Whether you're setting up your first company, applying for a work pass, or just curious how it all works in Singapore, we’ve got the answers.
These are the questions we get asked the most - and if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re just a message away.

How fast can I incorporate a company in Singapore?
In most cases, we can get your company registered within 1-2 business days - as long as all required documents are ready and the name is approved.
Company registration in Singapore can be quick and fully digital. Once you've submitted your documents and selected your preferred structure, we’ll review everything and file it with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).
If your company name doesn't trigger additional reviews (e.g. it's not sensitive or already in use), and no extra licenses are required, approval is usually granted within a few working hours. Once approved, your company is officially incorporated - and you’ll receive a business profile and UEN (Unique Entity Number) on the same day.
Can I set up a company if I’m not a Singaporean?
Yes! Singapore welcomes foreign entrepreneurs - you can own 100% of the shares in a Singapore company, even if you’re not a citizen or resident.
The only local requirement is having at least one Singapore-based director. This person must be a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder. If you don’t have someone who meets this requirement, we can provide a professional nominee director as part of our service - with proper legal safeguards in place to protect both parties.
Everything can be done remotely - from incorporation to document signing - and we’ll guide you through every step.
What documents do I need to get started?
To begin your company incorporation in Singapore, we typically require the following from each individual director, shareholder and ultimate beneficial owner:
- Passport copy (clear, in color)
- Proof of residential address (such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)
- Details of your business - including your proposed company name, business activities, ownership structure, and intended shareholding.
If your company has a corporate shareholder, we’ll also need additional documents like the Certificate of Incorporation and company profile of that entity.
But no stress - we don’t expect you to know everything upfront. Our team will provide you with a simple checklist, answer your questions, and walk you through the process step by step.
Do I need to be in Singapore to register the company?
No, you don’t need to be physically present in Singapore to set up your company. The entire incorporation process can be done remotely - wherever you are in the world.
We’ll handle everything digitally, including:
- Document preparation and signing - all done securely via e-signature platforms
- Identity verification - completed online with passport and proof of address
- Filing with ACRA - submitted through the government’s official digital portal
Our bilingual team will guide you step-by-step, making sure your documents are complete, your structure is correct, and your setup complies fully with Singapore regulations - without you needing to fly in or book appointments.
Once incorporated, you’ll receive your official documents and company profile via email.
What’s the difference between a Singapore and an offshore company?
The main difference lies in how the company is perceived, regulated, and used:
Singapore Company
- Highly credible:
Singapore is a globally trusted jurisdiction with strong legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Ideal for active business operations:
Perfect if you're running a real business, hiring staff, applying for visas, or opening corporate bank accounts in Singapore.
- Transparent & compliant:
Annual filings, tax reporting, and public disclosure of directors/shareholders are required.
- Tax benefits:
Access to tax treaties and low corporate tax rates, especially for startups.
Use a Singapore company if you want to:
- Build a presence in Asia
- Open a bank account with reputable institutions
- Apply for Employment Passes or run a fully compliant, operational business
Offshore Company (e.g. BVI, Cayman, Seychelles)
- Private & flexible:
Often used for asset holding, investment vehicles, or global structuring - with minimal disclosure requirements.
- No local business activity:
Typically not used to operate in the jurisdiction where they’re registered.
- Low to zero tax:
No corporate income tax in many offshore jurisdictions.
- Banking may be more challenging:
Due to global compliance trends, banks may require more due diligence to open accounts for offshore companies.
Use an offshore company if you want to:
- Hold international investments or intellectual property
- Set up a tax-neutral holding entity
- Maintain privacy and flexibility for cross-border arrangements
Still unsure which one suits your needs? Reach out and we’ll help you choose the right structure - based on your business goals, residency, and risk tolerance.
What’s included in your company secretary service?
In Singapore, every company must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation - and we’re here to help you stay fully compliant.
Our company secretary package includes:
- Preparation and filing of Annual Returns with ACRA
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) documentation or exemption handling
- Changes to company structure - such as appointments or resignations of directors, updates to shareholders, changes in shareholding, or registered address updates
- Routine board resolutions - such as opening bank accounts or approving changes
- Deadline tracking and reminders - so you never miss a statutory filing or get fined
- Secure document archiving - all your resolutions, minutes, and filings kept organised for future audits or reference
We act as your point of contact with ACRA and ensure your company meets all local corporate governance requirements - with full bilingual support if needed.
Do you offer nominee director services?
Yes, we do. If you're a foreigner setting up a Singapore company but don’t have a local director, our nominee director service allows you to meet the statutory requirement without giving up control of your business.
Here’s how it works:
- Legal & compliant:
Our nominee director is a Singapore resident appointed solely to fulfill ACRA’s local director requirement - they do not interfere with your day-to-day operations or decision-making.
- Proper documentation:
We provide a clear Nominee Director Agreement that protects both sides and confirms that you retain full control over the company’s affairs.
Why use a nominee director?
- You're based overseas and need to meet Singapore’s local directorship rules
- You’re applying for an EP and will become the local director later
- You want to start fast while your long-term structure is still being finalised
Our nominee services are secure, confidential, and fully transparent - with the right legal safeguards in place.
Can you help me apply for an Employment Pass (EP)?
Yes - we provide full support for Employment Pass (EP) and Dependant Pass (DP) applications, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs and professionals to live and work in Singapore legally.
Our service includes:
- Eligibility assessment:
We review your profile and salary structure to ensure you meet MOM (Ministry of Manpower) criteria.
- Document preparation:
We help you gather and format key documents - including educational certificates, job descriptions, and company information.
- Filing the application: We handle the submission via MOM’s system and track the progress closely.
- Follow-ups & clarifications:
If MOM requests additional information, we respond promptly to avoid delays.
- Family support:
We also assist with Dependant Passes for spouses and children, or Long-Term Visit Passes for other family members.
Who is eligible for an EP?
Generally, professionals earning at least S$5,600/month (w.e.f. Jan 2025) with acceptable qualifications and a legitimate job offer from a Singapore company.
If you’re a foreign founder of a newly incorporated company, we can help you position your role and business plan to support a successful application.
What are my ongoing compliance obligations after incorporating a Singapore company?
After your company is incorporated, maintaining compliance is key to avoiding penalties and keeping your business in good standing with ACRA and IRAS.
Here's what you need to take care of:
Annual Requirements:
- Appoint a Company Secretary within 6 months of incorporation
- Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) (unless exempted)
- File Annual Returns with ACRA
- Prepare and keep financial statements (even if unaudited)
Tax Compliance:
- Register for GST if applicable (above S$1M turnover or voluntary)
- File Corporate Tax returns annually with IRAS (Form C/C-S)
- Keep accounting records for at least 5 years
Business Changes:
If you change your company name, address, directors, or shareholding, you're required to update ACRA within a specific timeframe - usually 14 days.
At dollarAmount, we help clients manage all of this through our secretary + compliance support package, so you never miss a deadline.
Can you help with closing a company?
Yes, we offer full support for striking off or de-registering a Singapore company, ensuring the process is smooth, compliant, and hassle-free.
Here’s what we do:
- Pre-check eligibility:
We assess whether your company qualifies for strike-off (e.g. no outstanding liabilities, ceased trading, no ongoing legal matters).
- Prepare necessary documents:
Including board resolutions, final accounts (if needed), and declarations for ACRA submission.
- File strike-off application:
We submit the application to ACRA and monitor progress - the process typically takes 4–6 months depending on government processing time.
- Handle follow-ups:
If ACRA or IRAS requests clarifications or further documentation, we manage the responses on your behalf.
- Final confirmation:
Once ACRA approves the strike-off, we notify you and ensure you receive all official closure notices.
Let’s make your setup simple,
your structure sound,
and your journey global.