Private Company Limited by Shares
The most common Singapore company type - a separate legal entity with limited liability for shareholders.
A Private Company Limited by Shares (Pte Ltd) is the standard Singapore corporate structure. It is a separate legal entity from its shareholders, can own assets, sue and be sued, enter contracts in its own name, and shields shareholders from personal liability beyond their capital contribution. A Pte Ltd can have 1 to 50 shareholders, must have at least 1 director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, and must appoint a corporate secretary within 6 months of incorporation. Most startups, family offices, and trading businesses incorporate as Pte Ltd.
A foreign founder incorporating in Singapore typically forms a Pte Ltd, appoints a Singapore-resident nominee director, and holds 100% of the shares. The company can open a corporate bank account, hire employees, and operate as a separate legal person.