Foreign founders can own 100% of a Singapore Pte Ltd; at least one local resident director and a local company secretary are required. Registration takes 1-3 days via BizFile, but bank account and EP considerations need planning.
Requirements: (1) at least one locally resident director (citizen/PR/EP holder) — nominee arrangements common but choose carefully; (2) local company secretary within 6 months; (3) registered local address; (4) paid-up capital from SGD 1 (practically, more for credibility). Registration via ACRA BizFile: 1-3 days. Post-setup: corporate bank account (DBS/UOB/OCBC or digital banks; foreign directors attend in person or use video KYC), GST registration if turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, and annual AGM/AR filings. For founders wanting to relocate, an Employment Pass (EP) with the company as employer is the route — Compass scoring now requires meaningful salary and company substance.
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