February 22, 2026
Singapore Company Formation & Holding Setup
Singapore Company Formation & Holding Company Setup
Why Register a Singapore Company?
Singapore is one of the most respected and stable jurisdictions in Asia for international structuring. Entrepreneurs, fintech groups, trading companies, investment funds, and multinational corporations choose Singapore for:
Political and economic stability
Strong legal framework (common law system)
Transparent regulatory environment
Attractive corporate tax regime
Extensive double tax treaty network
Reputation as a Tier-1 financial hub
Whether you plan to register a Singapore company for trading, investment, fintech, or as a Singapore holding company, the jurisdiction provides strategic access to Asian and global markets.
Zitadelle AG provides international corporate structuring services across Asia, the Middle East, and offshore jurisdictions, supporting entrepreneurs and multinational groups with compliant company formation solutions.
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Singapore Company Formation: Legal Framework
Singapore companies are governed by:
The Companies Act (Cap. 50)
Regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
Financial institutions supervised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
Most foreign investors incorporate a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd).
Singapore companies are governed and regulated under the Companies Act and incorporated with ACRA - Singapore’s official corporate registry. ACRA’s digital BizFile+ system allows rapid online incorporation for eligible entities, typically within a few business days
Key Requirements to Register a Singapore Company
To complete Singapore company formation, the following are required:
1️⃣ Directors
Minimum 1 director
At least 1 local resident director (Singapore citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder)
2️⃣ Shareholders
Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
100% foreign ownership permitted
3️⃣ Company Secretary
Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation
Must be locally qualified
4️⃣ Registered Office
Physical Singapore address required
5️⃣ Minimum Paid-Up Capital
SGD 1 minimum (can be increased later)
Singapore Holding Company Structure
A Singapore holding company is widely used for:
Asian investment structuring
Regional subsidiaries ownership
Intellectual property holding
Venture capital structures
Dividend routing with tax efficiency
Why Singapore is Ideal for Holding Structures
No capital gains tax
Participation exemption schemes
Dividend tax exemptions (subject to conditions)
Strong banking infrastructure
Excellent international reputation
Singapore has no capital gains tax, one of the lowest effective corporate tax levels in Asia, and an extensive tax treaty network that benefits holding structures.
Many international groups use Singapore holding companies to efficiently manage downstream subsidiaries across ASEAN and beyond
This makes Singapore one of the leading jurisdictions for establishing a holding company in Asia.
Procedure to Register a Singapore Company
The incorporation process typically includes:
Step 1 – Structure Planning
Define shareholding structure
Determine UBOs
Confirm business activities (SSIC code)
Step 2 – Name Reservation
Submission to ACRA
Approval within 1–2 business days
Step 3 – Document Preparation
Constitution (Memorandum & Articles)
Director & shareholder resolutions
Compliance declarations
KYC and AML documentation
Step 4 – Incorporation Filing
Electronic submission via ACRA
Company registration number issued
Step 5 – Post-Incorporation Setup
Bank account opening
Employment Pass (if applicable)
Corporate secretarial compliance
Accounting & tax registration
In most cases, incorporation can be completed within 3–7 working days (subject to due diligence).
Types of Companies Commonly Established in Singapore
Singapore hosts over 500,000 registered companies, including:
Multinational headquarters (Google, Meta, Alibaba regional entities)
Investment holding companies
Fintech and payment companies
Trading and logistics companies
Family offices
Fund management structures
Singapore’s regulatory clarity makes it highly attractive for foreign businesses seeking credibility in Asia.
Benefits for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Foreign business owners benefit from:
100% foreign ownership
No requirement to be physically present
Strong global banking access
Predictable regulatory system
Favorable tax regime (corporate tax capped at 17%)
Startup tax exemptions
Singapore is particularly popular among:
European holding companies expanding into Asia
UAE-based trading groups
Southeast Asian fintech operators
Korean and Malaysian tech entrepreneurs
How Zitadelle AG Assists with Singapore Company Formation
Zitadelle AG acts as an international Singapore corporate consultant, providing end-to-end structuring and implementation services.
Our Services Include:
✔ Company Registration & Incorporation
Structure advisory
ACRA registration
Nominee/local director solutions
Corporate secretarial services
✔ Document Preparation
Constitution drafting
Shareholders’ agreements
Board resolutions
UBO declarations
✔ Bank Account Opening Assistance
Banking strategy
Introduction to Singapore and international banks
Preparation of business profile
Compliance interview support
✔ Legal Opinion & Structuring
Cross-border holding analysis
Tax-efficient structuring
Regulatory advisory
Risk assessment
✔ Local HR & Employment Services
Employment Pass applications
Payroll setup
HR compliance framework
✔ Accounting & Ongoing Compliance
Annual return filings
Corporate tax filing
Audit coordination (if required)
We provide complete project management from structure design to operational readiness.
Why Choose Zitadelle AG?
Experience with cross-border holding structures
Expertise in fintech, trading, and investment businesses
Strategic focus on Asia–Europe–UAE corridor
End-to-end regulatory and corporate solutions
Confidential and compliant structuring
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Annual returns with ACRA
Corporate tax filings with IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)
Appointing a qualified company secretary within 6 months
Maintaining a registered office address
Whether you want to register a Singapore company, establish a Singapore holding company, or expand your group into Asia, Zitadelle AG provides tailored, compliant solutions.
For clients in fintech and payments, we also support Singapore MPI License applications, structuring your corporate setup to align with MAS regulatory expectations.
FAQ Rich Snippet Section
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a foreigner register a Singapore company?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is allowed. However, at least one local resident director is required.
2. How long does Singapore company formation take?
Incorporation usually takes 3–7 working days, subject to due diligence and document readiness.
3. What is the minimum capital required?
The minimum paid-up capital is SGD 1.
4. Is Singapore good for a holding company in Asia?
Yes. Singapore offers dividend exemptions, no capital gains tax, and a strong double tax treaty network, making it one of the best jurisdictions for Asian holding structures.
5. Can Zitadelle AG assist with bank account opening?
Yes. We provide full bank account opening assistance, including document preparation, banking introductions, and compliance support.
📩 Contact us today for a tailored consultation and begin your journey toward corporate expansion and business success under the Singapore corporate framework.
