How to Set Up a Company in Singapore from Bangladesh 2025

Set up a company in Singapore from Bangladesh is a common and efficient way for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to access Southeast Asian markets, global banking, and favourable tax rules. This guide walks you, step by step, through the legal, practical, and compliance requirements, with realistic timelines, estimated fees, and a simple documents checklist so you can act with confidence.

Why choose Singapore for your business

Singapore is business-friendly, politically stable, and globally connected. It offers:

• A simple online company registration system via BizFile+.
• Clear corporate tax rules and start-up tax incentives.
• A highly reputable international banking environment.
  These advantages make Singapore a popular jurisdiction for Bangladeshi founders who want an Asian hub for customers, payments, and partners.

Who can incorporate from Bangladesh?

Bangladeshi individuals and Bangladeshi companies can incorporate a Singapore private limited company. You can be a 100 percent foreign shareholder. However, Singapore law requires at least one director who is a Singapore resident (a citizen, permanent resident, or holder of certain work passes). If you do not have a resident director, you must appoint one or use a professional nominee director service.

Quick checklist you will need before starting

• Proposed company name (check availability).
• Passport copy and proof of address for each director and shareholder.
• At least one locally resident director in Singapore.
• A Singapore-registered office address.
• Company constitution (articles of association).
• Minimum paid-up share capital (commonly, S$1 is sufficient).
• Notarised and legalized documents were required (see document authentication below).
• An appointed company secretary (within 6 months of incorporation).

Step-by-step: How to incorporate from Bangladesh

1. Plan the company structure and name

Decide whether to form a private limited company (most common), a branch, or a representative office. Choose a unique name and reserve it via BizFile+ (ACRA’s portal). Name reservation is usually quick and costs S$15.

2. Get the resident director requirement sorted

Because ACRA requires one locally resident director, you have three main options:

• Appoint a Singapore resident co-founder or hire a local director.
• Use a reputable nominee director service through a licensed corporate services provider.
• If you plan to relocate, apply for an EntrePass or Employment Pass, and then act as the resident director once the pass is granted. For work and relocation options, see MOM guidance.

3. Prepare and authenticate documents

Commonly required documents from Bangladeshi founders:

• Passport copy (clear scan).
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, recent).
• Bank reference or professional reference in some cases.
  If documents need formal verification, Bangladesh has joined the Apostille system, and many documents can now be apostilled for use overseas. Depending on the document type and the receiving party’s requirements, you may also need notarisation and/or further authentication. Confirm the exact authentication steps early to avoid delays.

4. File incorporation on BizFile+

Your corporate services provider or Singapore-qualified corporate secretary will submit the incorporation via ACRA’s BizFile+. The standard ACRA fees are S$15 for name reservation and S$300 for company incorporation. If all documents and approvals are in order, registration can be processed quickly, sometimes on the same day.

5. Post-incorporation: company officer appointments and address

After incorporation, you must:

• Appoint a company secretary within 6 months.
• Maintain a registered Singapore office address.
• Update ACRA of any changes to directors, shareholders, or officers.
  These filings are essential to remain compliant with the Companies Act.

6. Open a corporate bank account

Opening a Singapore corporate bank account is an important next step. Requirements vary by bank, and many traditional banks require at least one director or authorized signatory to visit a branch or complete video KYC. Digital banking and fintech providers like Revolut, Wise, Airwallex, and specialist providers can often onboard non-resident founders remotely and provide SGD accounts and local payment details. Plan extra time and prepare certified incorporation documents, director KYC, and a short business plan for the bank.

7. Apply for work passes if you plan to work in Singapore

If a director or shareholder intends to work in Singapore, the person must hold an appropriate work pass:

• Employment Pass for most professionals, managers, and executives.
• EntrePass for eligible entrepreneurs who will run an innovative or venture-backed firm.
  Each pass has its own eligibility rules and documentation requirements. Consult the MOM resources when you plan to relocate.

8. Tax registration and ongoing compliance

• The corporate tax rate is a flat 17 percent, but Singapore offers partial tax exemptions and a start-up tax exemption that benefits qualifying new companies. Ensure you check whether you qualify for start-up incentives.
• File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within 3 months after your financial year end unless exempted.
• File annual returns with ACRA within the statutory deadline (private companies usually within 7 months after the financial year end).
• Register for GST only if your taxable turnover is expected to exceed the registration threshold.

Typical costs and realistic timelines

• ACRA fees: S$15 (name) + S$300 (incorporation).
• Corporate secretarial services and registered address: from a few hundred to over S$1,000 depending on provider.
• Nominee director services, if used: variable; ask for a written agreement and references.
• Bank account opening: may require initial deposit and extra time if in-person presence is required.

Timeline estimate:

• Name reservation: same day to a few days.
• Incorporation via BizFile+: often same day if all documents are complete, otherwise several days.
• Bank account opening: from a few days up to several weeks, depending on the bank and the KYC route.

Practical tips for founders in Bangladesh

1. Use a licensed Singapore corporate services provider to avoid mistakes and delays.
2. Prepare certified and, if needed, apostilled documents in advance. Bangladesh’s accession to the Apostille Convention means many documents can now be apostilled for cross-border use. Check whether the receiving party still wants notarisation or embassy legalisation.
3. If you cannot personally travel, choose a bank or fintech that supports remote onboarding. Have certified and translated documents ready.
4. Keep good records for ACRA and IRAS. Missing annual filings or ECI deadlines can trigger fines and compliance issues.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Not meeting the resident director requirement. Solution: appoint a qualified resident director or plan relocation and work pass early.
• Using unverified nominee providers. Solution: ask for contracts, professional indemnity details, and client references.
• Underestimating bank KYC time. Solution: choose your bank early and confirm remote options.
• Skipping proper document authentication. Solution: verify apostille, notarisation, or embassy legalization needs up front.

FAQ

Next steps and how Dewey & LeBoeuf can help

If you are ready to incorporate, Dewey & LeBoeuf Dubai can:

• Review your proposed structure and advise on resident director options.
• Prepare incorporation documents and help obtain the required document legalisation or apostilles from Bangladesh.
• Coordinate with banks and local service providers to reduce delays.
  Contact our team for a tailored checklist, fixed-fee incorporation package, and step-by-step support to set up your Singapore company from Bangladesh.