ACRA Company Incorporation for Foreign Businesses: Step-by-Step

Singapore is one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in the world, and foreign entrepreneurs are actively drawn to its transparent regulations, low corporate tax rates, and strong global reputation. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the government body responsible for company incorporation and compliance in Singapore.

This step-by-step guide explains how foreign businesses can incorporate a company in Singapore through ACRA, what requirements apply, and how to ensure a smooth registration process in 2025.

What Is ACRA and Why Is It Important?

ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) regulates all businesses in Singapore. It oversees:

• Company incorporation and registration

• Filing of annual returns

• Corporate governance and compliance

• Public access to company information

All businesses operating in Singapore must be registered with ACRA via its online portal, BizFile+.

For foreign businesses, ACRA incorporation is the legal foundation that allows you to operate, open bank accounts, sign contracts, and apply for work passes.

Can Foreigners Register a Company with ACRA?

Yes. Singapore allows 100% foreign ownership of companies. However, foreigners must meet specific statutory requirements and typically engage a registered filing agent or corporate service provider, as most foreigners do not have SingPass access at the point of incorporation.

Step-by-Step: ACRA Company Incorporation for Foreign Businesses

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

The most common structure for foreign businesses is a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.).

Why choose a Private Limited Company?

• Separate legal entity

• Limited liability protection

• Eligible for tax incentives and exemptions

• Preferred by banks, investors, and partners

Other structures like branch offices or representative offices exist but come with restrictions on activities and tax treatment.

Step 2: Appoint a Local Resident Director

ACRA requires every Singapore company to have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.

A local director can be:

• A Singapore Citizen

• A Singapore Permanent Resident

• A foreigner holding a valid work pass (Employment Pass or EntrePass)

If the foreign owner does not qualify, a nominee director service is commonly used to meet this requirement.

Step 3: Decide on Shareholders and Share Capital

Foreigners can hold 100% of the company’s shares.

Key points:

• Minimum paid-up capital: SGD 1

• Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities

• Share capital can be increased later to support work pass or banking requirements

  
  

Step 4: Reserve and Approve a Company Name with ACRA

The company name must be submitted to ACRA for approval via BizFile+.

The name:

• Must be unique

• Cannot infringe trademarks

• Must not be offensive or misleading

Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.

Step 5: Provide a Registered Office Address in Singapore

Every company must have a local registered office address where official correspondence can be sent.

Important notes:

• Must be a physical Singapore address

• P.O. Boxes are not allowed

• Can be a commercial or approved residential address

Most corporate service providers offer this as part of an incorporation package.

Step 6: Appoint a Company Secretary

ACRA requires the appointment of a company secretary within six months of incorporation.

The company secretary must:

• Be a natural person

• Be ordinarily resident in Singapore

• Have adequate knowledge of compliance obligations

Foreign directors cannot act as company secretaries.

Step 7: Engage a Registered Filing Agent (Required for Foreigners)

Foreigners cannot self-incorporate directly with ACRA unless they have SingPass. As a result, incorporation must be done through a licensed filing agent or corporate service provider.

They will:

• Submit incorporation documents to ACRA

• Conduct mandatory KYC checks

• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance

  
  

Step 8: File Incorporation Documents with ACRA

Once all details are prepared, the filing agent submits the application to ACRA.

Required information includes:

• Company constitution

• Director and shareholder details

• Registered address

• Share structure

Processing time:

• Typically 1–3 business days if there are no complications

Upon approval, ACRA issues:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Unique Entity Number (UEN)

• Business Profile

  
  

After ACRA Incorporation: What’s Next?

Once incorporated, foreign businesses must complete several post-registration steps:

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Banks may require in-person verification of directors and beneficial owners.

Register for Taxes

• Corporate Income Tax with IRAS

• GST registration (if applicable)

  
  

Apply for Work Passes

If the foreign owner plans to relocate to Singapore, an Employment Pass or EntrePass application is required.

Maintain Ongoing Compliance

• Annual returns filing with ACRA

• Corporate tax filings

• Accounting and bookkeeping

• Annual General Meetings (unless exempt)

  
  

Common Mistakes Foreign Businesses Should Avoid

• Appointing unqualified nominee directors

• Underestimating compliance and reporting obligations

• Delays in opening bank accounts

• Choosing the wrong business structure

• Not planning early for work pass eligibility

Professional guidance helps avoid costly delays and penalties.

Why Many Foreign Businesses Use Professional Incorporation Services

Foreign founders often engage corporate service providers to:

• Speed up ACRA approval

• Ensure legal compliance

• Handle nominee director and secretary requirements

• Support long-term corporate governance

This is especially valuable for first-time founders unfamiliar with Singapore regulations.

Conclusion

ACRA company incorporation for foreign businesses is straightforward, efficient, and globally respected — provided the correct steps are followed. With full foreign ownership allowed, minimal capital requirements, and a strong legal framework, Singapore remains one of the top destinations for international entrepreneurs in 2025.