Singapore is one of the most respected places in the world to base a business. It combines a stable, predictable legal system with a strong international reputation, efficient government processes, and a position at the centre of Asia. For a founder building a business that serves Asia, setting up a regional headquarters, or wanting a credible base that banks and investors trust, Singapore is a natural choice. It is also consistently ranked among the easiest places in the world to do business.

The standard vehicle is the private company limited by shares, shown after the company name as "Pte Ltd". As with limited companies elsewhere, the word "limited" refers to limited liability: a shareholder's responsibility for the company's debts is capped at what they have agreed to pay for their shares. A Singapore private company needs at least one shareholder, who may be an individual or a company and may be based anywhere, and the paid-up capital can be as little as one Singapore dollar.

Singapore has one requirement that shapes how most foreign founders set up: a Singapore company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. In practice that means a Singapore citizen, a permanent resident, or the holder of a suitable Singapore work pass. A founder living outside Singapore cannot meet this personally. The usual solution is a nominee director, a person formally appointed to satisfy the requirement while the founder keeps full ownership and control. Cosmos can provide a nominee director where you need one; see Registered office and nominee services.

Two further roles are required. Every Singapore company must appoint a company secretary, who must be a natural person ordinarily resident in Singapore, within six months of incorporation. And every company must have a registered office address in Singapore. Cosmos can provide both.

Singapore's company register, maintained by ACRA, makes certain company information publicly searchable. Singapore is also a substance-minded jurisdiction: it works best as a genuine base for a real business, rather than as a place to park a shell. And, as everywhere, a Singapore company does not by itself grant you the right to live there; that is a separate matter, covered in Visas and residency in Singapore.

Cosmos forms your Singapore company, provides the resident director, company secretary and registered office where you need them, and keeps the company compliant with ACRA and the tax authority. Tell Cosmos what the company is for, and it will confirm whether Singapore is the right fit.