What Is a Nominee Director and Do You Need One?
If you’re a foreigner looking to register a company in Singapore, you’ll quickly hear the term nominee director.
But what exactly does it mean—and do you really need one?
Here’s a clear, no-jargon guide.
1️⃣ What Is a Nominee Director?
A nominee director is:
A local person (Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder) who fulfills the legal requirement for your company to have at least one local director.
They do not interfere with your business operations.
Their main role is to help your company meet compliance with the Companies Act.
They are typically appointed under a formal Nominee Director Agreement that limits their powers and clarifies their duties.
2️⃣ Why Can’t You Just Be Your Own Director?
If you’re not a Singapore resident, you cannot serve as the sole local director.
This is a regulatory safeguard to ensure companies always have a local representative for compliance and legal matters.
3️⃣ What Does a Nominee Director Actually Do?
✅ Fulfills the legal local-director requirement
✅ Signs statutory documents when required
✅ Ensures the company meets its compliance obligations
They do not:
❌ Run your day-to-day business
❌ Access your bank accounts or funds
❌ Make strategic or commercial decisions
4️⃣ What Are the Risks?
For you:
You need to work with a reputable nominee director service provider.
Make sure the nominee agreement protects both sides and limits the director’s liability.
For the nominee:
They carry legal exposure under the Companies Act.
This is why nominee directors often require a security deposit or indemnity clause.
5️⃣ Why Work With Paperwork.sg?
We:
✅ Provide nominee directors with robust agreements to protect both parties
✅ Require no unnecessary interference in your business
✅ Offer flexible packages that grow with your company
Most importantly, we help you stay fully compliant.