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Singapore Company Incorporation FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore Company Formation

TOP FAQs

  • Can a shareholder also be a director?

    Yes, there are no restrictions prohibiting an individual assuming both roles.

  • What is the difference between a director and a shareholder?

    Shareholders
    own the company and are entitled to the profits of the company.

    Directors

    Manage and oversee the company’s operations, and deal with everyday responsibilities.

  • What documents are required to incorporate the subsidiary company?

    Typically the following documentation will be required:

    • Details of the proposed subsidiary name, share capital, shareholder(s), director(s) etc.
    • Copy of Singapore ID (where applicable) and passport of each director and individual shareholder
    • Certificate of incorporation of the parent company and company profile reflecting registered address and directors of the parent company.

    * Any documents that are not in English must be officially translated into English.

  • What are the Different Kinds of Companies?
    • Private/public company limited by shares
    • Public Company Limited by Guarantee
  • What are private companies?

    A private company is a company that can have a maximum number of 50 shareholders. Its constitution restricts the right of its members to transfer their shares in the company.

     

    A private company limited by shares can be classified as an small company.

    The key characteristics of an small company are:

    • No more than 20 shareholders.
    • All shareholders are individuals.
    • Small companes with an annual revenue of less than S$10 Million are exempt from audit requirements and are not required to file financial statements with the ACRA.
    • It is exempt from prohibitions against loans to its directors or to companies related to its directors.

Resident Nominee Director

What should I do if I want to incorporate a company in Singapore but do not meet the local director requirements?


There are several options to consider:

  • If you plan to relocate to Singapore, you can act as the local director subject  given that your entrepreneur pass or employment pass is approved.
  • Alternatively, you can use a nominee director service from a professional services company to satisfy the local director requirement.
  • You may also choose to appoint a local employee or someone you know in Singapore who is willing to act as the local director.

Who is a Singapore resident?

A Singapore resident is a Singapore citizen, a Singapore Permanent Resident or am EP holder who is residing in Singapore.

What are they typical terms for providing a nominee director service?


As the responsibilities of a company director are rather onerous, we usually require certain conditions to be met before we offer this service, such as:

  • Credibility of company beneficiaries
  • Signing of a nominee director indemnity letter
  • Providing a refundable security deposit

Is a resident director required for company incorporation in Singapore?


Yes, each company must appoint at least one director who is a Singapore resident

Who is a resident of Singapore?


A Singapore citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or EP holder who is residing in Singapore.

If I am not living in Singapore, can I appoint a nominee director to be the ordinarily resident director?


Yes, you can appoint a nominee to fulfil the resident director requirement.

Can another company be appointed as a director?


No. A director must be a natural person.


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