Requirements of local residency for Foreigners

One of the requirements for setting up a business in Singapore is that at least one of the directors, authorised representatives, general partners, or managers must be a local resident.

If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking to establish a business entity in Singapore whilst continuing to reside outside the country, you must appoint a locally resident director or authorised representative to manage the company or business.

A Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass/Employment Pass holder can be appointed as a locally resident authorised representative. Holders of a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) are advised to check with the relevant pass-issuing authority (e.g., the Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) regarding their eligibility before registering or accepting an appointment (e.g., as Director or Secretary).

As a foreigner, you may register any type of business entity, provided you can fulfil the local residency requirement for the selected entity, at lease 1 locally resident director/manager/partner/authorised representive.