Can a Foreigner Own 100% of a Singapore Company?

By the VIVOS team — 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.

Key facts

Foreign shareholding allowed: up to 100% in most sectors
Local shareholder required: No
Singapore-resident director: Yes, at least one — a nominee director can satisfy this
Filing agent: required for overseas founders, who cannot self-register with ACRA
Restricted sectors (licensing applies): banking and finance, media, law and a small set of regulated industries

The one real requirement: a resident director

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.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fly to Singapore to incorporate?

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.

Can the foreign owner be the sole shareholder and director?

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.