Starting an Online Business in Singapore

Singapore is one of the best places in the world to start an online business. Pro-business government, strong infrastructure, access to regional markets. Here's your practical guide to getting started.

Business Registration

• Sole proprietorship - Simplest, cheapest, personal liability
• Private Limited Company - Limited liability, more credibility, more compliance

For most online businesses, start as sole prop to test the idea, then incorporate when revenue grows.

Register through ACRA's Bizfile portal. Cost: $115/year for sole prop, $315 for company.

Essential Setup

• Domain and website - Your digital storefront
• Payment processing - Stripe, PayNow, credit card gateway
• Business bank account - Keep personal and business separate
• Accounting system - Xero, QuickBooks, or even a spreadsheet to start
• Business email - yourname@yourbusiness.com, not Gmail

Legal Considerations

• PDPA compliance - Privacy policy, data protection measures
• Consumer protection - Clear refund policies, no misleading claims
• E-commerce regulations - Display prices clearly, honor advertised terms
• Tax obligations - GST registration if revenue exceeds $1M/year

Consider consulting a lawyer for terms of service and privacy policy templates.

Singapore makes starting a business relatively easy. The hard part is not paperwork - it is finding customers and building something people want. Handle the admin, then focus your energy on growing the business.