Understanding Nominee Director Services in Singapore: A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Singapore has long been regarded as a leading global business hub, offering a robust legal framework, excellent infrastructure, and strategic access to other Southeast Asian markets. For entrepreneurs and corporations seeking to establish or expand their presence in Asia, Singapore provides a conducive environment backed by regulatory clarity, ease of doing business, and strong governance standards.

Under the Companies Act 1967, businesses looking to incorporate in Singapore must fulfil several key statutory requirements, including:

• Appointment of a Corporate Secretary (within 6 months of incorporation)
• A Local Registered Address
• A minimum Paid-Up Capital

Appointment of at least One Local Resident Director

Under Singapore law, every company must appoint at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This person must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or a foreigner holding an appropriate residency pass (e.g., EntrePass or Employment Pass with a Letter of Consent to act as a director).

This requirement supports corporate transparency, accountability, and local governance, ensuring that companies operating in Singapore maintain a level of local responsibility and regulatory alignment.

For foreign entrepreneurs and companies unfamiliar with the local landscape, appointing a local director can be challenging. This is where nominee director services, offered by corporate service providers (CSPs), play a vital role

A nominee director is a qualified individual appointed to satisfy the statutory local director requirement. While they may attend board meetings and sign corporate documents, they typically do not participate in day-to-day management unless formally authorised by the beneficial owners of the company.

It’s important to note that:

• Nominee directors are still legally accountable for the actions and compliance of the company.
• Their role is bound by fiduciary duties under the Companies Act.
• Clear agreements are typically established to limit their scope of decision-making.

The relationship between the company and the nominee director must be managed with care, and full transparency should be maintained at all times.

For business owners new to Singapore, CSPs serve as trusted partners in navigating regulatory obligations. A registered CSP will:

• Source a qualified local director from a trusted network
• Conduct necessary due diligence (in line with AML/CFT obligations)
• Facilitate the legal documentation for nominee arrangements
• Maintain confidentiality and regulatory compliance

*The Corporate Service Provider Act 2024 introduced a number of critical safeguards where all Nominee Directors must now be appointed exclusively through registered CSPs who are subject to AML/CFT protocols, fit-and-proper assessments, and oversight by ACRA.

In addition to appointing a local director, every Singapore company must have a corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. The corporate secretary is responsible for:

• Maintaining statutory records and registers
• Preparing and filing annual returns
• Advising directors on corporate governance and compliance

When nominee director and corporate secretarial services are provided by the same CSP, companies benefit from:

• Integrated compliance support
• Stronger coordination and oversight
• Efficient document handling and statutory filings

**The nominee director service is only available for clients that appoint us as their company’s secretary.

At Berru.co, we serve as your business concierge, providing comprehensive corporate services to help you succeed in Singapore. We offer nominee director services exclusively through our trusted and vetted network of experienced professionals who understand both regulatory expectations and business dynamics.

Why clients choose Berru.co:

• Registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP) under ACRA
• Experienced nominee directors who understand fiduciary obligations
• Integrated support across secretarial, accounting, and compliance services
• Commitment to client success with high-touch service and advisory

Whether you’re expanding into Singapore or setting up your first overseas venture, we ensure your business stays compliant, connected, and ready to grow.

**This article was created for education and promotional purposes for Node Asia Services Pte. Ltd. and should not be constituted as financial or legal advice, and should not be used to influence investment decisions. Kindly consult with a licensed professional before implementing any of the topics discussed in this article.