Incorporating a Company in Singapore or Malaysia: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
If you’re planning to incorporate a company in Singapore or Malaysia, it’s essential to understand the process clearly from the start. Both countries are well-regarded for their efficient business setup procedures and investor-friendly policies. However, choosing the right jurisdiction and structure requires careful planning and knowledge of local regulations.
This 2025 step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know about incorporating a company in Singapore or Malaysia — including legal requirements, timelines, compliance considerations, and expert tips from a corporate services perspective.
Why Incorporate in Singapore or Malaysia?
Both Singapore and Malaysia offer compelling advantages for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and foreign investors. Singapore is globally known for its ease of doing business, robust tax framework, and fast digital incorporation process. Malaysia, on the other hand, provides lower operating costs, access to a large local workforce, and growing digitalisation incentives.
Incorporating your company in either country positions your business for long-term regional success. However, the specific benefits and requirements differ — which is why proper guidance is crucial.
Incorporating a Company in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Overview
Singapore continues to attract businesses due to its world-class legal and financial systems. Here is how to successfully incorporate a company in Singapore:
Step 1: Select a Business Structure
The most common structure is the Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.), ideal for businesses of all sizes. It offers limited liability, corporate tax benefits, and ease of ownership transfer.
Step 2: Meet the Regulatory Requirements
To incorporate a Singapore company, you must have:
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At least one shareholder (individual or corporate)
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One resident director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or EP holder)
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A company secretary appointed within 6 months
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A local registered office address
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At least SGD 1 in paid-up capital
These are mandatory before submitting your application.
Step 3: Reserve a Company Name
The proposed company name must be approved by ACRA and reserved via BizFile+. Choose a name that’s unique and does not violate IP or regulatory restrictions. Approval usually takes one business day.
Step 4: Submit Incorporation Documents
You’ll need:
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Company Constitution
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Directors’ and shareholders’ details and ID
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Business activity classification (SSIC code)
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Company secretary details
Once submitted via BizFile+, the company is typically incorporated within 1–2 working days.
Step 5: Post-Incorporation Setup
After successfully incorporating a company in Singapore, follow these steps:
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Open a corporate bank account
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Appoint an auditor (unless exempt as a small company)
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Issue share certificates and set up statutory registers
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Register for GST if turnover exceeds SGD 1 million
Ongoing compliance is just as important as the registration process.
Incorporating a Company in Malaysia: A Step-by-Step Guide
Malaysia remains a preferred destination for companies seeking access to a large consumer base and cost-effective operations. Below are the key steps to incorporate a company in Malaysia in 2025.
Step 1: Choose the Right Entity
Most businesses incorporate a Sendirian Berhad (Sdn. Bhd.), which provides limited liability, flexibility in ownership, and straightforward compliance.
Step 2: Satisfy Statutory Requirements
To proceed, you must ensure the following:
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At least one director who is a Malaysian resident
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One or more shareholders
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A local company secretary (licensed by SSM)
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A registered office in Malaysia
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Paid-up capital of RM 1 or more
These criteria are non-negotiable for valid registration.
Step 3: Reserve the Company Name
Using the MyCoID portal, reserve your proposed company name. Names are subject to SSM approval and must not conflict with existing registered entities. Approval typically takes one to three working days.
Step 4: Submit Incorporation Documents
Prepare and file the following:
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Identity documents of directors and shareholders
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Statutory declarations
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Registered address
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Optional Company Constitution
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Shareholding and capital details
Upon approval, you will receive Form 9 — the Certificate of Incorporation.
Step 5: Complete Post-Incorporation Tasks
After incorporating a company in Malaysia, companies must:
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Register with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN)
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Open a corporate bank account
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Apply for required business licenses (depending on industry)
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Register for Sales and Service Tax (SST) if applicable
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Appoint an auditor (mandatory for most entities)
Each of these steps ensures your business is fully operational and compliant.
Singapore vs. Malaysia: Key Differences in Incorporation
While the processes are similar, several key differences influence where to incorporate:
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Resident Director Requirement:
Singapore requires a local director; Malaysia requires a resident director (typically a citizen or PR) -
Incorporation Timeline:
Singapore: 1–2 days
Malaysia: 3–5 days -
Audit Requirements:
Singapore allows audit exemption for small companies
Malaysia mandates audit for most companies -
Tax Thresholds:
Singapore: GST registration required at SGD 1 million
Malaysia: SST registration required at RM 500,000 -
Capital Requirements:
Both require only minimal capital (SGD 1 or RM 1), but foreign-owned companies may need higher capital to meet licensing requirements
Why Engage a Corporate Services Provider?
While incorporating a company in Singapore or Malaysia is relatively straightforward, maintaining compliance is often more complex. Many business owners face issues with:
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Delayed bank account approvals due to KYC checks
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Improper maintenance of statutory registers
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Missed deadlines for regulatory filings or audits
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Challenges in structuring foreign ownership properly
At USAFE, we specialise in guiding clients through incorporation and beyond. We offer end-to-end support — from entity registration and nominee director services to audit, tax, and corporate secretarial functions across both jurisdictions.
Our goal is to help businesses start strong, scale responsibly, and stay compliant.
Conclusion
Incorporating a company in Singapore or Malaysia offers your business access to Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. However, choosing the right jurisdiction, understanding regulatory obligations, and staying compliant from day one are critical to your long-term success.
Whether you’re an SME owner, startup founder, or overseas investor, our team at USAFE is ready to support your business journey with tailored incorporation and compliance services in both Singapore and Malaysia.
Ready to incorporate your company in Singapore or Malaysia?
Get in touch with USAFE today and let our experts make the process seamless and fully compliant.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any professional advice. Feel free to contact us to consult with our professional advisors team for personalized advice and guidance.
Sources: https://www.ssm.com.my/Pages/Home.aspx (Malaysia) https://www.acra.gov.sg/ (Singapore)
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