Plain-English definitions of every Singapore corporate, tax, immigration, and VCC fund term you'll meet during incorporation, compliance, and growth. Updated for 2026.
Singapore's national regulator for businesses, public accountants, and corporate service providers.
Governance & FilingA yearly shareholders' meeting where the company's financial statements are presented for approval.
Governance & FilingAn ACRA filing that confirms a company's officers, shareholders, share capital, and registered address.
The natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company, even through layers of intermediaries.
Governance & FilingACRA's online filing portal for company incorporation, annual returns, and statutory filings.
A statutory officer appointed within 6 months of incorporation, responsible for the company's compliance filings.
Tax & GSTA flat 17% tax on chargeable income, with partial exemption schemes that reduce effective rates for SMEs.
An IRAS declaration of a company's estimated taxable income, due 3 months after the FYE.
Governance & FilingAny shareholders' meeting held outside the AGM cycle, called to decide on time-sensitive matters.
Immigration & Work PassesSingapore's main work visa for professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary threshold.
A private wealth management entity that manages the investments and affairs of one or more wealthy families.
Tax & GSTThe annual corporate income tax return filed with IRAS, due by 30 November of the following year.
Tax & GSTThe date a company's financial year closes - all tax and reporting deadlines run from this date.
A 3-year employer-agnostic pass for high-earning EP holders or overseas professionals.
Business StructureThe most common Singapore company type - a separate legal entity with limited liability for shareholders.
A mid-skilled work pass for technical staff, with quota and levy requirements on the employer.
Fund & VCCA Singapore tax incentive granting tax exemption to qualifying onshore funds managed by Singapore-based fund managers.
Fund & VCCAn enhanced Singapore fund tax incentive for larger institutional funds, with higher AUM thresholds and broader eligibility.
Business StructureThe total value of shares issued to shareholders - Singapore companies have no minimum capital requirement.
Business StructureAn unincorporated business owned by a single individual, with no separation between owner and business.
Governance & FilingA 5-digit code that identifies a company's primary business activity at ACRA.