Singapore runs a fast, fully online incorporation system under the Companies Act 1967, administered by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ("ACRA") through its BizFile portal. It is a leading Asian base for fintech and technology founders thanks to 100% foreign ownership, a flat 17% corporate tax with start-up exemptions, and incorporation that often completes within a day.
Most founders use the private company limited by shares ("Pte Ltd") under the Companies Act 1967, which may have 1–50 shareholders. Alternatives include the public company limited by shares, the limited liability partnership ("LLP") under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2005, and registration of a foreign company branch.
Paid-up capital can be as low as S$1 (≈ $0.78) and 100% foreign shareholding is allowed, but every company must have at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible pass holder) and must appoint a resident company secretary within six months. Foreigners must file through a registered filing agent. Registration runs through ACRA's BizFile portal for a S$15 (≈ $12) name fee plus S$300 (≈ $234) incorporation fee, and is usually approved within a few hours to a few business days.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore ("IRAS") charges corporate income tax at a flat 17% under a one-tier system (dividends are not taxed again in shareholders' hands), and GST is 9% once turnover exceeds S$1 million (≈ $780,000). Companies file an annual return with ACRA and hold an AGM, with audit exemption for a "small company" meeting two of three tests (revenue ≤ S$10 million (≈ $7.8 million), assets ≤ S$10 million (≈ $7.8 million), ≤ 50 employees). Controllers must be recorded in the register of registrable controllers (beneficial owners).