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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
