Foreign Ownership Rules: What Can and Can’t You Do in Singapore?
Singapore is famously open to foreign investment —
but there are still rules you need to know if you’re setting up shop.
Here’s what foreign owners can and cannot do when running a Singapore company.
1️⃣ Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Singapore Company?
✅ Yes!
Singapore allows full foreign ownership of private limited companies.
There’s no local shareholding requirement.
That’s why it’s such an attractive hub for international founders.
2️⃣ Do You Need a Local Director?
✅ Yes.
Even if all shareholders are foreign, at least one director must be:
A Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or
A holder of an Employment Pass or EntrePass.
This is where nominee director services come in.
3️⃣ Do Foreign Owners Need to Be Physically Present?
❌ No.
You can manage the company from overseas,
but you’ll need a registered Singapore address for official correspondence.
Paperwork.sg can handle this as part of our corporate secretary services.
4️⃣ Are There Restricted Sectors?
✅ Mostly open, but…
Some sectors (like telecommunications, media, banking, and defense)
have additional licensing or ownership restrictions.
Always check if your business falls into a regulated industry.
5️⃣ Why Work With Paperwork.sg?
We:
✅ Help foreign founders incorporate smoothly
✅ Provide nominee director services
✅ Ensure compliance with all local rules