Company formation in Singapore
Singapore is the highest-credibility base in Asia and the most demanding to set up properly. A resident director and a real local footprint are not optional — which is exactly why banks and counterparties take a Singapore entity seriously.
Corporate tax
17% headline
Formation time
1–3 days
Resident director
Required
Payments regulator
MAS
Tax and exemptions
The headline corporate rate is 17%, reduced substantially in the first three years of assessment by the start-up tax exemption and thereafter by partial exemption on initial chargeable income. There is no capital gains tax and no dividend withholding tax, and Singapore's treaty network is one of the widest in Asia. GST registration becomes mandatory above the prescribed turnover threshold.
Incorporation requirements
- Private limited company registered with ACRA; SGD 1 minimum paid-up capital.
- At least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore — a citizen, PR or EP holder.
- A resident company secretary appointed within six months.
- Registered local office address; annual return and financial statements filed with ACRA.
- Audit exemption available for small companies meeting the statutory thresholds.
Licensing under the Payment Services Act
Digital payment token services, cross-border and domestic money transfer, merchant acquisition and e-money issuance are licensable by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Payment Services Act, in money-changing, standard payment institution and major payment institution tiers. MAS expects fit-and-proper management, a compliance officer, capital adequacy and audited AML controls. Applications are thorough rather than fast.
Company formation, banking and licensing handled together
We form the entity, prepare the due-diligence file the way an onboarding committee reads it, and take the licence application through to grant where one is required. Ownership chart, licence scope, AML/KYC policy and expected flows by corridor are prepared before any bank sees the file.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Singapore company?
Yes. Foreign shareholders may hold all shares, but at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. We arrange a qualified resident director where needed.
How long does Singapore incorporation take?
Name reservation and incorporation with ACRA are often complete within one to three working days once KYC is finalised. Bank onboarding and any MAS licence take considerably longer.
Is Singapore suitable for a crypto exchange?
It is credible but demanding. Digital payment token services require an MAS licence, and unlicensed operators are not banked. Consider Singapore when you intend to be fully regulated.
Considering Singapore for your structure?
We will confirm in writing whether it fits your regulator and your banks. Reply within 2 hours.
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