders, directors & beneficial owners. Copy of Company profile/certificate of incorporation for all corporate shareholders
4. Document Signing Requirements
Complete & sign all pre-incorporation & post-incorporation documents related to the company prepared by the filing agent.
What to Expect
Registration Fee: S$315 represents the government fee paid directly to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore for company name application and registration processing.
Singbac’s professional services, which include company secretary appointment, nominee director services, and ongoing compliance support, are provided under separate fee arrangements and will be discussed during your consultation.
Timeline
- Standard processing: 1-3 days once documentation is complete
- Overall process: Up to 60 days if authorities require additional review
- Name appeal process (if needed): 14-21 working days
Opening a Corporate Bank Account for a Singapore Company
While not a mandatory requirement for company registration, a corporate bank account is recommended and necessary when carrying out business activities such as receiving payments, making transactions, and managing funds in Singapore.
The documents required are:
Identity Documents – Passports and proof of residence for all directors and shareholders are required by the banks.
Business Plan – A document outlining your Singapore company’s activities and financial projections.
Supporting Business Documents – Letters of interest, expressions of interest, supplier agreements, client contracts, or employee contracts with your Singapore company can significantly improve your chances of successfully opening a bank account.
While these documents demonstrate your business legitimacy, traditional banks may require more evidence of business operations locally, such as a proof of office lease.
We recommend starting with digital banks, also known as neo banks, which typically have more flexible requirements for new companies.
Also read: Checklist to open a corporate bank account in Singapore; Traditional banks vs Digital Banks
How Singbac Helps US Businesses Register in Singapore
As a professional filing agent, Singbac handles the entire registration process to ensure your US business remains compliant with ease.
Our services include filing annual returns, managing corporate tax filings, providing qualified nominee director services, and maintaining proper financial records throughout your business journey in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I register a Singapore company from the United States?
Yes, US citizens and businesses can register a company in Singapore from the United States. You can fully own a Singapore company as the ultimate beneficial owner and manage operations remotely.
The registration process can be completed entirely from your US location through a registered filing agent, eliminating the need for physical presence during incorporation.
- Do I need to travel to Singapore to register a company?
No, traveling to Singapore from the United States is not required for company registration. The entire incorporation process can be handled remotely through a registered filing agent who will submit your application through the government’s BizFile+ system.
However, you may need to visit Singapore later for activities such as opening corporate bank accounts, depending on the financial institution’s requirements.
- Do I need a local director to register a Singapore company?
Yes, Singapore law requires at least one local director, commonly known as a nominee director, for all private limited companies. This director must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident with a local residential address.
Foreign businesses, including US citizens and entrepreneurs, must engage professional corporate service providers or registered filing agents who can appoint fit and proper nominee directors to meet this regulatory requirement.
- How long does the Singapore company registration process take?
The standard registration process takes one to three days once all required documentation is prepared and submitted. However, the overall timeline can extend up to sixty days if authorities require additional review of your application.
Name approval typically processes within the standard timeframe, though appeals for rejected names take fourteen to twenty-one working days.
