Last updated: October 2026

Many new Singapore companies are started by a single founder, or by founders who live overseas. Both can set up a Singapore Private Limited (Pte. Ltd.) company, but each faces a few specific requirements. This guide explains what solo founders and foreign owners need to know, and how a registered address fits in.

The basic requirements for every company

Every Singapore company must have, among other things:

  • At least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore
  • A registered office address in Singapore that is open to the public for at least three hours on each business day
  • A company secretary, appointed within six months of incorporation
  • At least one shareholder

You can read the full requirements in ACRA’s guide to registering a local company via Bizfile.

If you are a solo founder

One person can own and run a Singapore company. If you are the only director and live in Singapore, you meet the resident director requirement yourself. A few points to plan for:

  • Company secretary: If you are the sole director, you cannot also be the company secretary, so you will need to appoint someone else or use a corporate secretarial service.
  • Registered address: You may be able to use your home under the Home Office Scheme, but conditions apply and clients cannot visit. Many solo founders use a business address instead to keep their home address separate.
  • Admin load: Plan who will handle official mail, filings and deadlines when you are busy or travelling.

If you are a foreign owner

Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company, but there are extra steps:

  • Resident director: If none of the founders lives in Singapore, the company still needs at least one locally resident director. Some founders relocate on a suitable work pass; others appoint a local director.
  • Filing the registration: Registering on Bizfile requires Singpass. Founders without Singpass usually engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to file for them.
  • Registered address: You need a Singapore address that can receive official notices and is open to the public during the required hours, even if you run the business from overseas.
  • Bank account: Opening a business account is often slower for foreign-owned companies and may require more documents.

Where a virtual office fits in

For both solo and overseas founders, a virtual office can provide the registered address, receive and notify you of official mail, and give you a place to meet clients when needed, without leasing an office before you need one.

Ready to start? Follow our step-by-step guide to setting up a Pte Ltd in Singapore, or contact us if you have questions about using our address.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Please check ACRA’s website or speak to a professional before registering.