The Complete Guide to Starting a Business in Singapore (2026): PC Lee: Costs and Timeline

Singapore is still the best place in Asia for businesspeople and foreign investors [1]. But the most common question we get is not “Should I incorporate?” but “How do I do it?” [2].

The compliance rules are very strict, even though the whole process is done digitally through ACRA’s BizFile+ system [3]. If you make even one mistake in your application, your launch could be pushed back by days or weeks. This guide goes over the exact steps you need to take, the real costs (fixed vs. variable), and the time frame you can expect in 2026.

We explain the jargon so that you can start your business with confidence, whether you are a first-time founder or a foreign investor.

Step 1: Before Incorporation—The Things You Can’t Change

You need to get four important parts before you can use BizFile+. If you don’t have these, your application will be turned down [3].

Name of the Company: You have to use BizFile+ to reserve your name. Don’t use names that are the same as those of other businesses or that have words that are not allowed (like “Temasek” or “Royal”) [4].
Constitution: This used to be called the Memorandum & Articles of Association (M&A). This paper sets the rules for how the company and its shareholders will work together [2].
At Least One Resident Director: This person must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder who lives in Singapore. Foreigners cannot hold this position alone unless they move to the area [1].
Company Secretary: You must hire a company secretary within six months of starting the business. But hiring one early makes sure that your constitution is up to date [5].
Registered Address: You must give a real street address, not a P.O. Box [3].

Step 2: The BizFile+ Incorporation Process

Singapore is known for being fast, but being right is more important than being fast [2]. This is how the logical flow works:

Name Application: Sent in through BizFile+. It usually takes 15 minutes to 1 hour to get approved. If a different authority (like a bank or finance) needs to look over the name, it could take anywhere from 2 to 14 days [4].
Filing of Incorporation: Once the name is approved, you have 120 days to file the incorporation. You will file your Constitution and list the names of the directors, shareholders, and secretary [3].
Issuance of UEN: ACRA gives you your Unique Entity Number right away after you get approval. This is like your company’s “birth certificate” [1].

Total Time for Government Processing: Usually 1 to 3 business days [2].

Costs of starting a business in Singapore (2026)

It is important to know the difference between Fixed Costs (government fees) and Variable Costs (professional fees) [6].

Fixed Costs (Due to ACRA):

Fee for Name Application: S$15
Incorporation Fee: S$315 (for share capital of S$400,000 or less)

Costs that change (professional fees):

Registered Address / Secretarial Services: Different providers offer different services.
Nominee Director Services: These are needed for foreign business owners who don’t have a director who lives in the area. This is a common gap. [1]
Note: Cheap “do it yourself” options often miss mistakes in the Constitution or fail to find a qualified nominee director, which can cause delays [6].

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

We have seen many applications get stuck because of these problems [2]:

Thinking that a “Nominee Director” is a “Postbox”: A nominee director has legal responsibilities. They might not act if they don’t understand the business. Always hire a trustworthy company like PC Lee to do this job [1].
“The Unintentional Director”: It is against the law to use a friend’s address without their permission. ACRA needs the director’s actual residential address (with permission) and will show a different address for public records [3].
Delaying the Company Secretary: You have six months, but if you wait, your resolutions and share allotments won’t be filed on time, and you’ll have to pay late fees [5].
Not paying attention to the Registered Address: It’s fine to use a virtual office, but the address must be able to get legal documents [3].

How PC Lee Makes Incorporation Easier

PC Lee is a Certified Public Accountant in Singapore, so they do more than just fill out forms [7]. We offer a “turnkey incorporation package” that is made just for busy founders and investors from other countries.

Our service fills the space between “I want a company” and “I am compliant.”

Expert Name Screening: We stop rejections by checking to see if the name is available in sensitive databases before you submit it [4].
Drafting a Constitution: This is not a generic template; it is made for your specific share structure [2].
Nominee Director & Secretary Services: We offer qualified resident directors and outsourced company secretary services so you never miss a filing deadline [5].
Setting Up After Incorporation: We help with registering for GST and applying for a corporate bank account [7].

Timeline: From Inquiry to Business

Day 1: Meeting and getting the name cleared.
Days 2–3: Getting ready the Constitution and director consents.
Day 4: Filing through BizFile+.
Day 5: ACRA gave its approval and the UEN was given.

You can start working in less than a week. [6]

Ready to Incorporate?

It’s easy to get around the BizFile+ portal, but it’s not easy to follow the rules [2]. Our team is here to help you with everything from full company incorporation services singapore to just nominee secretary services to meet the local director requirement.

Call PC Lee & Co. today for a quote with a set fee. While you work on growing your business in Singapore, let us take care of the paperwork.