Launch Your Business in Singapore as a Non-Resident

No, you must be a Singapore resident, citizen, or employment pass holder. This is the biggest hurdle for remote founders - you need a nominee director service or local partner who meets residency requirements.

The resident director must sign annual returns, attend AGMs (can be virtual), maintain Singapore address, and ensure compliance with local laws. Most nominee services charge S$1,200-2,400 annually for these responsibilities.

Hong Kong requires no local directors - any director can be non-resident. This makes Hong Kong more accessible for remote founders, though Singapore offers better long-term stability and IP protection benefits.

Qualifying startups pay 75% less on first S$100K (effective 4.25% rate) and 50% less on next S$100K (8.5% rate) for first 3 years. After exemption period, standard 17% applies to all profits.

Singapore uses territorial taxation - foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed unless remitted to Singapore. However, income from Singapore clients or Singapore-based activities is always taxable at 17% rate.

ACRA approval takes 1-3 business days once documents are submitted. However, total setup including resident director appointment, registered address, and banking can take 6-8 weeks for remote founders.

Virtual office services are widely accepted by ACRA, typically costing S$200-500 monthly. Must be physical Singapore address (not PO Box) with mail forwarding and phone answering services included.

No requirement for physical office beyond registered address. Virtual office covers legal requirements. However, some banks prefer companies with physical office presence, which can cost S$1,500+ monthly in Singapore's expensive market.

DBS, UOB, and OCBC all accept non-resident directors but require physical presence for account opening, substantial deposits (often S$20,000+), and extensive documentation. Digital banks like Trust Bank have stricter requirements.

Very difficult in 2025. Most banks require at least one director to visit Singapore for account opening. Some private banking relationships may offer remote opening for high-net-worth individuals with substantial deposits.

No, you can register a Singapore company as a foreigner without a visa or work pass. ACRA allows 100% foreign ownership and remote incorporation. However, you will need a local resident director (citizen, PR, or valid pass holder). If you intend to relocate and manage the business yourself, you'll need an Employment Pass (minimum S$5,600/month salary) or EntrePass for innovative startups.

Employment Pass (EP) is for entrepreneurs who want to employ themselves through their Singapore company, requiring a minimum monthly salary of S$5,600 and passing the COMPASS points assessment. EntrePass is specifically designed for founders of innovative, venture-backed, or technology startups—it has no salary requirement but requires proof of funding, incubator support, or innovative business credentials. Most traditional business owners apply for EP while tech founders typically pursue EntrePass.

Yes, many foreign entrepreneurs operate their Singapore company remotely without any visa. You must appoint a local resident director and a company secretary based in Singapore. You can visit on a short-term visit pass (up to 90 days for most nationalities) for business meetings and signing documents. For day-to-day operations, you can use corporate service providers and digital banking solutions to manage everything from abroad.