Step 1: Understanding requirements & eligibility
Check if you need to register a business in Singapore, and the rules for foreigners
Last updated 29 January 2026
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Who needs to register
Find out when you must register a business. You must be at least 18 years old to register.
Rules and exemptions
You need to register if you | Details |
|---|---|
Carry out any activity for profit on a regular basis, unless exempted | This applies to physical shops, home‑based work and online ventures. Examples of activities that need registration:
|
Use any name other than your own full name | Your business must be registered if the name includes anything beyond your full National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) name. For example, "Flowers by Tan Mei Ling" must be registered. |
Who does not need to register
You do not need to register a business if your business uses:
Your full NRIC name only
The full NRIC names of all partners (including yours)
Full list of exemptions: Section 4 of the Business Names Registration Act 2014.
Why register your business
Penalties for non-compliance
According to section 35 of the Business Names Registration Act 2014:
You can be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to two years if you do not register when you should.
An unregistered business may also find it hard to enforce contracts or protect its rights.
Benefits of business registration
Registration makes your business official and builds trust. Customers and suppliers can check who owns the business.
Registered businesses can also:
Open a bank account in its own name.
Protect its ideas (intellectual property).
Apply for government grants and tenders.
Keep personal and business assets apart when you register as a company or limited liability partnership.
Rules for foreigners
Foreigners must engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to reserve a name and register a business structure.
They also need to meet local residency requirements. If foreigners want to move to Singapore to run their business, they need a work pass.
Local residency requirement
Every business must have at least one local resident in Singapore. Different types of businesses need local residents for different roles.
Requirements:
Singapore citizen
Singapore permanent resident
Valid holder of a/an:
Foreign Identification Number (FIN) holders should check with their pass issuer, such as Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), before they register a business name or accept a role. For example, Employment Pass holders must first seek a Letter of Consent from MOM.
Work pass options
If you want to move to Singapore to run your business, you need a work pass.
Work passes for foreigners
If you are | You can |
An entrepreneur with venture-backed or innovative tech companies | Apply for an EntrePass before incorporation or within six months of setting up. |
A Dependant's Pass (DP) holder | Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) after you register the business. |
A Foreign Identification Number (FIN) holder with other work passes | Check with your pass issuer (such as MOM or ICA) to confirm if you can register or run a business. |
Note: MOM’s rules may change, and your eligibility depends on your pass type and personal situation.