Short answer: Every Singapore company needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)). ACRA treats Singapore citizens, permanent residents and valid holders of an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass as meeting its local residency requirement. Other foreign founders should check with their pass issuer.
Last checked against ACRA and MOM pages on 31 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you act.
Who meets ACRA's local residency requirement?
The Companies Act (s145(1)) requires at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. ACRA lists the following as meeting its local residency requirement:
| Who | What ACRA says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore citizen | Meets the local residency requirement. | ACRA |
| Singapore permanent resident | Meets the local residency requirement. | ACRA |
| Valid Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holder | Meets the requirement. ACRA adds that EP holders must first seek a Letter of Consent from MOM. | ACRA · MOM |
| Other Foreign Identification Number (FIN) holders | Check with the pass issuer, such as MOM or ICA, before registering a business name or accepting a role. | ACRA |
What every director must be
ACRA says a director must be at least 18, mentally fit, and not banned or disqualified. Directors must follow the Companies Act: keep proper records, file on time and act in the company's best interests. See our guide to directors' duties in Singapore. Source: ACRA.
If you are a foreign founder
ACRA says foreigners must engage a registered corporate service provider to reserve the name and register the company, and the company still needs a director who meets the local residency rules. If you do not meet them yourself, you can:
- Move to Singapore on a pass that allows you to run the company. See our guide to starting a company on an EP, EntrePass or Dependant's Pass. AAA does not apply for work passes or give immigration advice. MOM decides pass applications.
- Appoint a director who meets the residency test. That person takes on a director's legal duties, so only appoint someone you know and trust.
Read our full guide to registering a Singapore company as a foreigner.
If your resident director leaves
The company still needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, so arrange a replacement. ACRA says changes to directors must be filed through Bizfile within 14 days. Source: ACRA.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Singapore company need a resident director?
Yes. Every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)).
Who counts as locally resident for a director?
ACRA lists Singapore citizens, permanent residents and valid holders of an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.
Can a foreigner be the only director of a Singapore company?
A foreigner can be a director, but the company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. A sole director would therefore need to meet that requirement.
Can an Employment Pass holder be a director of their own company?
ACRA says Employment Pass holders must first seek a Letter of Consent from MOM. MOM sets out how it treats directorships in other companies.
Can the sole director also be the company secretary?
No. ACRA says a company secretary cannot be the same person as the sole director.
How soon must a change of director be filed?
Within 14 days of the change, through Bizfile.
Sources
- Companies Act 1967, s145 (directors)
- ACRA: Step 1, requirements and eligibility (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: Step 4.3, choosing company directors and other key officers (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: updating company information, officers and shareholders
- MOM FAQ: can EP holders be registered as directors in another company?
- MOM: passes and permits
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with ACRA, MOM and IRAS and your own advisers.
Related guides
- How to Register a Singapore Company as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
- Start a Singapore Company on an EP, EntrePass or DP (2026)
- Director Duties in Singapore: What Every Director Must Know
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