Establish
Set up your Singapore presence the right way
Entity setup, work permits, banking — these are the parts that trip most companies up. Not because they're impossible, but because the details matter and the process has more steps than you'd expect. We connect you with trusted partners and guide you through every stage.
Key timelines and requirements
Timelines are estimates. Bank account opening varies by bank.
What we help with
The parts that trip most companies up
We connect you with vetted partners and guide you through every step.
Company incorporation
We connect you with vetted corporate service providers who handle the entire incorporation process — ACRA registration, registered address, corporate secretary, and nominee director if needed. The new CSP Act (June 2025) raised the bar for providers, so we only work with fully registered, compliant partners.
Work permits and visas
Singapore's work pass system is getting more complex every year. The COMPASS framework scores Employment Pass applications on salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment. We help you work through it — from eligibility assessment through application and appeals if needed.
Corporate banking
Opening a corporate bank account in Singapore is one of the biggest hidden pain points. Banks are increasingly cautious with foreign-owned companies, and the process can take weeks with multiple rounds of documentation. We guide you through it and help you choose the right bank for your situation.
COMPASS pre-assessment
Before you apply for an Employment Pass, we assess your candidate's COMPASS score. This tells you the likelihood of approval and identifies ways to strengthen the application. Better to know before you apply than to deal with a rejection.
Free tool
Check your COMPASS score
Not sure if your EP application will pass? Use our COMPASS calculator to estimate your score across all 6 criteria. Takes about 2 minutes.
Common questions
What companies ask us most
How long does it take to set up a company in Singapore?
Incorporation itself can be done in 1-2 days. But getting fully operational — bank account, work permits, compliance setup — typically takes 4-8 weeks. The bank account is usually the bottleneck. We'll give you a realistic timeline, not the "incorporate in 1 day" marketing line.
Do I need a nominee director?
Singapore requires at least one director who is a Singapore resident (citizen, PR, or EP holder). If you don't have one, you'll need a nominee director — a professional who fulfils this requirement on your behalf. Costs range from S$1,500-5,000 per year. We can help you understand if you truly need one.
What is the COMPASS framework?
COMPASS is Singapore's scoring system for Employment Pass applications, introduced in 2023. It evaluates four criteria: salary (vs. sector benchmarks), qualifications, diversity (nationality mix in your company), and support for local employment. You need 40+ points to pass. Salary benchmarks are updated annually and rose significantly for 2026.
What if an Employment Pass application is rejected?
EP rejections are increasingly common as COMPASS tightens. We assess the rejection reasons, determine if an appeal is viable, and prepare a stronger case. Sometimes it's better to restructure the role or adjust the salary than to appeal. We'll be honest about which approach has the best chance.
Planning to set up in Singapore?
Let's talk about your situation. We'll help you understand the process, timeline, and costs — and connect you with the right partners.
Get a free assessment