
Incorporate in Singapore
Establishing a company in Singapore
Singapore has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s foremost commercial and financial centers, known for its strategic location, efficient governance, and robust infrastructure. Its economic openness, high standard of living, and world-class port facilities make it a favored jurisdiction for multinational corporations, start-ups, and international entrepreneurs.
A key element of Singapore’s appeal is its business-friendly regulatory environment. The government actively supports innovation through financial incentives, tax relief programs, and streamlined administrative procedures. The country’s proximity to major Asian markets also enhances its attractiveness for companies seeking cross-border growth.
Businesses are typically incorporated as private companies limited by shares (Pte. Ltd.), offering limited liability to shareholders and operational flexibility. Singapore imposes no authorized capital requirement, allowing companies to issue shares without a fixed ceiling. Shares can be denominated in any currency and do not carry a par value, enabling adaptable capital structures.
Each Pte. Ltd. company must have at least one shareholder (up to a maximum of 50), and while there are no nationality restrictions for shareholders, at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore. Additionally, a company secretary who is a Singapore resident must be appointed. Directors and shareholders may list alternate addresses for public records, but their residential details must still be provided to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Singapore operates a territorial tax system, with a flat corporate tax rate of 17%. Tax-resident companies benefit from partial exemptions: the first SGD 10,000 of chargeable income is taxed at 4.25%, and the next SGD 190,000 at 8.5%. Start-ups may access additional relief for their first three years. Foreign-sourced income such as dividends, branch profits, and service income can be tax-exempt if certain conditions are met, including prior taxation abroad and a minimum 15% tax rate in the source jurisdiction.
Capital gains are typically not taxed unless classified as trading income. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) assesses taxability based on intent, transaction frequency, asset type, and holding period.
Corporate compliance involves filing an annual return with ACRA and holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months of the financial year-end. Companies must file their annual return within seven months. While most companies must prepare financial statements, exempt private companies with fewer than 20 shareholders, no corporate shareholders, and revenue or assets below SGD 10 million are not required to submit these to ACRA.
Audit requirements apply if a company exceeds any two of the following: SGD 10 million in revenue, SGD 10 million in assets, or more than 50 employees. Tax compliance includes filing Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within three months of financial year-end and submitting the corporate tax return (Form C-S or C) by November 30.
Singapore mandates the appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act. While the DPO need not reside in Singapore, their contact details must be publicly accessible.
Overall, Singapore’s legal certainty, low corruption levels, and transparent governance, combined with tax and regulatory efficiency, make it a preferred jurisdiction for diverse business structures, including international subsidiaries, investment holding companies, and digital enterprises.
The foundational document package confirming the entity’s establishment and outlining its operational structure, includes:
- ACRA Business Profile (Bizfile)
- Constitution
- Form 45 for each director and for each secretary
- Register of Shareholders, Register of Directors, Register of Secretaries, Register of Director’s Share Allotments, Register of Nominee Directors, Register of Registrable Controllers
- First Resolutions of the Directors
- Share Certificates
Learn more about Singaporean companies:
Singapore Incorporation Services
Note that our incorporation and annual fees are all “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services, duties, disbursements, and procedures to incorporate a Singapore company, and keep it in good standing.
Singapore Private Limited Company Formation Services and Government Fees – USD 550.00 (one-off)
Incorporation of a Singapore Private Limited Company, which includes:
- drafting and providing the Constitution of the Company
- drafting and providing the Nominee Director Service Agreement
- preparing the Director’s Acceptance Letter (Form 45)
- filing the Company with the Singapore Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
- ACRA company registration fees
- providing the ACRA BizFile
- drafting and providing the First Board Resolution for the Share Allotment and the appointment of Directors, Secretary and Registered Office, and other related matters.
- providing the Share Certificate(s)
- preparing and providing the Register of Shareholders, Register of Directors, Register of Secretaries, Register of Director’s Share Allotments, Register of Nominee Directors, Register of Registrable Controllers
- providing certified true copies of all constitutional documents, and delivery to the client’s mailing address, inclusive of courier fees.
Time to form the company
The pre-incorporation documents—comprising the company Constitution, Form 45, and the Nominee Director Service Agreement—are typically prepared within one business day for the client’s review and signature. Upon receipt of the signed documents, we proceed with filing the company registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). We also prepare the post-incorporation documentation, including board resolutions, share certificates, and statutory registers. ACRA processes the registration and issues the Bizfile (official registry extract) 1-2 business days upon the filing.
Resident Director Services – USD 3,000.00 p.a. (annual fee)
All Singapore Companies must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Singapore
Our Local Director Service includes the appointment of a Singaporean resident director to act as nominee director of the Company, in order to comply with statutory requirements of the Companies Act, as well as any ongoing assignment such as the execution of board resolutions.
Nominee Director Refundable deposit – USD 1,600.00 (one-off refundable deposit) (Returned once the professional relationship with the nominee director concludes.) As the Local Director and Secretary bear liability towards the acts of the company and can lose the permission/license from ACRA if their companies are not in good standing, this deposit serves as a bond to be used to strike off the company in case the client abandons the company.
Corporate Secretary Services – USD 750.00 p.a. (annual fee)
All Singaporean Companies must appoint a corporate secretary who must be an individual ordinarily resident in Singapore.
Our services include the appointment of a Singaporean resident chartered secretary to act as secretary of the Company, in order to comply with statutory requirements, as well as:
- preparing the annual general meeting notices, meeting minutes, written resolution in lieu of board meeting, and related matters, as required
- signature of board resolutions and other corporate documents, as required
- maintaining the minute book and statutory records
Registered Office Services – USD 300.00 p.a. (annual fee)
All Singaporean companies must maintain a Registered Office situated in Singapore.
- providing a registered office to the Company that complies with the requirements set out in the Companies Act
- providing a business address
- providing mail-scanning services
Singapore Bank Account Opening Services – USD 500.00 (one-off)
Assistance in opening a bank account for the Company in a Singaporean-licensed bank (DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank or RHB), which includes:
- advising on and assisting in the completion of the Bank’s KYC and questionnaires, bank account application forms, and related documentation, as required
- managing the bank account opening procedure
- advising on the meeting with the Bank’s relationship manager
- arranging a meeting with the Bank’s relationship manager for bank account opening (video-conference)
- introducing the Client to the Bank’s relationship manager
We assist you in opening a bank account in Singapore.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaSGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.CitibankSGD 200,000NoMulticurrency, USD, SGDYesThey can only onboard Singapore companies that has a office set up in Singapore. A face to face is required for the meeting and office visit for KYC.Credit SuisseUSD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesDBS BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.HSBCSGD/USD 30,000NoSGD, AUD, CAD, RMB, EUR, HKD, JPY, NZD, GBP, USDYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.RHBSGD/USD 30,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.OCBC BankUSD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Standard CharteredN/ANoMulticurrency, SGD, USDYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required. Can only open an account for citizens where SC has a presence.UOB BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Singapore companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsMORABANCUSD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Credit Andorra (Creand)EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDBankUSD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Global Bank of CommerceUSD 25,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesCash Secured Visa Credit CardNorth International BankUSD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsOJSC UnibankUSD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Union BankUSD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.CitibankUSD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.DeltecUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesCredit Card available on a case by case basis.EFG BankUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Equity BankUSD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBelize Bank InternationalUSD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesCaye BankUSD 1,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Heritage BankUSD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBVI Bank AccountUSD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.VP BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCayman National BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesNCB Cayman LimitedUSD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accounts
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Security BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsExprinter International Bank N.V.USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingUnited International BankN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of CyprusN/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDominica Bank AccountUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CHFYesEqiBankUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesJetonbankN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Dominica Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesThe Kingdom BankN/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsGibraltar Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesGibraltar Bank AccountUSD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaHKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.DBS BankHKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsIsle of Man Bank AccountN/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsLabuan Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!CitibankUSD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesMayBank International Labuan BranchUSD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBendura BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank OneUSD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesInvestecUSD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBONIUSD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesHamilton Reserve BankUSD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPanama Bank AccountUSD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 1,000NoUSDYesAccounts can be opened remotely on case-by-case basis.
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPuerto Rico Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesCB International Bank LLCN/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Elite International BankUSD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Medici BankUSD 10,000NoMulticurrencyYesStrategic BankUSD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPROVEN BANK (Former BOSLIL)USD 5,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAl SalamUSD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAmina BankCHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.CIM BanqueUSD 10,000YesMulticurrencyYesCompanies must have a business presence in the country where they are incorporated or tax resident in the form of offices and/or employees.Credit SuisseCHF 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesMaerki BaumannCHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesmBaer BankCHF 5,000YesMulticurrencyYesCompanies must have an expected turnover of at least CHF 3,000,000.SygnumCHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsUSA Bank AccountUSD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MUSA Bank Accountfrom 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.USA Bank AccountUSD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Metropolitan Commercial BankTypically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.USA Bank AccountN/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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Vanuatu Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Vanuatu Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPacific Private Bank1,500 EURNoEUR, GBP, USDYesOutgoing USD transactions cannot be facilitated.
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteDNBC (CA) (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesSepagaN/AYesMulticurrencyYesAirwallexN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCurrenxieN/AYesMulticurrencyYesStatrysN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCollect & PayDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesBankeraN/AYesEURYesConnect PayN/AYesMulticurrencyYesDNBC (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesGurupayN/ANoEURYesIBSettleN/ANoEURYesMistertangoN/AYesEURYesNEXPAYN/ANoMulticurrencyYesPayswixN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSettleDeskN/ANoEURYesValyuzN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesVerifoN/ANoEURYesVialetN/AYesEURYes3SMoneyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesBilderlingsN/AYesEUR, GBPYesBVNKN/ANoMulticurrencyYesEQUALS MoneyN/AYesMulticurrencyYesIFXN/ANoMulticurrencyYesInterpolitan MoneyDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesMontifyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesMultiPassN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesPaysetN/ANoMulticurrencyYesTRANSFERRAN/AYesMulticurrencyYesXaceN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
Annual Corporate Services (payable one year after incorporation and annually thereafter)
- Local Director Services – USD 3,000.00
- Corporate Secretary Services – USD 750.00
- Registered Office Services – USD 300.00
Annual Corporate and Tax Compliance Services – USD 580 per annum per filing
Singaporean companies are required to file an Estimated Chargeable Income Return within 3 months after the financial year-end, as well as a tax return within 9 months (Form C, or C-S, depending on the size of the company).
- preparing ECI return and filing with IRAS – USD 580 (applicable only to companies with taxable profits, or whose revenue is greater than SGD 5 million in the financial reporting year)
- preparing corporate tax return and filing with IRAS – USD 580
Singapore companies need to submit an annual return, and approve financial statements in the general meeting within 6 months after FYE.
- Preparation and filing of annual return, preparation of annual financial statements and annual general meeting documentation – USD 1,250
If the company is not an exempt company (that is a company with more than 50 shareholders, or otherwise, a corporate shareholder), the company needs to submit financial statements in XBRL format, and in such case, additional USD 900.00 applies.
Other Services (Optional)
- Full Accounting and Book-keeping Services
- Establishment of Variable Capital Company Structures
- Establishment of Trusts, and provision of Trustee Services
- M.A.S. Capital Markets, Fund Management and Payment Services Licensing
Please, contact us for further information.