One of the requirements for setting up a business in Singapore is that at least one of the directors, authorised representatives, general partners, or managers must be a local resident.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking to establish a business entity in Singapore whilst continuing to reside outside the country, you must appoint a locally resident director or authorised representative to manage the company or business.
A Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder can be appointed as a locally resident authorised representative. Holders of a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) are advised to check with the relevant pass-issuing authority (e.g., the Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) regarding their eligibility before registering or accepting an appointment (e.g., as Director or Secretary).
As a foreigner, you may register any type of business entity, provided you can fulfil the local residency requirement for the selected entity:
| Types of entity |
Local residency requirements |
Details |
| Sole Proprietorship / Partnership |
At least 1 locally resident authorised representative* |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint at least one locally resident authorised representative.
Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of a sole proprietorship or partnership must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the business.
Holders of a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) are advised to check with the relevant issuing authority (e.g., Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) regarding their eligibility before registering a business or accepting an appointment (e.g., as Director or Secretary).
|
| Local Company |
At least 1 locally resident director |
Foreigners residing overseas can own shares in a Singapore-registered company and may be appointed as foreign directors of the company.
|
| Foreign Company |
At least 1 locally resident authorised representative* |
For more information, please refer to Registering a Foreign Company.
|
| Limited Liability Partnership |
At least 1 locally resident manager |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint a locally resident manager.
Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the LLP.
Holders of a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) are advised to check with the relevant pass-issuing authority (e.g., Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) regarding their eligibility before registering or accepting an appointment (e.g., as Director or Secretary).
|
| Limited Partnership |
At least 1 locally resident general partner or local manager |
Foreigners residing overseas must appoint a locally resident general partner or local manager.
Foreigners who wish to be present in Singapore to manage the operations of a Limited Partnership (LP) must seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower after registering the LP.
Holders of a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) are advised to check with the relevant pass-issuing authority (e.g., Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) regarding their eligibility before registering or accepting an appointment (e.g., as Director or Secretary).
|
*The authorised representative must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder. This authorised representative bears personal liability for the appointment.
For more information about the different business entities, please refer to
Choosing a Business Structure.