Are you eager to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey in the Lion City? Singapore is one of Asia’s most vibrant business hubs for company formation, offering a wealth of opportunities to all who seek them.
Foreign investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world have successfully established businesses in Singapore over the years, and yours could be the next to join Asia’s most dynamic business hub. The Lion City is the ideal location for entrepreneurs to launch their next venture, with its strong investment and trade climate making it Asia’s most competitive country and the world’s easiest place to do business. What are the steps involved in starting a business in Singapore?
Starting A Business In Singapore: The Capital You Need
One of the biggest perks of starting a business in Singapore, aside from its ease, is the affordable minimum share capital payment required. That’s right, it’s truly reasonable! Here’s how to start a small business in Singapore.
Here is an overview of the start-up capital required to start your own business and open a company in Singapore:
Minimum paid-up capital: SGD$1. The share capital is the amount that the shareholders commit to, and the liability of the shareholder is limited to that.
Recommended paid-up capital for Employment Pass application: SGD$100,000. Please note that this is not a key consideration factor, and there is no guarantee of approval despite the higher share capital amount.
When incorporating an offshore company in Singapore, it is important to note that some government project tenders may require a higher share capital amount. Additionally, you may want to consider putting in a higher share capital payment to make a better impression on potential customers. The most common share capital amount for offshore companies in Singapore is SGD$1,000, as this is the minimum required amount and it is also easy to transfer shares to another person when needed.
Moreover, it’s essential to understand that this initial capital amount can be augmented at any point, even after commencing business operations. It’s worth noting, however, that various business categories, such as financial services, travel agencies, recruitment firms, and similar enterprises, may have distinct minimum paid-up capital requirements.
Determining Your Initial Capital Investment
The scale and nature of your business: The capital required for your venture is contingent upon several factors, including the scale and nature of your business, and whether you intend to establish an offshore company in Singapore. For a small-scale operation, a modest amount of capital might suffice. Conversely, if your business is extensive, necessitates substantial ongoing investments, or involves offshore incorporation in Singapore, a more substantial capital injection will be imperative to facilitate growth
Your business model and revenue streams: If your business heavily depends on a single revenue source, it’s advisable to secure a more substantial capital reserve to adequately cover your operational costs and expenses. Conversely, diversifying your revenue streams could potentially enable you to sustain your business with a smaller capital infusion.
Your goals and objectives: The pace of your business growth and your objectives play a pivotal role in determining your capital requirements. If you have ambitions for rapid expansion and market diversification, a substantial capital injection becomes essential to support such endeavors. Conversely, if you adopt a more conservative approach, aiming for gradual growth, you may find it feasible to operate with a more modest capital investment.
Your personal financial situation: Your individual financial circumstances are also a crucial factor. If you have personal savings or other financial resources at your disposal, you can utilize these to bolster your business. On the other hand, if you intend to depend on external sources for funding, such as loans or investments, you may find it necessary to raise a more substantial capital sum to meet the requirements of securing such financing.
How To Raise Capital For Your Business?
If you’re having trouble raising capital for your startup, don’t despair. There are many different ways to get the funding you need.
Personal savings: Dipping into personal savings stands out as a prevalent method for capitalizing on a startup in Singapore. It involves leveraging your personal financial resources to personally finance your venture. This can be an attractive choice if your financial situation is stable, and you feel comfortable using your personal assets to support your business endeavors. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that establishing an offshore company in Singapore may entail supplementary costs and expenditures, thus necessitating a more substantial personal savings cushion if this is part of your plan.
External investors present an alternative avenue, wherein you can explore funding from sources like venture capitalists, angel investors, or crowdfunding platforms. This option is advantageous if you aim to secure a substantial capital infusion swiftly, particularly when considering the potential costs and complexities of establishing an offshore company in Singapore. Nevertheless, it’s essential to bear in mind that external investors typically anticipate a return on their investment, which may entail relinquishing a portion of your business equity or agreeing to other stipulated terms and conditions.
Revenue-based financing: Revenue-based financing is a new type of financing that offers flexible loans where the repayment terms scale up or down depending on your earnings. This can be a good option for startups in Singapore, especially if you are planning to set up an offshore company in Singapore, as it can be difficult to obtain traditional loans from banks.
Unsure How To Start Or Run Your Business In Singapore? Contact Us For A Free Consultation!
Contact Iris International for all your company setup needs and to gain insights into the steps required to start a business. Our dedicated experts are prepared to assist you at every stage of the company setup process and provide guidance on launching a new business or opening a small one. Explore our website today to access comprehensive information on commencing your own business and reaching out to us.
Iris International has a proven track record of aiding numerous businesses in establishing their success in Singapore over the years, and we are committed to doing the same for you.



