Setting Up a Company in Singapore: Registered Office and Office Requirements

Updated 12 November 2026 · CBD Office Space · General information only, not legal or tax advice.

Short answer

A Singapore company must have a Singapore registered office address that is open to the public for at least three hours on each business day. It can differ from where the business actually operates. Small companies can work from home under the Home Office Scheme if they meet its conditions; once you hire staff, apply for Employment Passes or receive clients, a proper office is usually needed.

ACRA's registered office rules

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) company registration guide:

• The registered office must be a Singapore address.
• It must be open and accessible to the public during normal business hours on each business day, for at least three hours each business day; non-compliance may lead to a fine of up to S$5,000.
• It is the address where ACRA and others send notices, and where the company keeps its records and registers.
• It does not have to be the place where you run your business activities.

If you use a registered-address service from a corporate secretary or business centre, confirm it meets the opening-hours and record-keeping requirements.

Can I use my home as the company address?

Yes, if you register and keep to the conditions. The Home Office Scheme run by URA and HDB lets residents run a small office from home:

• Private homes register with URA; for HDB flats, the owner, tenant or an authorised occupant registers with HDB.
• Up to two non-residents, including employees, partners and directors, may work in the business at the home unit.
• No clients or customers may visit, and no advertisements, signs or posters may be displayed at the home.
• Some business types are not allowed under the scheme, and other agencies' licensing rules still apply.

Beyond that size, or once you need to meet clients and partners, consider a commercial office.

Related steps after registration

• Appoint a company secretary within six months of registration, and an auditor within three months unless exempt.
• Apply for Corppass once you have your Unique Entity Number (UEN), and appoint a Data Protection Officer.
• Register for GST if taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, or is expected to in the next 12 months.
• Registration is online with ACRA; the fee is S$300 and most applications are approved soon after payment.

Hiring foreign staff

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that Employment Pass candidates generally need to earn at least S$5,600 a month, and employers generally must advertise on MyCareersFuture and consider all candidates fairly before applying. Companies hiring foreign managers or professionals usually arrange a real office at the same time so the team can operate.

Office options for a new company

Where to locate

Financial and professional services firms often choose Raffles Place, Marina Bay or Tanjong Pagar for transport and business amenities; companies wanting lower rents can consider the Edge of CBD or business parks in the East and West. Compare buildings by district in the building directory.

How CBD Office Space can help

Tell us your headcount, budget and target move-in date and we will compare suitable offices, coordinate viewings and help assess lease proposals. Company registration, tax and pass applications should go to a corporate secretary, accountant or other professional. Further reading: the office lease guide.

Official references

• ACRA: Setting up a local company (Bizfile)
• ACRA: Post-registration guide for local companies
• URA: Home Office Scheme
• HDB: Home business
• MOM: Employment Pass