How to Register a Company in Singapore with a Virtual Office Address

Starting a company in Singapore comes with plenty of excitement and paperwork. One of the first details every business must handle is providing a registered office address. Many startups and small business owners now turn to virtual offices as a smart and flexible alternative to traditional physical office space. 

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to register your business with ACRA using a virtual office address, what the rules are, and how to choose the right virtual office provider for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Every Singapore-registered company must have a physical registered office address that is open to the public during normal office hours.
• A compliant virtual office provider can legally serve as your registered business address if it meets ACRA requirements.
• Choose a reputable provider that offers mail handling, ACRA support, and reliable service for long-term use.
• The best virtual offices in Singapore strike a balance between cost savings, flexibility, and professional credibility.

Why Virtual Offices Are Popular in Singapore

Virtual offices have revolutionised the way modern businesses operate in Singapore. Instead of renting costly physical office space, companies can use a professional business address without physically occupying it. This virtual office solution helps entrepreneurs stay flexible and compliant with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Under Singapore law, every company must have a registered office address within the country — a real, physical location (not a box address) where official mail from ACRA and other agencies can be received and accessed during regular business hours.

Here’s why many businesses prefer using a virtual office in Singapore:

• Meets ACRA’s legal requirements: The virtual office address can serve as your registered office address, as long as it’s a real, accessible location.
• Projects a professional image: Ideal for startups, freelancers, and foreign companies wanting to establish a presence in Singapore without leasing a full office space.
• Saves on overhead costs: Skip the rent, utilities, and maintenance of a physical office while enjoying key virtual office services like mail handling and call forwarding.
• Protects your privacy: Use an alternate address instead of your residential address to keep personal details confidential.
• Adds flexibility and scalability: Upgrade your virtual office package at any time to include meeting rooms, business lounges, or mail forwarding.

While the Home Office Scheme allows some business owners to use their residential address, a virtual office address offers greater professionalism, privacy, and convenience, making it the preferred choice for most companies in Singapore.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you register your virtual office address. 

Step 1: Choose a Virtual Office Provider That Meets ACRA’s Requirements

Before registering your business, make sure your chosen virtual office space in Singapore offers registered office address services that comply with ACRA.

ACRA requires that every company:

• Has a physical address in Singapore (not a P.O. Box).
• Is accessible to the public during normal business hours.
• Can receive and handle official correspondence from government agencies.

Most reputable virtual office providers include these requirements in their virtual office packages, along with mail handling, forwarding, and call answering services.

When evaluating providers, check for:

• Proof that they offer a registered business address service.
• A clear service agreement stating that the address can be used for ACRA registration.
• Mail management processes, or how they notify you of received documents.
• Business hours compliance. Their office must be open for at least three hours on weekdays.

Some providers also offer company incorporation services, making it even easier to register everything in one go.

Step 2: Secure Your Virtual Office Address and Documentation

Once you’ve chosen your provider, sign up for a virtual office plan. You’ll typically receive:

• A service agreement or confirmation letter stating your company name and address.
• Proof that the provider allows you to use the address as your registered office for ACRA purposes.

Keep these documents safe. You’ll need them when submitting your company registration through BizFile+, ACRA’s online filing portal.

Step 3: Register Your Business on ACRA’s BizFile+ Portal

Next, go to BizFile+, ACRA’s official website for company registration.

You’ll need to log in using SingPass (for locals and PRs) or engage a registered filing agent if you’re a foreigner setting up a business in Singapore.

Here’s what to do once you’re inside the system:

1. Reserve your company name: Make sure your desired business name is available.
2. Fill in company details: You’ll be asked to enter your registered office address (this is where you use your virtual office address).
3. Upload supporting documents: Include your service agreement or any documents provided by your virtual office provider if required.
4. Appoint company officers: You’ll need at least one director who is a Singapore resident (citizen, PR, or employment pass holder).
5. Submit and pay the registration fee. Fees range from SGD 115 to 315, depending on your business type.

Once ACRA approves your submission, you’ll receive an Incorporation Certificate via email, confirming that your business has been officially registered using your virtual office address in Singapore.

Step 4: Set Up Mail Handling and Forwarding

After registration, ensure all your official mail and ACRA correspondence are properly received and forwarded. Your virtual office provider should offer mail handling options such as:

• Physical pickup
• Mail scanning and email forwarding
• Courier delivery to your home or overseas address

Government letters from ACRA, IRAS, MOM, and Enterprise Singapore will be sent to your registered office, so it’s important to keep your forwarding preferences up-to-date.

A reliable provider ensures that your business in Singapore remains compliant, even if you’re based abroad or working remotely.

Step 5: Update ACRA if You Change Your Address

If you ever switch providers or move your registered address, ACRA requires you to update your company details within 14 days. You can do this easily through the BizFile+ portal.

Failing to do so can result in penalties or administrative delays; therefore, it’s crucial to keep your registered office address up to date.

Your virtual office provider may even help file this change on your behalf if they offer compliance support services.

Step 6: Optional – Apply for a Business Profile or UEN

After registering, you can download your Business Profile and Unique Entity Number (UEN) from BizFile+. This serves as your company’s official identification and proof of registration, which you’ll need when opening bank accounts, applying for grants, or signing contracts.

You can also update this profile at any time if your virtual office address changes.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Office in Singapore

With numerous virtual office options available, how do you select the ideal virtual office for your specific needs?

Begin by verifying if the virtual office in Singapore offers services tailored to your specific business type. For example, tech startups might need flexible meeting spaces, while consultants prefer central office addresses to impress clients.

Always ask if the virtual office provider is authorised to act as your registered office and if the address cannot be a box address. Remember, every company incorporated in Singapore must maintain an official address that is accessible to the public during normal office hours.

Finally, ensure that your virtual office space provider offers clear pricing, customer support, and the ability to upgrade as your company grows. Many virtual office providers offer trial packages or short-term plans. Take advantage of these to test their responsiveness.

Best Virtual Offices in Singapore: What to Expect

The best virtual offices in Singapore typically offer comprehensive services that extend beyond basic mail handling. A good virtual office address offers value through flexibility, accessibility, and credibility.

Look for virtual office providers that offer mail forwarding, document scanning, call answering, and optional meeting room access. Some also include business incorporation support or accounting add-ons, which is ideal for small companies seeking an all-in-one service in Singapore.

A premium virtual office address often comes with a prestigious office location, such as Paya Lebar, Marina Bay, Raffles Place, or Orchard Road. These addresses elevate your professional image and help you establish a presence in Singapore that impresses clients locally and internationally.

Using a Virtual Office Address for Different Business Types

If you’re running a startup, consultancy, or offshore company in Singapore, you can use a virtual office to simplify compliance. You just need to make sure the address service complies with ACRA’s requirements, and the address must be a physical location.

For sole proprietors, you may use your residential address as the business location under the Home Office Scheme; however, this can raise privacy concerns. In contrast, a virtual office address lets you keep your home address private while maintaining a professional business address that clients trust.

For companies expanding into Singapore, using a virtual office allows you to act as your registered office and start operations quickly without the need to purchase physical office space.

Common Mistakes When Setting Up a Virtual Registered Office Address

Setting up a virtual registered office address is easy, but many business owners overlook key compliance details. Here are the most common mistakes:

• Using a box address is not permitted by ACRA.
• Choosing a provider that isn’t open during business hours. The address must be accessible to the public.
• Forgetting to update your registered office address when you move to a new provider.
• Selecting a provider outside Singapore. Your registered office address within the country must be a local address.

Avoid these pitfalls by ensuring your virtual office provider meets ACRA’s requirements, communicates clearly, and offers responsive support.

Virtual Office Spaces Are the Future of Work in Singapore

As remote and hybrid work rise, virtual offices have become the go-to solution for entrepreneurs and SMEs. With a Singapore business address, you can work from anywhere, manage mail digitally, and stay fully compliant without long-term commitments. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to maintain a professional presence.

Find Your Ideal Virtual Office Space at Parkway Suites

Enjoy the flexibility of a professional business address in Singapore without the high costs. Parkway Suites offers affordable, fully compliant virtual office plans that include mail handling, ACRA support, and flexible upgrade options.

Reach us today! 

Email: admin@parkwaysuites.com.sg

Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 8166 5882