Post-registration guide: Foreign company
Use this checklist to understand key requirements and services before your foreign company starts operations.
Last updated 29 January 2026
Note: You must complete the immediate next steps to comply with ongoing requirements. This includes holding annual general meetings and filing annual returns.
Immediate next steps
After you set up your foreign business, these are the next steps you need to take. Some have deadlines. Others help you run your business day-to-day.
Open a corporate bank account
You can open a corporate bank account immediately after Bizfile registration.
Opening a corporate bank account is strongly encouraged to separate business and personal transactions, track cash flows, and simplify tax filing.
You will usually need:
Persons who can sign for the account
Most directors to be physically present in Singapore
Board meeting decision and certified company documents
Identity checks for directors and persons who own the business
Available banks: ANEXT Bank, Bank of China, CIMB, DBS Bank, Maybank, OCBC Bank, State Bank of India, and UOB
(Required) Apply for Corppass
Corppass is the single login method for all government-to-business transactions.
When you can apply: One day after you get your Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Who needs Corppass: All entities (including non-profit organisations) that deal with government agencies online. This includes Bizfile eServices.
How to apply: Apply for a Corppass account
(Required) Set up and maintain company registers
You must set up and maintain these company registers from your incorporation date:
Requirements for company registers after registration
Company register | Must set up or maintain? | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
Yes, unless exempted |
| |
Registers of Nominee Directors (ROND) & Nominee Shareholders (RONS) | Yes, unless exempted |
|
Electronic Register of Members (Shareholders) | Yes | |
Electronic Register of Directors (ROD) | Yes | |
Electronic Register of Secretaries | Yes, if a company secretary is appointed | |
Electronic Register of CEOs | Yes, if a CEO is appointed | |
Electronic Register of Auditors | Yes, if an auditor is appointed | |
Public register of members | (Foreign companies) Yes, within 30 days after incorporation. |
(Required) Check if you need licences and permits
You may need additional licences or permits before you start operations.
Licence and permit requirements
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Business licences |
If you do not need more licences, you can start business immediately after registering. Video: Licensing your business. |
Trading permits (for import or export businesses) | If your business involves moving goods across Singapore's borders, you need a Customs account to apply for trade permits. More details: Quick guide for new traders and registration services |
More details: Getting a licence for your business (video)
(Required) Appoint a company secretary and auditor
You must appoint key officers to ensure your company complies with the law:
Appoint a company secretary within six months of registration.
Appoint an auditor within three months of registration, unless you are exempt from audit requirements.
Download your free Business Profile
After successful registration, you will receive a free Business Profile containing your entity's registration details.
Note: Download your Business Profile within 30 days of registration. The free copy expires after this period.
Before you start operations
Complete these final steps before you start operations. They cover employment, data protection, and taxes.
(Employers) Apply for CPF submission number
If you plan to hire staff, you need to apply for a CPF Submission Number (CSN).
You will need this for monthly CPF payments.
(Employers) Know your duties as an employer
As an employer, you should:
Check the WorkRight website for employment legislation.
Follow minimum wage rules on the Progressive Wage Model (PWM).
Register a Data Protection Officer (DPO)
All organisations must register at least one Data Protection Officer (DPO). This is required under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012.
More details: Register your DPO
Know your tax duties
Besides corporate tax, you may need to pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Tax obligations
What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
How companies are taxed | Your company is taxed in its own name, separate from your personal taxes. More details: Corporate income tax rates |
When to register for GST | You must register for GST if either of these apply:
More details: |
GST InvoiceNow Requirement | From 1 November 2025, newly incorporated companies applying for voluntary GST registration must comply with the GST InvoiceNow Requirement. From 1 April 2026, this requirement is extended to all new voluntary GST registrants, regardless of business constitution and incorporation date. For more information about GST registration, please visit the IRAS website. For a holistic digital approach that integrates your business needs with seamless tax compliance, you can consider adopting accounting and/or payroll solutions that support #SeamlessFilingFromSoftware (#SFFS). These solutions make it easy to file tax returns or submit information to IRAS directly with just a few clicks. |
Optional business services
Explore additional services that can help protect and grow your business.
Protect your trade mark
You can register your trade mark with Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). This protects your business name, logo, or other graphics.
Register your SMS Sender ID
If you plan to send SMS messages with your business name, you should register your Sender ID.
Why: Unregistered IDs show as "Likely-SCAM" to customers.
Who needs this: Businesses that send SMSes with business names to Singapore mobile users.
How to register: Register via SMS Sender ID Registry.
More details: Contact the Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) smsregistry@sgnic.sg or visit the SGNIC website.
Singapore Business Federation (SBF) membership
Companies with paid-up share capital of $500,000 and above automatically become SBF members. You may also apply to become an SBF member.
Benefits of SBF membership include:
Network and partnerships: Connect with local and international businesses, government agencies, and industry associations through exclusive events and business groups.
Global market access: Expand overseas through business missions, market-specific groups, and Singapore's Free Trade Agreement network.
Skills and knowledge: Access free seminars, training programmes, and business transformation initiatives to build capabilities.
Business advocacy: Join collective discussions with government and influence policies affecting your industry.
Cost savings: Enjoy member rates for training, events, advertising, and venue rental at SBF Centre.
Business intelligence: Get the latest industry reports, market updates, and economic trend insights.
Digital solutions and resources
Available resources
Resource | Details |
|---|---|
Cloud software that combines accounting, reporting, and HR tools. What it does:
Features:
| |
InvoiceNow-Ready solutions | Introduced in 2019 by IMDA, InvoiceNow is the nationwide e-invoicing network that enables businesses to easily send and receive e-invoices in a standard digital format across different finance systems. It automates invoice data transmission directly into buyers’ accounting systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors. Businesses can leverage a single invoicing solution of their choice to invoice business partners and government entities while ensuring seamless tax compliance. You can select solutions from IMDA’s accredited InvoiceNow-Ready Solution Providers (“IRSP”) list as your accounting or finance system. Free-of-charge e-invoicing solutions are also available. |
Protect your business from cyber attacks. These can damage your reputation, finances, and operations. | |
Use our API services to get business information for your digital solutions. |
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