PassPro Resources

PassPro helps entrepreneurs thrive in Singapore’s pro-business environment. We provide guidance on regulations, taxes, and funding to turn your vision into reality and build a strong, innovative business.

Resources

PassPro Insights series - If you are setting up a business or looking to apply for an immigrations visa or pass in Singapore, check out the helpful information and resources here.
Immigration
8 min read

Singapore Citizenship

Applying for Singapore citizenship is a significant step that requires careful preparation and understanding of the process.
Immigration
8 min read

Permanent Residency in Singapore

PR offers long-term residence and benefits similar to those of citizens, including access to healthcare, housing, and education.
Immigration
8 min read

ONE Pass

ONE Pass is for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research.
Immigration
8 min read

Dependant Pass (DP)

Dependent's Pass is for spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders.
Immigration
8 min read

Tech.Pass (under EDB)

Tech.Pass is a visa that allows established tech entrepreneurs, leaders or technical experts from around the world to come to Singapore to perform frontier and disruptive innovations.
Immigration
8 min read

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Personalised Employment Pass is for high-earning Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals.
Immigration
8 min read

EntrePass

EntrePass is for eligible foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies.
Immigration
8 min read

Work Permit (WP)

Work permit is for workers from approved source countries/regions working in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. Find out the eligibility criteria.
Immigration
8 min read

S Pass

S Pass is for hiring foreign skilled workers (Associate Professionals and Technicians (APTs)) to work in Singapore.
Immigration
8 min read

Key Info on Employment Pass (EP)

Get a quick overview of the Employment Pass (EP) to decide if it is the right pass for you.
Immigration
8 min read

Immigrations Overview

A short overview on the different passes available for you in Singapore.

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary.

How to Set Up a Company in Singapore

Singapore offers a straightforward and efficient process for company incorporation, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. Here’s a step-by-step guide

Business Incorporations

How to Set Up a Company in Singapore

Singapore offers a straightforward and efficient process for company incorporation, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Business Structure
Decide on the legal structure for your business. The most common option is a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), known for its scalability, tax benefits, and limited liability for shareholders.

2. Meet the Pre-Incorporation Requirements
Directors: At least one director must be a Singapore resident (citizen, permanent resident, or valid pass holder).
Shareholders: You need at least one shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity. A sole director can also be the sole shareholder.
Company Secretary: Appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation.
Registered Address: Provide a local Singapore address for your company’s office (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
Paid-Up Capital: The minimum is SGD 1, but you can increase this based on business needs.

3. Register Your Business Name
Choose a unique name for your company that adheres to ACRA’s (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) guidelines. Ensure it isn’t identical or too similar to an existing name, offensive, or restricted.

4. Submit Your Application to ACRA
Once your business name is approved, prepare the following documents:

  • Signed Constitution (formerly called Memorandum and Articles of Association).
  • Consent forms from directors and the company secretary.
  • Identification documents for directors and shareholders.
  • The application needs to be filed through ACRA’s online portal, BizFile+.
  • Approval is typically fast—often within a day, unless additional reviews are needed.

5. Open a Corporate Bank Account
After incorporation, open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank in Singapore to manage business transactions.

6. Register for Necessary Licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need specific licenses or permits (e.g., food and beverage (F&B), healthcare, or education sectors). Check with our business advisors who can help you ensure compliance with government agencies.

7. Comply with Tax and Regulatory Obligations
Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million.
Maintain proper accounting records and submit annual filings, including the company’s financial statements and tax returns.
Sign up for our Corporate Secretary Plan and Business Advisory, to ensure seamless compliance with Singapore Tax and ACRA regulations.

8. Stay Compliant Post-Incorporation
Adhere to ongoing regulatory requirements, such as holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and filing an Annual Return with ACRA. Check in with our business advisors to see if or when your company is required under government regulations, to submit Audited Financial Statements Filing, GST Registration Filing or XBRL Filing.

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

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Schedule a FREE Consultation with a Business Advisor Now!

Immigration Information

How to Set Up a Company in Singapore

Singapore offers a straightforward and efficient process for company incorporation, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Business Structure
Decide on the legal structure for your business. The most common option is a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), known for its scalability, tax benefits, and limited liability for shareholders.

2. Meet the Pre-Incorporation Requirements
Directors: At least one director must be a Singapore resident (citizen, permanent resident, or valid pass holder).
Shareholders: You need at least one shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity. A sole director can also be the sole shareholder.
Company Secretary: Appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation.
Registered Address: Provide a local Singapore address for your company’s office (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
Paid-Up Capital: The minimum is SGD 1, but you can increase this based on business needs.

3. Register Your Business Name
Choose a unique name for your company that adheres to ACRA’s (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) guidelines. Ensure it isn’t identical or too similar to an existing name, offensive, or restricted.

4. Submit Your Application to ACRA
Once your business name is approved, prepare the following documents:

  • Signed Constitution (formerly called Memorandum and Articles of Association).
  • Consent forms from directors and the company secretary.
  • Identification documents for directors and shareholders.
  • The application needs to be filed through ACRA’s online portal, BizFile+.
  • Approval is typically fast—often within a day, unless additional reviews are needed.

5. Open a Corporate Bank Account
After incorporation, open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank in Singapore to manage business transactions.

6. Register for Necessary Licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need specific licenses or permits (e.g., food and beverage (F&B), healthcare, or education sectors). Check with our business advisors who can help you ensure compliance with government agencies.

7. Comply with Tax and Regulatory Obligations
Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million.
Maintain proper accounting records and submit annual filings, including the company’s financial statements and tax returns.
Sign up for our Corporate Secretary Plan and Business Advisory, to ensure seamless compliance with Singapore Tax and ACRA regulations.

8. Stay Compliant Post-Incorporation
Adhere to ongoing regulatory requirements, such as holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and filing an Annual Return with ACRA. Check in with our business advisors to see if or when your company is required under government regulations, to submit Audited Financial Statements Filing, GST Registration Filing or XBRL Filing.

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Singapore

Singapore offers various business structures to suit different needs, from startups to multinational corporations. Here’s a summary:

1. Sole Proprietorship
What It Is: A business owned and managed by one individual or a single corporate entity.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses with minimal risk and investment, such as freelancers or home-based businesses.
Key Features:

  • Easy and low-cost setup.
  • The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.
  • Not a separate legal entity.

2. Partnership
What It Is: A business owned by 2 to 20 individuals or entities. There are three types: General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Who It’s For: Small teams or professionals combining resources and expertise to run a joint business.
Key Features:

  • General Partnerships: Partners share unlimited liability.
  • LPs: At least one partner has unlimited liability; others have limited liability.
  • LLPs: A separate legal entity offering limited liability for partners.

3. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
What It Is: A separate legal entity with shareholders (up to 50) and limited liability.
Who It’s For: Startups, SMEs, and growing businesses looking for scalability, tax benefits, and access to funding.
Key Features:

  • Profits taxed at corporate rates (lower than personal income tax rates).
  • Liability limited to the company’s assets.
  • Ability to raise capital through investors or share issuance.

4. Public Company
What It Is: A company that can offer shares to the public. It can be a Public Company Limited by Shares or a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
Who It’s For:
- Public Company Limited by Shares: Large businesses intending to list on a stock exchange.
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee: Non-profits, charities, or organizations focused on social, educational, or professional objectives.
Key Features:

  • Stringent compliance requirements.
  • Unlimited shareholder base for raising capital.

5. Foreign Branch Office
What It Is: An extension of a parent company registered in another country.
Who It’s For: Established international businesses expanding operations to Singapore without creating a separate entity.
Key Features:

  • Not a separate legal entity; the parent company bears full liability.
  • Must comply with local regulations for operations in Singapore.

6. Representative Office
What It Is: A temporary setup for market research or exploring business opportunities in Singapore.
Who It’s For: Foreign businesses evaluating the Singapore market before full-scale operations.
Key Features:

  • Cannot engage in profit-making activities.
  • Limited to a maximum of three years of operation.

7. Variable Capital Company (VCC)
What It Is: A flexible corporate structure designed for fund management.
Who It’s For: Fund managers or asset managers seeking a more streamlined and cost-effective structure for investment funds.
Key Features:

  • Separate sub-funds under a single entity.
  • Enhanced confidentiality for investors.

Choosing the Right Structure
The best business structure depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a growing startup, or a multinational corporation, Singapore has a solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you make the right choice for your business!