How to Set Up a Singapore Company from Australia

Singapore is one of the most attractive business destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. With its low corporate tax rates, strong legal system, and strategic location, it has become a popular choice for Australian entrepreneurs who want to expand into Southeast Asia. The good news is you don’t have to be physically present in Singapore to register a company there — the process can be completed remotely with the right guidance.

This guide explains, in detail, how to set up a Singapore company from Australia — including the benefits, legal requirements, step-by-step process, and tips to ensure a smooth incorporation.

Why Australian Entrepreneurs Choose Singapore

Pro-Business Environment

Singapore is consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for ease of doing business. The regulatory environment is straightforward, making it fast and efficient to incorporate and run a company.

Attractive Tax Regime

The corporate tax rate is capped at 17%, and there are tax incentives for start-ups and small businesses. Singapore also has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Australia, which helps prevent being taxed twice on the same income.

100% Foreign Ownership Allowed

Unlike some countries, Singapore allows full foreign ownership of companies. As an Australian, you can own 100% of your Singapore entity.

Strong Legal and IP Protection

Singapore’s legal system is based on English common law and offers robust protection of contracts and intellectual property — a big plus for Australian businesses entering new markets.

Strategic Location

Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore offers easy access to regional markets. It’s a natural hub for logistics, finance, and trade.

Key Requirements to Register a Company in Singapore

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

Company Structure

Most foreign entrepreneurs register a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). This structure provides limited liability, a separate legal personality, and more credibility with banks and customers.

Shareholders

A Private Limited Company can have between 1 and 50 shareholders. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, and there are no restrictions on foreign ownership.

Directors

At least one director must be a Singapore resident — a citizen, permanent resident, or holder of an Employment Pass or Dependant’s Pass with a valid Letter of Consent. If you’re based in Australia and not moving to Singapore immediately, you’ll need to appoint a nominee director to meet this requirement.

Company Secretary

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

Paid-Up Capital

The minimum paid-up capital for a Singapore company is S$1. This can be increased later as the business grows.

Registered Address

You must have a physical registered address in Singapore (not a P.O. Box). Many corporate service providers offer registered office addresses for foreign companies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Singapore Company from Australia

1. Engage a Professional Corporate Services Provider

Foreign individuals and entities are not allowed to self-register a company in Singapore. You must engage a registered filing agent (such as a corporate services, accounting, or law firm) licensed with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This agent will handle the incorporation process and ensure compliance with local regulations.

2. Choose and Reserve Your Company Name

Your service provider will submit your proposed company name to ACRA for approval. The name must not be identical to an existing company, infringe on trademarks, or be considered offensive. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.

3. Prepare Incorporation Documents

You’ll need to provide:

• Copies of all shareholders’ and directors’ passports

• Proof of residential address for all directors and shareholders (such as a utility bill or bank statement)

• Details of the company’s shareholding structure and paid-up capital

• Description of the company’s proposed business activities (using Singapore Standard Industrial Classification codes)

• The company constitution (formerly called Memorandum & Articles of Association)

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

4. Appoint a Local Director (if needed)

If you’re not relocating to Singapore immediately, appoint a nominee director to satisfy the local residency requirement. Nominee directors typically act in name only and do not participate in the running of the business, though clear agreements are put in place to protect both parties.

5. File the Incorporation Application with ACRA

Once everything is ready, your agent will submit the application online via ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Most applications are approved within one to two business days. Upon approval, you’ll receive an email confirmation and the Certificate of Incorporation electronically.

6. Obtain Your Company Business Profile

After registration, you can download your company’s Business Profile from BizFile+. This is an official document containing key company details and is often required to open bank accounts, apply for licences, or sign contracts.

Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Once the company is incorporated, the next step is to open a corporate bank account in Singapore. Major banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and Standard Chartered offer accounts for foreign-owned companies.

Some banks allow remote account opening, but many require at least one director or authorised signatory to visit Singapore for a face-to-face meeting. Check the requirements of your preferred bank early on to avoid delays.

Visas and Work Passes

If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your company, you’ll need an appropriate work visa. Common options include:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives.

• EntrePass: For entrepreneurs starting an innovative or venture-backed business.

• Dependant’s Pass (DP): For family members of EP or EntrePass holders.

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

Post-Incorporation Compliance Obligations

Registering your company is just the beginning. You must comply with ongoing requirements to keep your Singapore company in good standing:

• Annual Returns: File annual returns with ACRA, including financial statements (unless exempted as a small company).

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): Hold AGMs within statutory deadlines unless exempted.

• Tax Filing: Submit Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within three months of your financial year end and file annual corporate tax returns with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

• Proper Accounting Records: Maintain accurate accounting records for at least five years.

• Registered Address: Keep your registered office address updated with ACRA.

Failure to meet these obligations can lead to penalties or even having your company struck off the register.

Common Challenges for Australians Setting Up a Singapore Company

Finding a Local Director

This is often the biggest hurdle for Australian entrepreneurs who are not relocating. Work with a reputable provider offering nominee director services with clear agreements.

Banking Due Diligence

Singapore banks are thorough in their “Know Your Customer” checks. Have your business plan, projected financials, and proof of business activities ready to speed up the account opening process.

Understanding Industry-Specific Licences

Certain sectors (such as food and beverage, education, and finance) require additional licences before you can start operations. Research these early to avoid delays after incorporation.

Tips for a Smooth Incorporation

1. Engage a Full-Service Provider: Choose a firm that can handle incorporation, nominee director services, secretarial support, accounting, and work pass applications under one roof.

2. Prepare a Clear Business Plan: This can help with banking and visa applications.

3. Leverage the Double Taxation Treaty: Take advantage of the Singapore-Australia DTA to minimise tax exposure.

4. Stay Compliant from Day One: Set up proper accounting systems and appoint a company secretary immediately.

5. Plan a Visit to Singapore: Even though you can incorporate remotely, a visit can help with bank account opening and building local networks.
   

Timeline and Costs

• Timeline: With a professional service provider, name reservation and incorporation can be completed in as little as 1-3 business days. Opening a bank account may take a few weeks depending on the bank.

• Costs: Incorporation packages for foreign entrepreneurs usually range from S$1,000 to S$3,000 depending on the services included (such as nominee director and registered address).
  

Conclusion

Setting up a Singapore company from Australia is straightforward when you understand the requirements and use the right professionals. With its pro-business environment, low taxes, and strategic location, Singapore is an excellent platform for Australian entrepreneurs looking to expand into Asia.

By following the steps in this guide — from selecting your company structure and reserving your name to appointing a local director and meeting compliance obligations — you can incorporate your Singapore company quickly and confidently, all without leaving Australia.

Whether you’re testing new markets or establishing a regional headquarters, Singapore offers a stable, efficient, and supportive ecosystem to help your business grow.