Register a Singapore Company from Spain

Introduction

For Spanish entrepreneurs and companies seeking international growth, Singapore has become one of the most attractive destinations to set up a business in Asia. With its pro-business government policies, low taxes, and status as a leading financial and logistics hub, Singapore provides the ideal foundation for expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.

Whether you are a Spanish startup looking for new markets, a manufacturer targeting ASEAN economies, or a service-based company aiming for global exposure, registering a company in Singapore offers you credibility, efficiency, and access to vast economic opportunities.

This article explains why more Spanish businesses are choosing to incorporate in Singapore, the step-by-step registration process, and the numerous advantages that come with it.

Why Spanish Entrepreneurs Are Attracted to Singapore

1. Gateway to the Asian MarketSingapore is strategically located in Southeast Asia and serves as a regional base for thousands of international companies. For Spanish exporters, technology firms, and manufacturers, the city-state acts as a gateway to the fast-growing ASEAN market, home to over 600 million consumers.

2. Ease of Doing BusinessRanked consistently among the top nations globally for ease of doing business, Singapore provides an efficient, transparent, and fully digitalized incorporation process. Most registrations are completed in just one working day.

3. Favorable Tax StructureSingapore’s corporate tax rate is capped at 17%, with no capital gains tax and no tax on dividends. Startups can also enjoy partial tax exemptions for the first three years. This is a significant advantage over Spain’s higher corporate tax rates.

4. Political and Legal StabilitySingapore’s transparent governance and robust legal system ensure a safe and predictable environment for investors. This stability provides Spanish entrepreneurs peace of mind when managing overseas operations.

5. International ReputationSingapore enjoys a strong reputation for reliability, integrity, and global competitiveness. A Singapore-registered entity enhances your credibility when dealing with partners, suppliers, and investors across Asia and beyond.
   

Advantages of Registering a Singapore Company from Spain

1. 100% Foreign OwnershipSingapore allows full foreign ownership for private limited companies, enabling Spanish entrepreneurs to maintain full control of their business.

2. Quick Incorporation ProcessThe registration process can be completed remotely, usually within one working day, when handled by a professional corporate services provider.

3. Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)Spain and Singapore have signed a DTA to prevent double taxation and reduce withholding taxes on cross-border payments such as dividends and royalties.

4. Free Repatriation of ProfitsDividends can be repatriated back to Spain with no restrictions and no additional withholding taxes.

5. Global Banking NetworkSingapore is one of the world’s leading financial hubs, offering access to international banking, trade financing, and multi-currency business accounts.

6. Gateway for ExpansionSingapore’s numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN, China, India, and other countries give Spanish businesses a competitive edge in regional trade.
   

Common Business Structures for Spanish Entrepreneurs

When registering a company in Singapore, Spanish investors can choose from several entity types:

1. Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)

   • Separate legal identity

   • Limited liability for shareholders

   • 100% foreign ownership allowed

   • Eligible for local tax benefits and incentives

2. Subsidiary Company

   • A local Singapore company owned by a Spanish parent company

   • Treated as a separate legal entity

   • Access to local tax incentives and free trade agreements

3. Branch Office

   • An extension of the Spanish parent company

   • Not a separate legal entity (parent bears all liabilities)

   • Suitable for large, established corporations

4. Representative Office

   • For research or liaison purposes only

   • Cannot conduct commercial activities or generate revenue

   • Ideal for companies testing the market

For most Spanish entrepreneurs, the Private Limited Company is the best structure due to its flexibility, credibility, and favorable tax treatment.

Requirements to Register a Singapore Company from Spain

To incorporate a company in Singapore, the following requirements apply:

1. At Least One Local DirectorEvery company must have at least one director who is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or Employment Pass holder. Spanish entrepreneurs can meet this requirement by engaging a nominee director service through a local corporate services firm.

2. At Least One ShareholderThe company can have between one and fifty shareholders, and full foreign ownership is permitted.

3. Company SecretaryA qualified company secretary must be appointed within six months after incorporation.

4. Registered Office AddressEvery Singapore company must have a registered local address. Many foreign companies use virtual office services for this purpose.

5. Paid-Up CapitalThe minimum paid-up capital is SGD 1, though a higher amount (e.g. SGD 1,000) is often used for practical reasons.

6. Approved Company NameThe company name must be approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) before incorporation.
   

Step-by-Step Process: How to Register a Singapore Company from Spain

Step 1: Engage a Licensed Corporate Services Provider

Foreigners cannot directly register a company with ACRA. Spanish entrepreneurs must engage a licensed corporate service provider (CSP) who handles the entire incorporation process, including document preparation and nominee director arrangements.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name

Submit one to three preferred company names for approval. The process usually takes just a few hours unless manual review is required.

Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents

Documents required include:

• Passport and proof of residential address of all directors/shareholders

• Company Constitution (formerly Memorandum & Articles of Association)

• Details of shareholding structure

• Description of business activities

Step 4: File for Incorporation

Your CSP submits the application electronically to ACRA. Incorporation approval is typically granted within one working day.

Step 5: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Once incorporated, open a business bank account in Singapore. Many major banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, and HSBC allow remote account opening for Spanish entrepreneurs.

Step 6: Apply for Business Licenses (if required)

Depending on your business sector (e.g. import/export, financial services, education), certain licenses or permits may be necessary.

Step 7: Register for Taxes

If your company expects an annual turnover exceeding SGD 1 million, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). Your CSP can also assist with corporate tax registration with IRAS.

Post-Incorporation Compliance

1. Annual FilingsAll Singapore companies must file annual returns with ACRA and corporate tax returns with IRAS.

2. Accounting and BookkeepingAccurate financial statements must be maintained. Smaller companies may qualify for audit exemption.

3. Annual General Meeting (AGM)The first AGM must be held within 18 months of incorporation and annually thereafter.

4. Employment RegulationsIf hiring local employees, comply with Singapore’s Employment Act and CPF (Central Provident Fund) rules.
   

Tax and Financial Benefits for Spanish Businesses

1. Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)Spain and Singapore’s DTA prevents double taxation and reduces withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties.

2. No Tax on Dividends and Capital GainsSingapore does not impose tax on dividends paid to shareholders or on capital gains from asset sales.

3. Startup Tax ExemptionsNewly incorporated companies can enjoy up to 75% tax exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of income during their first three years.

4. Low Corporate Tax RateWith a flat corporate tax rate of 17%, Singapore’s tax system is straightforward and competitive globally.

5. Attractive for Holding CompaniesMany multinational corporations use Singapore as their holding company jurisdiction for managing international operations due to its tax efficiency and legal protections.
   

Spain–Singapore Economic Relations

1. Growing Bilateral TradeTrade between Spain and Singapore has grown steadily, particularly in renewable energy, engineering, and technology sectors.

2. EU–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA)Under this agreement, Spanish companies benefit from tariff reductions and better market access across ASEAN.

3. Presence of Spanish Companies in SingaporeMajor Spanish firms such as Acciona, Indra, and Repsol have established regional offices in Singapore, using it as a base for their Asia-Pacific operations.

4. Complementary StrengthsSpain’s creativity, innovation, and industrial expertise blend perfectly with Singapore’s efficiency, infrastructure, and business governance.
   

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Finding a Local Director→ Engage a trusted nominee director service through your CSP to meet this requirement.

2. Understanding Regulatory Compliance→ Use professional accounting and secretarial services to ensure timely filings.

3. Opening a Bank Account→ Prepare a clear business plan and complete Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documents to speed up approval.

4. Navigating Cultural Differences→ While English is the business language in Singapore, adapting to Asian business etiquette enhances partnerships and communication.
   

Tips for Spanish Entrepreneurs Expanding to Singapore

• Partner with an experienced corporate service provider to handle incorporation and compliance.

• Take advantage of Enterprise Singapore programs supporting innovation and foreign investment.

• Join the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (La Cámara) to network with local and regional partners.

• Consider using Singapore as a regional headquarters for Southeast Asia.

• Leverage Singapore’s free trade agreements to expand exports and distribution channels.
  

Conclusion

For Spanish entrepreneurs, registering a company in Singapore is one of the most strategic decisions for international expansion. With its efficient business setup, low taxes, and global reputation, Singapore provides the perfect launchpad for entering Asian and global markets.

Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, Singapore offers everything you need — political stability, robust infrastructure, financial transparency, and unparalleled access to growth markets.

By working with a trusted corporate service provider, you can easily register your company from Spain, manage compliance remotely, and begin trading in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.

To find out more, visit https://www.shkoh.com.sg/incorporation-services