Guide to Registering a Singapore Company from Australia

Koh Management
Oct 1
5 min read

Singapore has long been recognised as one of the most business-friendly destinations in Asia. Its low corporate tax rates, stable political environment, strong legal framework, and strategic location make it a natural hub for entrepreneurs and companies worldwide. If you are based in Australia and considering expanding into Southeast Asia, registering a company in Singapore can be an excellent first step. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about registering a Singapore company from Australia — from the benefits and legal requirements to the step-by-step process and post-registration obligations.

Why Choose Singapore for Your Business

1. Strategic Location and Connectivity

Singapore sits at the crossroads of major shipping and aviation routes. With world-class ports and Changi Airport, it offers seamless access to markets across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. For Australian businesses looking to scale regionally, Singapore provides an efficient springboard.

2. Attractive Tax Regime

Singapore’s corporate tax rate is capped at 17%, with partial tax exemptions for new and small businesses. Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with more than 80 countries — including Australia — help avoid being taxed twice on the same income.

3. Stable and Transparent Legal System

Singapore’s legal system is based on English common law and is renowned for its reliability, fairness, and robust intellectual property protection.

4. Ease of Doing Business

Consistently ranked as one of the easiest places in the world to start and run a business, Singapore’s regulatory environment is designed to be clear and efficient.

Key Requirements to Register a Singapore Company

Before you begin the registration process, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements under Singapore’s Companies Act.

1. Company Type

Most foreign entrepreneurs opt for a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) — the most common and versatile business structure. It offers limited liability, corporate tax benefits, and credibility with customers and partners.

2. Company Name

Your company name must be approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) before incorporation. It must not infringe on existing trademarks or be considered obscene or undesirable.

3. Shareholders

A Singapore Private Limited Company can have between 1 and 50 shareholders. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, and 100% foreign ownership is permitted.

4. Directors

At least one director must be a Singapore resident (citizen, permanent resident, or holder of an Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Dependant’s Pass with a valid Letter of Consent). If you don’t have a local director, you’ll need to appoint a nominee director to meet this statutory requirement.

5. Company Secretary

You must appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary must be a natural person residing in Singapore.

6. Paid-Up Capital

The minimum paid-up capital is S$1. This can be increased later as your company grows.

7. Registered Address

Every Singapore company must have a local, physical registered address (not a P.O. Box). This is where official correspondence will be sent. Many service providers offer registered office addresses for foreign companies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering from Australia

Step 1: Engage a Professional Service Provider

Foreign individuals and entities cannot self-register a Singapore company. You must engage a registered filing agent — such as a corporate services provider, accounting firm, or law firm — that is licensed with ACRA. They will handle the application, compliance checks, and filings on your behalf.

Step 2: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name

Your agent will submit your preferred company name to ACRA for approval. Most names are approved instantly unless they require further review by another government agency. Name reservations are valid for 120 days.

Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents

You will need to provide:

A copy of each shareholder’s and director’s passport and proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
Details of shareholding structure and paid-up capital
The company’s proposed business activities (using Singapore’s SSIC codes)
The company constitution (formerly known as Memorandum & Articles of Association)

Your service provider will prepare the necessary forms and obtain digital signatures for submission.

Step 4: Appoint a Local Director (if needed)

If you are not relocating to Singapore, appoint a nominee director to satisfy the residency requirement. Nominee directors typically act in name only while you maintain control over business decisions.

Step 5: File the Incorporation Application with ACRA

Once the documents are ready, your agent will submit the application online via ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Most incorporations are approved within one to two business days. You will receive an official email notification and the Certificate of Incorporation electronically.

Step 6: Obtain a Company Business Profile

After registration, you can download your company’s Business Profile from BizFile+. This serves as an official identity document and is often required to open bank accounts or sign contracts.

Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Once your company is incorporated, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Major local and international banks in Singapore — including DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered, and HSBC — cater to foreign-owned companies.

Some banks may allow you to open an account without being physically present, but many still require at least one director or authorised signatory to attend a face-to-face meeting. Check with your preferred bank about their requirements.

Employment Passes and Work Visas

If you or your staff intend to relocate to Singapore to run the business, you will need appropriate work visas. The most common options include:

Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives earning a qualifying salary
EntrePass: For entrepreneurs planning to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative business
Dependant’s Pass (DP): For immediate family members of EP or EntrePass holders

Your corporate services provider can usually assist with these applications as part of their package.

Post-Incorporation Compliance

Registering your company is only the beginning. To remain compliant, you must meet ongoing obligations, including:

Maintaining a Local Registered Address: Ensure your address is valid and updated with ACRA.
Filing Annual Returns with ACRA: This includes financial statements (unless exempted as a small company).
Holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs): Unless exempted, companies must hold AGMs within the statutory deadlines.
Keeping Proper Accounting Records: Under the Companies Act, proper accounting records must be maintained for at least five years.
Corporate Tax Filing with IRAS: Submit Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and annual tax returns.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in penalties or even the striking off of your company.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Finding a Local Director

This is often the biggest hurdle for Australians who are not relocating. Work with a reputable service provider that offers nominee director services with clear agreements about liability and control.

Banking Requirements

Be prepared for banks’ due diligence. Have your business plan, projected financials, and proof of business activities ready to smooth the process.

Understanding Local Regulations

Every industry may have its own licensing requirements (for example, food and beverage, financial services, or education). Research these early to avoid delays after incorporation.

Tips for a Smooth Incorporation from Australia

Start with a Clear Business Plan: Banks, investors, and even service providers may ask for one.
Use a Full-Service Provider: Choose a firm that can handle incorporation, nominee director services, tax filings, and visa applications under one roof.
Leverage Singapore’s Double Taxation Treaty with Australia: This minimises your tax burden.
Stay Compliant from Day One: Set up accounting and secretarial support immediately to avoid penalties later.
Plan Your Visit: Even if you can register remotely, consider visiting Singapore to meet banks, partners, and government agencies in person.

Conclusion

Registering a Singapore company from Australia is straightforward when you understand the requirements and engage the right professionals. With its pro-business environment, low taxes, and strategic location, Singapore is a natural choice for Australian entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish a foothold in Asia. By following the steps outlined above — from selecting your company name and structure to appointing a local director and meeting post-incorporation obligations — you can launch your Singapore entity quickly and confidently.

Whether you’re a small business testing new markets or a larger firm setting up a regional headquarters, Singapore’s transparent, efficient, and supportive ecosystem makes it an ideal platform for growth.