Published: 22 July 2026 · Last reviewed: 15 September 2026 · Reviewed by Ray Tay, Co-Founder & Managing Director, VIVOS PTE. LTD. (ACRA Filing Agent FA20240323 · MOM EA Licence 24S2425)
By Ray Tay, Head of Marketing at VIVOS Pte. Ltd. — ACRA Registered Filing Agent FA20240323 · MOM Employment Agency Licence 24S2425 · Last reviewed: 22 July 2026
Yes. Singapore permits 100% foreign ownership of a private limited company in almost all sectors, with no local shareholder required. What the law does require: at least one Singapore-resident director, a local registered address, a company secretary within 6 months, and incorporation through a registered filing agent if you are overseas.
Foreign founders do not need a Singapore partner, but every company needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. There are two ways to satisfy it. The first is appointing a nominee director — fast and fully remote, with annual fees to budget for. The second is relocating: obtain an Employment Pass through your own company and become the resident director yourself, removing the nominee fee permanently.
| Nominee director route | Relocate on an EP | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Days — fully remote | 3–8 weeks for the EP |
| Typical cost | Recurring annual nominee fee | EP application; qualifying salary from S$5,600/month (2026) |
| Control | Nominee holds no beneficial interest; safeguards recommended | Full — you are the resident director |
| Best for | Remote owners, holding structures | Founders moving to Singapore |
Many founders combine both: incorporate with a nominee to move fast, then replace the nominee with themselves once the EP is approved. Because VIVOS is both an ACRA filing agent and a MOM-licensed employment agency, the company and the pass run as one process. Start with the complete 2026 guide for foreign founders.
No — incorporation and, in most cases, business bank account opening can be completed remotely through a registered filing agent. See our non-resident bank account guide.
Sole shareholder, yes. But at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Singapore, so a solo foreign founder needs either a nominee director or their own Employment Pass.
No — corporate tax is 17% regardless of shareholder nationality, and Singapore levies no capital gains tax.
Talk to a specialist: WhatsApp +65 9366 9399 or contact@vivos.com.sg — incorporation, passes and compliance handled by one licensed team.
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Incorporated in Singapore under the Companies Act 1967 UEN 202416468C | ACRA Registered Filing Agent FA20240323 | MOM Employment Agency Licence 24S2425
Malaysia – VIVOS (M) Sdn. Bhd. | Registration Number:
People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong – VIVOS CORPORATE SERVICES (HK) LTD. | Business Registration Number: 80545137
United Arab Emirates, Dubai – VIVOS CORPORATE SERVICES L.L.C. | Commercial Licence Number: 1638200
