Singapore Business District Skyline
For Expat Entrepreneurs

Start Your Business
in Singapore

Singapore is consistently ranked #1 for ease of doing business. Whether you're launching a startup or expanding your global operations, we'll guide you every step of the way.

100%
Foreign Ownership
17%
Corporate Tax Rate
1 Day
Company Setup
0%
Capital Gains Tax
ACRA Registered Partners
Same-Day Incorporation
Free Initial Consultation

Why Singapore

Asia's #1 Business Hub for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Singapore offers unparalleled advantages for expats looking to start or expand their business. With 100% foreign ownership allowed, a world-class legal system, and strategic access to Asian markets, it's the ideal launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey.

100% Foreign Ownership

No local partner required. Full control of your business.

Low Tax Environment

17% corporate tax with generous exemptions. No capital gains tax.

90+ Double Tax Treaties

Extensive DTA network for international operations.

Discover All Benefits
Singapore Business Meeting
#1
World Bank Ranking
Ease of Doing Business

Our Services

Business Solutions for Expats

From company formation to ongoing compliance, we provide end-to-end support for your Singapore business journey.

Company Incorporation

Register your Singapore company in as fast as 1 day. We handle all ACRA filings, nominee director services, and registered office requirements.

  • Same-day incorporation available
  • Nominee director for foreigners
  • Corporate secretary included
Learn More

Tax Advisory & Planning

Optimize your tax position with Singapore's attractive corporate tax rates. Personal and corporate tax planning for maximum efficiency.

  • Corporate tax optimization
  • IRAS compliance & filing
  • GST registration support
Get Tax Advice

Work Visa & Immigration

Get the right work pass to live and work in Singapore. Employment Pass, EntrePass, and other visa applications handled professionally.

⚠️ Important: EP & S Pass holders cannot freelance. Your work pass is tied to one employer. To run your own business, consider EntrePass or incorporate with a local director.

  • Employment Pass (EP)
  • EntrePass for entrepreneurs
  • Dependent passes
Explore Visa Options

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Keep your finances in order with professional accounting services. Monthly bookkeeping, financial statements, and audit support.

  • Monthly bookkeeping
  • Financial statements
  • Annual return filing
Get a Quote
Popular

Government Grants & Loans

Access Singapore's extensive business financing ecosystem. Government grants, SME loans, and startup funding to fuel your growth.

  • Enterprise SG grants
  • SME working capital loans
  • Startup SG funding
Explore Financing Options

Legal & Compliance

Navigate Singapore's business regulations with confidence. Contract drafting, employment law, and intellectual property protection.

  • Commercial contracts
  • IP & trademark registration
  • Regulatory compliance
Get Legal Support

Not Sure Where to Start?

Book a free consultation with our business advisors. We'll assess your needs and create a customized roadmap for your Singapore business.

Business Structures

Choose the Right Business Entity

Singapore offers several business structures for foreign entrepreneurs. Here's a comparison to help you decide.

Most Popular

Private Limited (Pte Ltd)

Best for most foreign entrepreneurs

Limited liability protection
100% foreign ownership allowed
Corporate tax benefits & incentives
Easy to raise capital
Eligible for Employment Pass
Min. Paid-up Capital S$1
Min. Directors 1 (local resident)
Min. Shareholders 1
Incorporate Now

Sole Proprietorship

For Singapore residents only

Simple to set up & manage
Lowest setup costs
Unlimited personal liability
Not available for foreigners
Personal tax rates apply
Eligibility Citizens/PRs only
Registration Fee S$115/year
Learn More

Limited Liability Partnership

For professional services firms

Limited liability for partners
Flexibility of partnership
Open to foreigners
Requires 2+ partners
1 partner must be local resident
Min. Partners 2
Local Manager Required
Learn More

Freelancing Guide

Freelancing in Singapore: MOM Regulations

Understanding the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidelines is essential before taking on freelance work in Singapore. Your eligibility depends on your residency status.

Full Access

Singapore Citizens & PRs

Full freelancing freedom

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have complete freedom to pursue freelance work. There are no restrictions on whether your clients are local or overseas.

Work with local and international clients
No MOM approval required
Business registration optional (UEN available if needed)
Invoice clients directly without complications
Restrictions Apply

Work Pass Holders (EP/S Pass)

MOM approval required

Your Employment Pass or S Pass is tied to one sponsoring employer. Any additional freelance work, even for overseas clients, requires official clearance from MOM.

Remote work for foreign clients still counts as work in Singapore
Unauthorized freelancing can lead to pass revocation
May affect future visa applications if rules are breached
Where money is paid does not matter; your physical location does

Other Pass Types: Freelancing Rules

Pass Type Freelance Eligibility Requirements
Dependant Pass (DP) With Approval Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) with a sponsoring company (local or foreign registered with MOM)
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) With Approval May qualify for Pre-approved LOC if spouse/parent holds EP, or secure Work Permit/S Pass
Student Pass Limited Only 16 hours/week part-time during term, approved by institution. Freelancing falls outside typical arrangements.

Key Principle: Location Matters, Not Payment

MOM's regulations focus on your physical location, not where your client is based or where the money is paid. If you perform work while physically in Singapore, you are subject to local work rules regardless of whether your client is overseas or payment is deposited in a foreign account.

Not Eligible to Freelance Yet?

If your pass type doesn't allow freelancing, consider alternatives like part-time or contract roles with an employer willing to sponsor you, or setting up your own company to obtain an Employment Pass.

Popular Alternatives:

  • Incorporate a company and apply for Employment Pass
  • Find contract roles with proper pass sponsorship
  • Apply for EntrePass as a startup entrepreneur

Information based on current MOM guidelines. Always verify with official sources or consult a specialist for your specific situation. Source: Kuubiik

Simple Process

How to Start Your Business

Setting up a company in Singapore is straightforward. Here's how we help you every step of the way.

1

Consultation

We assess your business needs, recommend the best structure, and outline requirements for your situation.

2

Documentation

Prepare required documents: company name, shareholders/directors info, registered address, and constitution.

3

Registration

We file your incorporation with ACRA. Most applications are approved within 1-2 business days.

Launch!

Your company is incorporated! We help with bank account opening, work passes, and ongoing compliance.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners own 100% of a Singapore company?

Yes! Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership for most business types. There's no requirement for a local partner or joint venture. You can own all shares in your Private Limited Company.

However, you will need at least one locally resident director (Singapore citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder). If you don't have one, you can appoint a nominee director service.

Do I need to be in Singapore to register a company?

No, you can incorporate a Singapore company remotely from anywhere in the world. The entire registration process can be done online.

However, if you plan to work in Singapore, you'll need to apply for a work pass (Employment Pass or EntrePass) after incorporation. You may need to visit Singapore for certain bank account applications.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements?
  • Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 6 months of financial year-end
  • Annual Return filing with ACRA within 7 months
  • Corporate tax filing with IRAS
  • Maintain proper accounting records
  • Appoint a company secretary within 6 months of incorporation

Our compliance packages handle all of these requirements so you can focus on growing your business.

Are foreigners eligible for Singapore government grants?

Most Enterprise Singapore grants require the company to be at least 30% locally owned by Singapore citizens or PRs. However, there are exceptions:

  • Startup SG Founder: Open to first-time entrepreneurs with innovative ideas
  • SME Working Capital Loans: Available to foreign-owned SMEs meeting criteria
  • Bank financing: Foreign-owned companies can access commercial loans
Learn more about financing options →
How much does it cost to start a company?

Basic costs include:

  • ACRA Registration Fee: S$315
  • Name Reservation: S$15
  • Minimum Paid-up Capital: S$1
  • Registered Office Address: S$300-800/year
  • Corporate Secretary: S$300-600/year
  • Nominee Director (if needed): S$2,000-5,000/year

Total setup costs typically range from S$2,000-5,000 depending on your needs.

Can I freelance on an Employment Pass or S Pass?

No, generally you cannot. Here's what you need to know:

  • Employment Pass (EP): Your EP is tied to a single employer for a specific job. Freelancing, self-employment, or taking extra work outside your sponsoring employer is prohibited by MOM. You would need an EntrePass or to register a company with a Singaporean/PR director.
  • S Pass: S Pass holders face even stricter rules. Freelancing or moonlighting violates your work pass conditions and requires special MOM approval. Unauthorized freelance work, even for overseas clients, risks pass cancellation.

Alternatives for work pass holders who want to start a business:

  • Apply for an EntrePass (entrepreneur visa)
  • Incorporate a company with a local director (Singapore citizen or PR)
  • Wait until you obtain PR status, which allows self-employment

Have more questions?

Ask Our Experts
SG

Business Setup

Start Your Journey

Ready to Launch Your Singapore Business?

Join thousands of entrepreneurs who have successfully established their business in Singapore. Our expert advisors are ready to guide you.

1 Day Registration 17% Corp Tax 100% Foreign Ownership