How to Start a Company in Singapore from Hong Kong (2025 Guide)

How to Start a Company in Singapore from Hong Kong (2025 Guide)

Singapore has emerged as one of the top destinations in Asia for company incorporation, and for good reason. Entrepreneurs and business owners in Hong Kong increasingly look to Singapore for its political stability, strategic location, favorable tax policies, and ease of doing business. If you’re based in Hong Kong and considering expanding or relocating your business to Singapore, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started — plus how WLP can assist at every stage of the process.

Why Singapore Is a Smart Move for Hong Kong Entrepreneurs

Singapore offers a business-friendly environment with minimal bureaucracy. Foreigners can own 100% of the shares in a Singapore private limited company, and incorporation can be completed in as little as 1–3 business days. Tax incentives are another major draw — the country follows a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-sourced income is typically tax-exempt if not remitted. Additionally, corporate tax is capped at 17%, with generous exemptions for startups in their first three years.

These advantages make Singapore a highly attractive alternative for Hong Kong-based founders looking to diversify or expand operations.

Step-by-Step: Starting a Company in Singapore from Hong Kong

1. Choose the Right Business Structure 

The most common and recommended structure for foreign entrepreneurs is the Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.). It offers limited liability, credibility with investors, and scalability. Unlike branch offices or sole proprietorships, a Pte. Ltd. company is treated as a separate legal entity.

2. Appoint a Resident Director 

Singapore law requires at least one locally resident director. This individual must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or someone holding a valid work visa such as an EntrePass or Employment Pass. If you don’t have someone in Singapore to act as director, you can engage a nominee director service — something that WLP offers through our business incorporation packages.

3. Secure a Registered Local Address 

Your company must have a registered physical office address in Singapore. P.O. Boxes are not accepted. This address is where official correspondence and legal documents will be sent. WLP can provide a registered office address if you don’t have one locally.

4. Appoint a Company Secretary 

A qualified company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation. This individual ensures your company complies with regulatory requirements such as filing annual returns, maintaining statutory registers, and updating ACRA (the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). WLP offers corporate secretarial services tailored for foreign business owners.

5. Reserve Your Company Name 

Choose a unique company name and submit it to ACRA for approval. The name must not infringe on trademarks, be too similar to existing businesses, or contain restricted terms. Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days.

6. Submit Incorporation Documents to ACRA 

Once the name is approved, you’ll need to submit key incorporation documents — including your company constitution, identification of directors and shareholders, and details of your registered address. You can do this through BizFile+, ACRA’s online filing system. WLP can handle all these filings on your behalf to ensure a smooth and error-free submission.

7. Determine Paid-Up Capital and Shareholding 

The minimum paid-up capital to incorporate a company in Singapore is only SGD 1, though you can increase this later. Your company must also have at least one shareholder — this can be a person or another company, and foreign ownership is fully allowed.

8. Apply for Licences (If Needed) 

Depending on your business activities, you may need to apply for special permits or licenses. Industries like financial services, F&B, healthcare, and education are regulated. WLP can help assess your licensing needs and assist in applications if required.

9. Open a Corporate Bank Account 

After incorporation, you can proceed to open a business bank account in Singapore. Some banks require a physical presence for identity verification, while others may allow remote onboarding with the right documentation. WLP has experience liaising with banks and can guide you through the process.

10. Stay Compliant Post-Incorporation 

After setup, you must fulfill ongoing compliance obligations — including annual tax filings, accounting records, corporate tax returns, Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) submissions, and possibly GST registration. Non-compliance can result in fines or blacklisting. WLP provides ongoing accounting and tax support so you can focus on running your business while staying fully compliant.

Singapore vs. Hong Kong: Key Differences for Entrepreneurs

While both cities are business powerhouses, Singapore offers a few distinct advantages for certain industries and international structuring. Unlike Hong Kong, Singapore requires a resident director, but offers better access to ASEAN markets and more generous tax exemptions for new businesses. Singapore’s tax structure is also more favorable for income earned outside the country, and its strong IP protection laws make it attractive for tech startups and innovation-focused companies.

Why Work with WLP 

Starting a company from overseas can be overwhelming — especially when dealing with cross-border tax regulations, local compliance requirements, and documentation in a new jurisdiction.

WLP specializes in helping overseas entrepreneurs, including those in Hong Kong, incorporate and manage companies in Singapore. Our team can assist with:

• Company incorporation (including nominee director, registered address, company secretary)
• Corporate tax planning and filing
• Accounting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting
• Payroll services and GST registration
• Regulatory license application
• Annual compliance support with ACRA and IRAS

Our packages are tailored to meet the needs of foreign founders, with transparent pricing and dedicated account managers who understand the nuances of doing business in Singapore from abroad.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating a company in Singapore from Hong Kong is a strategic move that can unlock new growth opportunities across Southeast Asia and beyond. With minimal bureaucracy, a robust financial system, and strong government support for startups, Singapore offers a compelling business environment.

Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or launching a new venture, partnering with a reliable service provider like WLP ensures a smooth setup and long-term success. Let the experts handle the paperwork — so you can focus on building your business.