Registering a company in Singapore from Australia is entirely possible and can usually be completed remotely using Singapore’s fully digital incorporation system and a licensed local service provider. With the right structure, documents, and local director arrangements, Australian founders can set up a Singapore Private Limited Company and start operating in Asia quickly.
If you are a business based in Australia looking to expand into Asia, this guide on how to register a company in Singapore from Australia walks you through every step, from choosing the right structure to managing ongoing compliance.
Can You Register a Company in Singapore from Australia?
Australian entrepreneurs can legally register and own 100% of a Singapore company while continuing to reside in Australia. Singapore’s regulations allow foreigners to incorporate local companies as long as at least one locally resident director is appointed and all registration requirements with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) are met.
When you register a company in Singapore from Australia, you gain a respected presence in a stable, well‑regulated financial hub known for strict rule of law and transparent business rules. Singapore’s Companies Act and ACRA’s digital BizFile+ portal make it possible to complete most procedures online, including name reservation and company incorporation filings.
Why Start a Business in Singapore from Australia?
Singapore is a popular choice for Australian founders who want to expand into Asia while operating from a reliable, English‑speaking jurisdiction. It combines low corporate tax rates, strong infrastructure, and a deep network of banks, investors, and professional services tailored to international companies.
Key advantages when you register a company in Singapore from Australia include:
- A headline corporate tax rate of 17%, with partial tax exemptions and startup tax relief schemes that can significantly reduce the effective tax rate for qualifying new companies.
- A strategic location in Southeast Asia that offers access to markets in ASEAN, China, and India, making Singapore a natural hub for regional holding companies, trading, and tech operations.
- A strong international reputation for good governance and low corruption, which helps Australian-owned entities attract investors, corporate customers, and partners.
- Access to world‑class banks and financial services, including multi‑currency business accounts and sophisticated payment solutions for cross‑border transactions.
- Extensive support for innovation through government programs, accelerators, and sector‑specific grants in technology, finance, and advanced services.
- English is the main business and legal language, making contracts, negotiations, and compliance simpler for Australian directors and advisors.
Register a company in Singapore from Australia and you effectively plug into Asia’s growth while benefiting from a business environment that feels familiar in terms of language, legal structure, and professional standards.
Types of Business Structures in Singapore for Australian Entrepreneurs
Australian entrepreneurs can choose from several entity types in Singapore, each with different levels of liability protection and compliance. For most overseas founders, a Private Limited Company is preferred because it offers limited liability, better branding, and access to investors.
Common options include:
- Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd): A separate legal entity with liability limited to share capital, suitable for startups, SMEs, and regional headquarters.
- Exempt Private Company: A sub‑type of Private Limited with no more than 20 individual shareholders and additional audit exemptions if “small company” thresholds are met.
- Sole Proprietorship or Partnership: Not commonly used by foreign owners because there is no separate legal personality and the owner/partners face unlimited liability.
| Entity Type | Liability | Compliance | Suitability |
| Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) | Limited to company’s shares | Annual filings, tax returns | Startups and SMEs seeking stability and investor appeal |
| Exempt Company | Limited to shares | Fewer compliance obligations | Small businesses with low revenue or no outside investment |
| Sole Proprietorship | Unlimited personal liability | Minimal compliance (registration with ACRA) but no distinct legal entity | Freelancers and small business owners who want full control |
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Singapore from Australia
Registering a company in Singapore from Australia follows a clear digital process through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal, usually handled by a local corporate service provider. Understanding each step helps avoid delays and ensures your new entity is compliant from day one.
- Choose Your Business Structure: Decide whether to set up a Private Limited Company, Exempt Private Company, or a Branch Office based on your expansion plans, liability appetite, and whether you want a separate Singapore entity or a direct extension of your Australian company.
- Determine Your Registered Office Location: Every Singapore company must maintain a registered local address where statutory records can be kept and official notices can be served.
- Reserve a Unique Company Name with ACRA: Submit your desired company name via ACRA’s BizFile+ system and pay the name application fee of SGD 15. The fee for registering a company is $300. The name must not be identical to an existing registered name, must not infringe trademarks, and must not be offensive; once approved, it is generally reserved for up to 120 days.
- Appoint a Local Resident Director: Singapore law requires at least one director who is “ordinarily resident” in Singapore, such as a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible work pass holder..
- Prepare Incorporation Documents: Standard documents include the company Constitution (formerly Memorandum & Articles of Association), details of shareholders and directors, identification documents, and proof of residential address for each stakeholder.
- Obtain Your Business Profile and Registration Number (UEN): After successful incorporation, ACRA issues a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and an electronic Business Profile, which serve as official proof of registration and are required for banking, licensing, and tax registrations.
- Register for Tax (GST where relevant): Singapore companies are automatically subject to corporate income tax, but registration for Goods and Services Tax is mandatory only when annual taxable turnover exceeds the registration threshold (currently SGD 1 million) or when voluntary registration is chosen.
- Apply for Sector‑Specific Licences and Permits: Certain activities, such as financial services, travel agencies, food businesses, employment agencies, or education services, require additional licences from sector regulators.
- Open a Business Bank Account: With your company incorporated, the next step is to open a Singapore corporate bank account or a suitable digital alternative so the entity can receive payments and pay suppliers.
Following these steps systematically allows you to register a company in Singapore from Australia efficiently, even when the founders remain based in Sydney, Melbourne, or elsewhere in Australia.
Requirements for Australian Entrepreneurs
Singapore applies the same core requirements to Australian entrepreneurs as to other foreign founders, with emphasis on local residency, proper documentation, and transparent ownership. Preparing everything in advance helps your application proceed without unnecessary queries.
Typical requirements include:
- At least one local resident director who is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying work pass holder, or a professional nominee director engaged through a licensed corporate services firm.
- At least one shareholder, who can be an individual or corporate entity; foreigners may own up to 100% of the company’s shares with no local shareholding requirement.
- Company Constitution that sets out internal governance rules, often based on the standard model constitution used in most incorporations.
- Identification and address documents for all directors and shareholders, typically including passport copies and recent proof of residential address (such as utility bills or bank statements).
- A registered office address in Singapore, which can be a commercial address or a service provider’s office address package, but not a P.O. box.
- Compliance information on ultimate beneficial owners, business activities, and expected transaction volumes to satisfy KYC and anti‑money‑laundering standards.
Collecting these items before you start registering a company in Singapore from Australia reduces back‑and‑forth with your filing agent, saving time and often reducing professional fees.
Cost of Incorporation in Singapore from Australia
Understanding the cost of incorporating a company in Singapore from Australia helps you budget for both initial setup and ongoing obligations. Total costs combine statutory ACRA fees, service provider charges, local director and company secretary fees, and standard operating expenses.
Government fees
- Company name application: SGD 15 per name application.
- Company registration fee: SGD 300 for a private company limited by shares.
Professional and statutory service fees
- Incorporation and filing services: Packages for foreigners commonly range from about SGD 800 to SGD 1,500 depending on complexity and included services.
- Nominee local director: Often about SGD 1,800 to SGD 4,000 per year, reflecting the statutory risk and responsibilities involved.
Annual compliance fees
- Annual return filing with ACRA: ACRA fee is currently SGD 60 per filing.
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and tax filing support: Can range from a few hundred to a few thousand Singapore dollars per year depending on transaction volume and whether audit is required.
Operational costs
- Employee salaries, employer contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for local staff, and benefits packages.
- Business insurance, IT systems, and sector‑specific licence fees where applicable.
Opening a Business Bank Account in Singapore from Australia
Opening a business bank account in Singapore is a crucial step after incorporation, as banks and payment providers enable you to run cross‑border operations smoothly. Australian‑owned companies must satisfy both MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) regulations and each bank’s internal risk policies.
Banking options for Australian founders
- Local Singapore banks such as DBS, OCBC, and UOB provide SGD and multi‑currency business accounts, online banking, and various trade finance and card products.
- International banks with a Singapore presence can be attractive if you already bank with them in Australia or other markets and want integrated global services.
- Fintech and digital alternatives like Wise Business, Airwallex, or similar payment platforms may offer faster onboarding for cross‑border collections and payouts, although they are not full banks.
KYC and remote onboarding
- Most banks will require standard documents: ACRA Business Profile, Constitution, identification documents for directors and beneficial owners, and a board resolution approving the account.
- Banks often ask detailed questions about your business model, expected turnover, counterparties, and source of funds to comply with strict anti‑money‑laundering rules.
- Traditionally, at least one director or authorised signatory has been expected to attend an in‑person meeting, but some institutions now accept video‑based KYC for low‑risk foreign applicants.
While opening a Singapore business bank account from Australia can involve extra steps compared to a local resident, careful preparation and choice of bank or fintech make it manageable and essential for serious operations.
Visas and Residency Considerations
Registering a company in Singapore does not automatically give Australian founders the right to live or work in Singapore. If you or key team members plan to relocate or spend significant time running operations locally, appropriate passes must be secured from the Ministry of Manpower.
Common pathways include:
- Employment Pass (EP) for foreign professionals, managers, and executives employed by your Singapore company, subject to salary and qualification criteria.
- EntrePass for eligible foreign entrepreneurs launching venture‑backed or innovative businesses that meet specific criteria around capital, innovation, or partnerships.
- Investor or global talent schemes that may offer longer‑term residence possibilities for substantial investors or highly qualified individuals, depending on current government programs.
Over time, sustained business activity and economic contribution can support applications for long‑term passes or permanent residency, but approval is always discretionary.
Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities
Maintaining good standing is non‑negotiable once your company is registered in Singapore. Failure to comply can lead to fines, director disqualifications, or even striking off of the company.
Key ongoing responsibilities include:
- Annual return filing with ACRA within the prescribed deadlines, with updated information on directors, shareholders, and financial statements where required.
- Corporate income tax filings with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), including Estimated Chargeable Income and annual tax returns.
- Maintaining a company secretary and registered office address in Singapore at all times, as required under the Companies Act.
- Keeping proper accounting records and, where applicable, arranging statutory audits unless your company qualifies as a “small company” and enjoys audit exemption.
- Renewing licences and permits and promptly updating ACRA for changes in company name, registered office, share capital, or directorships.
For Australian entrepreneurs, partnering with a corporate services or compliance platform reduces administrative workload so that more focus can remain on sales, operations, and growth.
Challenges When Registering a Company in Singapore from Australia
Registering a company in Singapore from Australia is straightforward in principle, but certain practical challenges are common for overseas founders.
Typical issues include:
- Navigating unfamiliar legal and tax concepts, including Singapore’s Companies Act, local filing deadlines, and differences from Australian corporate practice.
- Coordinating across time zones when dealing with banks, service providers, and regulators based in Singapore.
- Meeting banking KYC expectations, especially where business models involve multiple jurisdictions, online services, or higher‑risk sectors.
- Budgeting for nominee director and professional fees, which may be higher than anticipated but are essential to meeting local residency and governance obligations.
Working with experienced incorporation and compliance specialists in Singapore helps Australian founders overcome these challenges, stay compliant, and focus on building the business rather than wrestling with paperwork.
How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in Singapore from Australia
Commenda specialises in helping overseas entrepreneurs register a company in Singapore by coordinating local director appointments, company secretary services, and regulatory filings through ACRA’s systems. Australian founders can streamline setup by using Commenda to structure the entity correctly, prepare documentation, and meet all statutory requirements without needing to be physically present in Singapore.
Beyond incorporation, Commenda supports ongoing compliance, including annual return reminders, banking introductions, and assistance with corporate changes so your Singapore company remains in good standing over time. Book a free demo with Commenda to enable Australian entrepreneurs to align their Singapore structure with wider tax, operations, and expansion strategies across Asia.
FAQs
Q. Can I register a company in Singapore from Australia without visiting?
Yes, you can complete incorporation entirely remotely by using a licensed filing agent and appointing a local resident director, as all core ACRA filings are handled online.
Q. Which business structures are available to Australian citizens in Singapore?
Australian founders commonly choose a Private Limited Company or Exempt Private Company; established firms may also register a Singapore Branch of their existing Australian company.
Q. How much does it cost to incorporate in Singapore from Australia?
Statutory ACRA fees total SGD 315, and when you include nominee director, secretary, and service provider packages, many foreign‑owned companies budget around SGD 3,000-5,000 for the first year.
Q. Do I need a local partner or director in Singapore?
You do not need a local shareholder, but you must appoint at least one local resident director who is a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible work‑pass holder.
Q. Can I open a Singapore business bank account from Australia?
Yes, though many banks still expect at least one director or signatory to complete KYC via in‑person or video verification, and documentation standards are strict.
Q. Does registering a company in Singapore give me a work visa?
No, incorporation alone does not provide work or residency rights; you must separately apply for an Employment Pass, EntrePass, or other suitable visa.
Q. What are the annual compliance requirements in Singapore?
You must file annual returns with ACRA, corporate tax returns with IRAS, maintain a company secretary and registered office, and keep proper accounting records, with audits for larger companies.
Q. LLC vs Corporation in Singapore: Which is better for Australian entrepreneurs?
The closest equivalent to an Australian Pty Ltd is a Singapore Private Limited Company, which offers limited liability, flexible shareholding, and strong investor confidence for international growth.
