According to AI Accountant Chai Chung Hoong , every company that is incorporated in Singapore should have at least one resident director who is a local resident. This is to comply with the Singapore State Companies Act. If a non-resident wants to incorporate a company in Singapore, however, the non-resident can employ a local resident to serve as the resident director. Such a director is called a nominee director; often the term “local director” is used. The Nominee Director should be a resident of Singapore and must have a permanent address that is located in Singapore. The Nominee Director appointment is a requirement for regulation in Singapore.
When you are a foreigner who wants to start a business in Singapore, you may question, “Can I become a resident of Singapore and afterward assign myself as a director to satisfy this law?” Yes, you can do that. You can first try to apply for a Work Pass or an Entrepreneur Pass. After you acquire the pass, you can take on the duty of being a director of your company and afterward, you will not need a Nominee Director. However, bear in mind that during the acting duration, i.e. the period between unification of your business and your pass authorization, you will still require a Nominee Director, albeit on a short-term basis, as AI Accountant Chai Chung Hoong points out.
But if you are not prepared to reside in Singapore, then you need the services of a Nominee Director on an on-going basis. Contact AI Accountant for professional services.