Question 1

How do I incorporate my business in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Choose a structure (most founders pick a Pte. Ltd.), reserve a company name with ACRA, prepare the constitution and director/shareholder details, then file via a licensed agent. VMaxwell handles every step online — usually within a single business day.

Question 2

What documents do I need to prepare?

Accepted Answer

Identification for every director and shareholder, proof of residential address, a proposed company name, share structure, and a description of business activities. For corporate shareholders we also need certificates and registers from the parent company.

Question 3

How do I check if a company is already incorporated in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Search ACRA's Bizfile directory by name or UEN. Our name-check tool above runs the same lookup and flags conflicts before you commit.

Question 4

How can I get my company name approved?

Accepted Answer

Pick a name that isn't identical or confusingly similar to an existing one, doesn't infringe trademarks, and avoids restricted words (e.g. 'bank', 'finance'). We pre-screen options for you and reserve approved names with ACRA.

Question 5

How much share capital do I need?

Accepted Answer

The legal minimum is S$1. You can issue more later. Some banks prefer to see higher paid-up capital before opening a corporate account — we'll advise based on your business profile.

Question 6

How many shareholders do I need?

Accepted Answer

A Singapore Pte. Ltd. needs at least 1 shareholder and can have up to 50. A single individual can be the sole director and sole shareholder.

Question 7

How long does incorporation take?

Accepted Answer

Most local incorporations are approved by ACRA within a few hours of submission, provided no referral to another authority is required.

Question 8

What are the tax benefits of incorporating in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Corporate income tax is capped at 17%. New companies enjoy tax exemptions on their first S$200,000 of chargeable income for the first three years. Singapore also has no capital gains tax and an extensive double-taxation treaty network.

Question 9

Do I need a company address? Where can my registered address be?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Singapore company needs a registered office address in Singapore that's open during normal business hours. It can be a commercial premises or a residential address under the Home Office Scheme — or you can use VMaxwell's Registered Office Address service.

Question 10

Can a foreigner open a company in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 100% foreign shareholding is allowed, but you'll need at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore. If that's not you, our Nominee Director service satisfies the requirement. See our Incorporation for Foreigners page for the full flow.

What would you like to call your company?