Last updated: October 2026

This guide walks you through how to set up a Private Limited (Pte. Ltd.) company in Singapore using ACRA’s online portal, Bizfile. It covers what you need to prepare, the registration steps and what to do after your company is registered.

What you need before you start

1. A registered office address in Singapore
Every company needs a registered office address in Singapore. This is where ACRA and others send official notices, and where your company records are kept. According to ACRA, the registered office must be open and accessible to the public for at least three hours on each business day. It does not have to be where you run your daily business.

You can use a physical office you rent, or a virtual office address. You may also be able to use your home address under the Home Office Scheme, which is managed by HDB for HDB flats and by URA for private homes. Conditions apply, and clients are not allowed to visit the home office (see the URA Home Office Scheme guidelines). If you want a professional address that can be open to the public, a Singapore virtual office address in the CBD gives you this without renting a full office.

2. At least one locally resident director
Your company must appoint at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, such as a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or an eligible work pass holder. Other directors can live overseas.

3. A company secretary (within 6 months)
Every company must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary must live in Singapore and cannot be the sole director of the company. You can appoint your own qualified secretary or outsource this function to a corporate service provider.

4. Shareholder, director and share details
Prepare the full name, NRIC or FIN, date of birth, residential address and contact details of every director and shareholder. You will also need your share capital details (the minimum is one issued share), how the shares are split between shareholders, your financial year end and a company constitution. You can upload your own constitution or use ACRA’s model constitution.

5. Singpass for every director and shareholder
Each director and shareholder who needs to log in to Bizfile should have a working Singpass. Foreigners without Singpass will need a registered filing agent or corporate service provider to file on their behalf.

How to register your Pte. Ltd. company: 5 steps

Step 1: Reserve your company name
Log in to Bizfile with your Singpass and apply for a new business entity name. Check that the name is not identical to an existing company and does not contain prohibited words. During the application, you also select your SSIC code, which describes your business activity (see ACRA’s guide to finding the right SSIC code). Most names are approved quickly, but names that need review by other government agencies take longer. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days, so you should register your company within that time.

Step 2: Register the company on Bizfile
In Bizfile, go to “Register”, then “Register new entity”, then “Register new business entity”. Enter your name application number to fill in your company details automatically. Only the person who reserved the company name can submit the registration, and that person must be appointed as a director or company secretary of the new company.

Step 3: Add your company details
Enter your registered office address, office hours, company email and financial year end. Then add your directors, shareholders and other position holders, your share capital and share allotment, and your constitution. Follow ACRA’s step-by-step guide to registering a local company via Bizfile for screenshots of each screen.

Step 4: Endorsement by all position holders
After you submit, all other position holders must log in to Bizfile and endorse the registration within 60 days. This step is not required if a corporate service provider filed the registration for you.

Step 5: Pay and receive your UEN
Once all endorsements are received, you will get a payment notification in your Bizfile inbox. Pay the registration fee (see ACRA’s guide above for the current fee). Most registrations are approved soon after payment. You will then receive a notice of successful incorporation, your company’s Unique Entity Number (UEN) and a link to download a free copy of your company’s Business Profile.

After incorporation

Once your company is registered, remember to:

  • Appoint a company secretary within six months, if you have not already.
  • Open a corporate bank account using your Business Profile.
  • Apply for any business licences your activity needs.
  • Keep your registered office open to the public during the required hours.
  • Keep your company registers and records up to date at the registered office.

This guide is general information and not legal advice. ACRA’s requirements and fees can change, so please check ACRA’s website before registering.

Congratulations, you are ready to go! Let’s go!