If you’re expanding a business or launching a new venture, Singapore’s reputation for pro-business laws and efficient compliance makes it a top choice for international entrepreneurs. Register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom to tap into Southeast Asia’s leading hub, streamline global operations, and build trust with partners and investors.
This guide explains how to register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom. It’s designed for UK-based SMBs, tech startups, and cross-border companies that want a straightforward, cost-effective incorporation process with ongoing compliance support.
Can You Register a Company in Singapore from the United Kingdom?
You can register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom. Foreigners can legally set up a business and own 100% of the shareholding. Singapore welcomes international entrepreneurs with a straightforward incorporation process.
You have multiple entity options when you register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom. The most popular is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). This structure offers limited liability protection and tax benefits. You can also consider sole proprietorships or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), though Private Limited Companies remain the preferred choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
Why Start a Business in Singapore from the United Kingdom?
Singapore stands out as a premier destination for UK entrepreneurs expanding into Asia. The country offers compelling advantages that make it ideal for international business.
Starting a business in Singapore provides access to:
- Business-Friendly Tax System: Singapore has a flat corporate tax rate of just 17%, one of the lowest in the region. The First three consecutive years of business in Singapore can be tax-exempt for up to S$125,000 on the first S$200,000 of income.
- Strategic Location: Singapore serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. You gain access to major markets through ASEAN free trade agreements and the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement.
- Strong UK-Singapore Partnership: Bilateral trade between the UK and Singapore reached £23.4 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025, reflecting a 5.5% increase from the previous year. The countries share a common language, similar business practices, and strong historical ties.
- Ease of Doing Business: Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s easiest places to do business. The incorporation process is fully digital and takes as little as one day.
- World-Class Infrastructure: The country offers modern transportation networks, advanced telecommunications, and excellent banking facilities. You benefit from political stability and a reliable legal system.
Singapore’s business environment combines efficiency, transparency, and growth opportunities. These factors make it an attractive base for UK entrepreneurs looking to expand internationally.
Types of Business Structures in Singapore for United Kingdom Entrepreneurs
United Kingdom entrepreneurs have several options when registering a company in Singapore. Understanding how each entity differs in liability, compliance, and ownership helps select the structure that aligns with business goals.
Key options available to foreign entrepreneurs include:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
- Exempt Private Company (EPC)
Foreign-owned entities must appoint at least one locally resident director (for companies) or an authorized representative (for other structures) to meet Singapore’s compliance requirements.
| Entity Type | Liability | Compliance | Suitability |
| Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) | Shareholders’ liability limited | Must appoint resident director; file annual returns; maintain registered office; audit exempt thresholds apply | Ideal for UK entrepreneurs wanting limited personal risk, growth potential and full foreign ownership. |
| Exempt Private Company (EPC) | Limited liability to shareholders | Higher compliance: more shareholders, stricter disclosure, possibly listing rules if public. | Suitable for larger ventures, raising capital, or planning to go public or issue many shares. |
| Sole Proprietorship / General Partnership | Owner(s) personally liable | Minimal compliance (registration with ACRA) but no distinct legal entity | Best for very small scale or temporary ventures; less suitable for foreign owners seeking growth or protection. |
Selecting the right structure helps United Kingdom entrepreneurs protect assets, meet Singapore’s corporate governance requirements, and operate effectively within the country’s pro-business environment.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Singapore from the United Kingdom
The process to register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom follows a clear, digital workflow managed through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Here is how to incorporate a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom:
- Choose Your Business Structure: Select the entity type that best suits your needs.
- Reserve a Unique Company Name: Apply for name approval through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. The name must be unique and not identical to existing registered businesses. ACRA charges S$15 for name reservation, which remains valid for 120 days.
- Appoint a Local Resident Director: Every Singapore company requires at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This can be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder.
- Engage a Registered Filing Agent: UK entrepreneurs cannot self-register on BizFile+ as it requires SingPass.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, including passport copies, proof of address, company constitution, and shareholder details.
- Pay Registration Fees: The incorporation fee is S$300, plus S$15 for name reservation, totaling S$315 in mandatory government fees.
- Appoint a Company Secretary: Within six months of incorporation, you must appoint a qualified company secretary who is a Singapore resident.
- Open a Business Bank Account: Set up a corporate bank account with either a traditional bank or a digital banking provider.
The entire process typically takes a few days once all documents are ready. Working with an experienced corporate service provider streamlines the incorporation process and ensures compliance with all requirements.
Requirements for United Kingdom Entrepreneurs
UK entrepreneurs must meet specific prerequisites to successfully register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom.
The key requirements include:
- Valid Identification Documents: You need a passport with at least six months’ validity and notarized proof of residential address.
- Registered Office Address: Your company needs a physical Singapore address for official correspondence.
- Company Secretary: Within six months of incorporation, appoint a qualified company secretary who is a Singapore resident.
- Minimum Paid-Up Capital: Singapore requires only S$1 minimum paid-up capital. You can issue shares in any currency and increase capital later as needed.
- Business Activity Declaration: Provide a clear description of your business activities and select the appropriate Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code.
If expanding an existing United Kingdom business, proof of good standing and corporate documentation may be required by banks and authorities.
Cost of Incorporation in Singapore from the United Kingdom
Understanding the full cost of incorporating a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom helps you budget effectively. Expenses break down into initial setup costs, annual fees, and operational costs.
Initial Setup Costs
- Government fees: S$15 for name reservation + S$300 for company registration (total S$315).
- Corporate secretarial services: S$500 to S$1,500 depending on package (includes agent filing, company secretary, registered address).
- Nominee director services: S$2,000 to S$5,000 annually + a security deposit of S$1,000 to S$2,000.
Annual Fees
- ACRA Annual Filing: Companies pay S$60 yearly to file an Annual Return within 7 months of the financial year-end.
- Corporate Tax: Singapore’s flat rate is 17% on chargeable income; startups may get exemptions on the first S$200,000 for 3 years.
- Company Secretary Fees: Best corporate secretarial services in Singapore cost between S$300 and S$800 one-time and S$300 to S$1,200 annually.
Operational Costs
- Salaries in Singapore for professional roles range from S$4,000 to S$10,000 monthly.
These outline typical operational expenses and incorporation costs for UK entrepreneurs setting up in Singapore, highlighting salary expectations, office rental options, and regulatory fees.
Opening a Business Bank Account in Singapore from the United Kingdom
Opening a business bank account in Singapore is a crucial step for United Kingdom entrepreneurs after registering their company. Traditional banks and digital providers offer different options, each with unique requirements and benefits.
- Banking Options: Major international banks like DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and Citibank operate in Singapore.
- KYC Requirements: Extensive documentation is needed, including Certificate of Incorporation, ACRA Business Profile, company constitution, board resolution, IDs of directors and shareholders, proof of residential address, and business details.
- Remote Setup Challenges: Most traditional banks require directors to visit Singapore for verification; exceptions exist with HSBC and Citibank allowing UK branch notarized signing.
- Digital Alternatives: Fintech providers offer fully online account opening with multi-currency options, reduced fees, and faster setup, suitable for remote operations.
- Best Practices: Begin the process early, prepare and notarize all documents, consider multiple accounts for continuity, and engage corporate service providers to ease banking relationships.
Successfully opening a Singapore business bank account from the UK demands preparation and patience, with digital banking increasingly offering flexible alternatives to traditional banks.
Visas and Residency Considerations
Registering a company in Singapore does not grant residency or work rights. UK entrepreneurs can own and manage remotely, appointing a local nominee director. Work authorization is mandatory for relocation.
- EntrePass: For innovative or venture-backed startups with S$100,000 minimum funding, issued for one year, renewable based on performance.
- Employment Pass: For Private Limited Company founders working in Singapore, requires a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 with company sponsorship.
- Dependent Passes: EntrePass and Employment Pass holders can bring family members on Dependent or Long-Term Visit Passes.
- Permanent Residency: Possible after several years of successful business and local job creation.
- Advice: Consult immigration experts for tailored visa strategies, as work authorization is separate from incorporation.
Understanding visa options helps plan relocation and compliance effectively while managing business ownership flexibly from the UK.
Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities
Maintaining compliance is crucial for UK entrepreneurs running a Singapore-registered company. Singapore requires strict adherence to filing deadlines and statutory obligations.
- Private Limited Companies must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months of the financial year-end or pass written resolutions.
- Prepare financial statements per Singapore Financial Reporting Standards; small companies with revenue under S$10M may be audit-exempt.
- Appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation to manage compliance and statutory filings.
- Non-compliance risks fines, company strike-off, and legal action against directors.
Engaging professional service providers helps ensure regulatory obligations are met seamlessly, safeguarding business reputation and operations.
Challenges When Registering a Company in Singapore from the United Kingdom
Registering a company in Singapore from the UK presents challenges for UK entrepreneurs that require careful preparation.
- Complex legal documents must comply with the Companies Act; non-English papers need an official translation.
- Time zone differences hinder real-time communication with local partners and authorities.
- Traditional banks often require in-person visits for account opening, causing delays.
- Finding reliable local nominee directors and service providers remotely can be difficult.
- High setup and operational costs in Singapore impact startup budgets.
- Navigating Singapore’s complex tax, employment, and regulatory environment demands specialized knowledge.
Expert corporate service providers like Commenda offer comprehensive support to overcome these hurdles, ensuring smooth cross-border incorporation and compliance.
How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in Singapore from the United Kingdom
Commenda simplifies company incorporation in Singapore for UK entrepreneurs by managing the entire process, from name reservation to obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation. You can focus on your business while they handle documentation, ACRA filings, and government communications. Commenda also offers qualified nominee directors and registered office addresses to meet Singapore’s residency and compliance requirements.
Additionally, Commenda supports banking introductions, post-incorporation secretarial services, and ongoing compliance management. Their expertise bridges UK and Singapore business practices, offering tax planning, structure optimization, and scalable solutions tailored for tech startups and SMEs expanding internationally.
Book a consultation with Commenda today to start your Singapore incorporation journey. Our expert team makes international expansion straightforward and stress-free.
Conclusion
Registering a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom is both achievable and rewarding with the right support. Singapore offers UK entrepreneurs a low-tax, business-friendly environment with strong legal protections and strategic access to Asian markets. By choosing the appropriate business structure, appointing local directors, and ensuring compliance, UK entrepreneurs can unlock regional growth opportunities.
Partnering with professional service providers like Commenda simplifies the incorporation process and manages ongoing compliance efficiently. Start your Singapore expansion confidently today by consulting Commenda’s experts, who understand both UK business needs and Singapore’s regulatory landscape, and turn your international growth ambitions into reality.
Ready to register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom? Book a demo today for expert guidance on how to incorporate a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom.
FAQs
Q. Can I register a company in Singapore from the United Kingdom without visiting?
Yes, UK entrepreneurs can register a company in Singapore remotely by engaging a registered filing agent and appointing a local nominee director to meet residency requirements.
Q. Which business structures are available to United Kingdom citizens in Singapore?
For foreign entrepreneurs, Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), or Sole Proprietorships are the most popular choices.
Q. How much does it cost to incorporate in Singapore from the United Kingdom?
Depending on the type of company, government fees, nominee director services, and professional support can range from S$1,500 to S$5,000.
Q. Do I need a local partner or director in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore requires at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, which can be fulfilled by appointing a nominee director if you remain in the UK.
Q. Can I open a Singapore business bank account from the United Kingdom?
There are some traditional banks that require in-person visits, while digital banks offer fully online account opening.
Q. Does registering a company in Singapore give me a work visa?
No, company registration does not automatically grant work authorization; you must apply separately for an EntrePass or Employment Pass if you plan to relocate and work in Singapore.
Q. What are the annual compliance requirements in Singapore?
Companies in Singapore must hold Annual General Meetings, submit corporate tax returns to ACRA, and maintain updated statutory records.
Q. LLC vs Corporation in Singapore: Which is better for United Kingdom entrepreneurs?
Companies in Singapore must hold Annual General Meetings, submit corporate tax returns to ACRA, and maintain updated statutory records.
