Incorporate a Startup in SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte Ltd)
Asia’s startup gateway. Low corporate tax, strong IP protection, and world-class banking.
Key incorporation facts for Singapore
12-step launch checklist
From pre-launch name reservation through first annual filing.
- 01Reserve company name on ACRA BizFile+Pre-Launch
- 02Appoint at least one local resident directorPre-Launch
- 03Engage a corporate secretary (required within 6 months)Incorporation
- 04Submit incorporation application via BizFile+Incorporation
- 05Adopt constitution and issue founder sharesIncorporation
- 06Open corporate bank account (DBS / OCBC / Aspire)Banking
- 07Register for GST if expecting S$1M+ turnoverTax
- 08Apply for Start-Up Tax Exemption with IRASTax
- 09Set up CPF account if hiring local employeesOperations
- 10Appoint a Data Protection Officer under PDPACompliance
- 11Apply for industry-specific licences (if required)Compliance
- 12File first Annual Return with ACRA within 6 months of FYECompliance
Legal & Incorporation
Incorporate fully online via ACRA BizFile+ - one of the smoothest processes in Asia.
ACRA BizFile+ Incorporation Portal
PORTALSingapore's official portal to incorporate a Pte Ltd online.
Standard Constitution (Pte Ltd)
PDFACRA model constitution accepted by default for private companies.
Shareholders Agreement (SG)
DOCXDrafting guide for Singapore Pte Ltd shareholders agreement.
Employment Contract (MOM KETs)
DOCXMinistry of Manpower-compliant contract with mandatory Key Employment Terms.
Convertible Note Template
DOCXStandard convertible instrument used by SEA seed investors.
Tax & Banking
IRAS, GST, CPF and corporate banking onboarding requirements.
IRAS Corporate Tax Portal
PORTALAutomatic CT registration on incorporation; file Form C-S annually.
GST Registration Guide
PORTALMandatory once taxable turnover exceeds S$1M. Optional below.
Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE)
PORTAL75% tax exemption on first S$100k for first 3 YAs - claim guide.
CPF for Employers
PORTALCentral Provident Fund contributions required for SC/PR employees.
DBS / OCBC Corporate Account Checklist
LINKDocuments required to open a Singapore corporate bank account.
Regulatory & Licenses
PDPA, work passes, and industry licensing through GoBusiness.
PDPA Compliance Guide
PDFPersonal Data Protection Act obligations and Data Protection Officer appointment.
Employment Pass (EP) Application
PORTALEP / S Pass guidance for foreign hires.
GoBusiness Licensing Portal
PORTALOne-stop licensing for F&B, fintech, healthcare, and education.
MAS Fintech Regulatory Sandbox
PORTALFor fintech startups - MAS sandbox application guide.
Local Infrastructure
End-to-end formation, neobanking, and Singaporean accelerators.
Sleek / Osome
PORTALEnd-to-end SG incorporation, secretary, and accounting bundle.
Aspire / Wise Business
PORTALMulti-currency neobank accounts opened within days.
Stripe Singapore
PORTALLocal card acquiring + PayNow / GrabPay integration.
Antler Singapore
PORTALDay-zero accelerator for pre-team founders.
JustCo / The Working Capitol
PORTALFlexible coworking across CBD and Tanjong Pagar.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to incorporate in Singapore?
- Setup typically costs S$315 - S$1,500, with a 17% (effective ~8.5% w/ SUTE) corporate tax rate.
- How long does it take to incorporate in Singapore?
- Incorporation usually completes in 1 - 3 days.
- Can I incorporate remotely in Singapore?
- Singapore typically requires some in-person steps or a local agent.
- What annual compliance applies to a Private Limited (Pte Ltd)?
- ACRA Annual Return + IRAS Form C-S + GST returns
Ready to incorporate?
Open the interactive launch blueprint for Singapore: track your progress, compare with other jurisdictions, ask the AI Launch Copilot, and download a personalised PDF plan.
Open Interactive Blueprint