Best incorporation services for foreigners in Singapore: what the facts show

ACRA says foreigners must use a corporate service provider and have a local resident. Published overseas packages run from S$2,438 at Osome to S$3,188 at HeySara, with nominee director terms from 3 to 12 months. We rank none.

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SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com is an independent guide, not a provider and not ACRA. We have not tested any of the services below and are paid by partners when a request is passed on. So the heading asks a question and the page answers with a table, not a trophy. Prices were read on the providers' own pages on .

What does ACRA require of a foreigner?

ACRA says foreigners must engage a corporate service provider to reserve a name and register a business, and that every business needs at least one local resident. A local resident can be a citizen, a permanent resident or a holder of certain passes. For most overseas founders a nominee director fills that gap until their own pass is issued. See register a company as a foreigner and nominee directors.

ACRA also says nominee directors are not recognised as a separate class: every director carries the legal duties.

How do the overseas packages compare?

Provider Package and price Nominee director Address Deposit
Osome Starter from S$2,438; Fully compliant from S$3,772 3 months; 1 year 1 year in Starter None, per Osome
Lanturn Essentials S$2,450; Full Compliance S$3,350 (excl. GST) Included Included Not shown
Leftright S$2,495 12 months 12 months Not shown
Sleek Starter S$2,600; Full Compliance S$4,000; with Visa S$4,188 3, 12 or 6 months Included Not shown
HeySara Digital S$3,188 offer; Plus S$3,788 Included Included S$1,500, waivable

Sources: Osome, Lanturn, Leftright, Sleek and HeySara.

HeySara's page also shows struck-through prices of S$5,388 and S$6,000, and a S$440 off claim. Treat the lower prices as promotions and check the live page.

What facts decide the choice?

Price per nominee year. An entry plan with a 3-month nominee and a plan with a 12-month nominee are not the same product. Leftright's S$2,495 already holds 12 months. Osome's 12-month plan is S$3,772 and Sleek's is S$4,000.

Deposit. Osome states none. HeySara lists S$1,500 unless you take a bookkeeping plan. Ask the others in writing.

GST. Lanturn says prices exclude Singapore GST and Leftright says none applies. Others did not state it on every line.

Visa help. Sleek's overseas plan with a Visa option is S$4,188 and its Employment Pass application is listed at S$1,088 separately. Osome's visa plan is from S$3,822. See Employment Pass for a company director and EntrePass.

Bank account. Osome says it helps through partners and that approval is the bank's decision. Sleek marks its free account subject to approval. Opening an account for a foreign owner can take extra steps.

What did we not check?

We did not time any incorporation, speak to support, or see renewal invoices. We do not know the nominee director renewal price at any provider. Lanturn does not publish a secretary-only fee. So the table is a list of published starting points and not a ranking.

What should an overseas founder ask?

  1. What is the nominee director fee after the first term, and who holds a deposit?
  2. What happens to the nominee when my own pass is approved?
  3. Which bank accounts do you support for my nationality?
  4. Is GST included in the quote?
  5. What is the secretary fee in year two?

For a head-to-head on the two largest, see Sleek versus Osome.

Want quotes from providers?

Use the quote form on this page with your country, the business you plan and whether you will move to Singapore. We pass your request to suitable providers, and you compare their written terms.

Where can I see the prices side by side?

Before you choose, see the Singapore company setup price comparison: published prices, Google rating and review count for 34 firms in one table.

Sources

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do foreigners need an incorporation service in Singapore?

Yes. ACRA says foreigners must engage a corporate service provider to reserve a name and register a business. Every business also needs at least one local resident, which is why overseas packages usually include a nominee director.

Which service is best for foreigners?

The facts do not name one. Packages differ on price, nominee director term, deposit, address and bank help. The table shows those, and your own needs decide. We have not tested any provider, so we do not rank them.

What is the cheapest incorporation package for foreigners?

Of the pages we read, Osome lists the lowest starting price at S$2,438 with a 3-month nominee director. Lanturn is S$2,450 excluding GST and Leftright is S$2,495 with a 12-month nominee director and secretary.

How long does the nominee director last?

It varies by package. Osome and Sleek list 3 months on their entry plans and 12 months on higher ones. Leftright lists 12 months. When it ends you pay to renew or appoint a resident director, so ask for the renewal price.

Do I need to visit Singapore to register a company?

Providers say the process runs online, and Sleek says you can register 100% remotely. Opening a bank account may need extra checks, so ask the provider what the bank needs from a foreign owner.

Is a nominee director the same as a real director?

ACRA says nominee, inactive or sleeping directors are not recognised: all directors carry the legal duties and penalties. If you appoint one, they hold those duties on paper, which is why providers set agreements and sometimes ask for deposits.

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