Short answer: Yes. A US founder can register a Singapore private limited company, but ACRA requires foreigners to engage a registered corporate service provider, and the company needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)). US tax and reporting rules sit outside ACRA, so take advice from a US tax adviser before you incorporate.
Last checked against ACRA, IRAS, MOM, IRS pages on 31 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you act.
What does a Singapore company need?
| Requirement | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A registered corporate service provider | Foreigners must engage a CSP to reserve the company name and register the company. | ACRA |
| A director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore | At least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)). See our guide to the resident director rule. | ACRA · Companies Act s145 |
| A company secretary | Appointed within six months of incorporation. A real person whose principal or only place of residence is in Singapore (s171(1)), and not the sole director. | ACRA · Companies Act s171 |
| A Singapore registered office | A Singapore address to which communications and notices can be sent (Companies Act s142). | Companies Act s142 |
| At least one shareholder | ACRA says every company must have at least one shareholder, and the minimum number of issued shares is one. | ACRA |
What does it cost?
ACRA charges fees for the name application and for registration, set out on ACRA's site. For AAA's packages, what each includes and current fees, see our pricing page. Source: ACRA.
How does registration work from the US?
Your corporate service provider files the registration through Bizfile using Corppass. With AAA, we work with you on the documents and identity verification before we file. ACRA says most registrations are approved soon after payment, and complex applications may take longer. Source: ACRA.
US tax and reporting rules that sit outside ACRA
The IRS says US citizens and resident aliens are generally taxed on their worldwide income, wherever they live. The IRS also says certain US citizens and residents who are officers, directors or shareholders of certain foreign corporations file Form 5471. Whether either applies to you and a Singapore company depends on your facts. AAA does not give US tax or legal advice, so speak to a US tax adviser before you incorporate. Source: IRS, citizens and resident aliens abroad · IRS, Form 5471.
Tax agreements between Singapore and the United States
IRAS's list of tax agreements shows no comprehensive double tax agreement between Singapore and the United States. It lists a limited agreement on reciprocal tax exemption of shipping and aircraft income (concluded 28 July 1988) and an agreement on the exchange of information relating to taxes (concluded 13 November 2018, in force from 5 March 2020). Check the current list yourself and take tax advice on how any of this applies to you. Source: IRAS list · IRAS: limited agreement · IRAS: information exchange agreement.
For Singapore's own tax rules for companies, see our corporate tax guide and IRAS's corporate income tax pages.
If you plan to move to Singapore
If you want to move to Singapore to run the company, ACRA says you need a work pass, and MOM decides pass applications. Read our guide to starting a company on an EP, EntrePass or Dependant's Pass, and check MOM's passes and permits pages. AAA does not apply for work passes or give immigration advice.
Questions to settle before you start
- Who will be the director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)), and will you be moving to Singapore yourself?
- Who will hold the shares, and in what proportions?
- Who will be your company secretary, a named individual whose principal or only place of residence is in Singapore (s171(1))?
- Will you or the company need advice in your home country on tax or reporting before you incorporate?
Frequently asked questions
Can a US citizen register a Singapore company?
Yes. ACRA says foreigners must engage a corporate service provider to reserve the name and register, and the company needs at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)).
Do I need a Singapore resident director?
Yes. The company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Companies Act s145(1)). See our resident director guide for who ACRA says qualifies.
How much does it cost to incorporate?
ACRA charges fees for the name application and for registration. For AAA's current packages, see our pricing page.
Do US tax rules apply to me if I own a Singapore company?
The IRS says US citizens and resident aliens are generally taxed on worldwide income, and that certain US citizens and residents who are officers, directors or shareholders of certain foreign corporations file Form 5471. Whether this applies to you depends on your facts. AAA does not give US tax advice, so speak to a US tax adviser.
Is there a tax treaty between Singapore and the US?
IRAS's list shows no comprehensive double tax agreement with the United States. It lists a limited agreement on shipping and aircraft income and an agreement on exchange of tax information. Check the IRAS list and take tax advice.
Does AAA apply for work passes?
No. AAA does not apply for work passes or give immigration advice. MOM decides pass applications.
Sources
- ACRA: Step 1, requirements and eligibility (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: ways to set up foreign businesses in Singapore (engage a CSP)
- ACRA: Step 4.6, registering a local company via Bizfile
- ACRA: Step 4.3, choosing company directors and other key officers (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: Step 2, choosing a business structure
- Companies Act 1967, s145 (directors)
- Companies Act 1967, s171 (company secretary)
- Companies Act 1967, ss142 and 143 (registered office)
- MOM: passes and permits
- IRAS: list of DTAs, limited DTAs and EOI arrangements
- IRAS: Singapore-US limited agreement on shipping and aircraft income
- IRAS: Singapore-US agreement on exchange of information relating to taxes
- IRAS: corporate income tax rate, rebates and tax exemption schemes
- IRS: U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad
- IRS: About Form 5471
- AAA Corporate Services: published packages and pricing
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)
- Resident Director in Singapore: Who Qualifies? (2026)
- Open a Singapore Company from India (2026 Guide)
Talk to AAA Corporate Services
AAA Corporate Services Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore corporate services firm for incorporation, company secretarial, accounting and tax. Tell us your plans and we will explain the registration steps and documents. Fees are published, include ACRA fees where stated, and carry no GST.
No obligation. Message us on WhatsApp · Email cosec@aaacorpsvc.com · See all fees