Many startups in Singapore begin with lean teams and remote work arrangements. Some are solo founders who work from home, while others run distributed teams across cities and time zones. For these organisations, a virtual office in Singapore offers a practical, cost-effective option that provides the presence they need without renting physical office space.
Primarily, it gives a remote company a professional business address. However, virtual office providers have begun offering mail-forwarding services and coworking space access in addition to this.
Choosing a virtual office in Singapore can feel overwhelming. There are plenty of virtual office providers with vastly different rates, so choosing can feel like a make-or-break decision.
Before committing to any virtual address or virtual office package, it helps to understand the risks and the common pitfalls businesses face. This sets you up to choose the best value option that aligns with your business needs. This is why it helps to study each virtual office company carefully and learn what each one offers.
When it comes to business registration and compliance with government bodies, a provider must abide by ACRA regulations in order to provide the best service to their client. Otherwise, the service they would be rendering would be no different from if a founder were to register their home address.
Outlined below are red flags to avoid when selecting a virtual office.
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the national regulator of business entities, public accountants, and corporate service providers in Singapore. They oversee the entire process of registering businesses in Singapore.
A major reason businesses acquire a virtual office is to obtain a registered office address to list in their company registration. So, if a virtual office is not ACRA-compliant, the registering company’s ACRA registration is very likely to be rejected.
ACRA requires businesses to:
The idea is that the virtual office provider will be meeting these rules for their clients. As such, it’s imperative to partner with a virtual office in Singapore for companies looking to register in Singapore. They will receive government correspondence, such as ACRA notifications, IRAS letters, and MOM correspondence, on behalf of the subscribing client.
A provider that fails to meet these rules can affect your company registration. You may miss important documents because the provider cannot receive mail properly. So, it’s critical that the virtual office you’re partnering with is ACRA compliant.
ACRA allows company owners to register their home address as their business address, but there are limitations. Some businesses that aren’t allowed under the home office scheme include:
Just to name a few.
Because of this, startups forego the home office scheme and turn to virtual office services for greater freedom and flexibility. So, if companies wish to fully benefit from a virtual office, it must be in a commercial district, such as Paya Lebar Square.
Furthermore, Singapore locals will see a business district address as a badge of legitimacy and credibility. A random office in a residential building or neighbourhood, while compliant with the ACRA home office scheme, creates uncertainty. Clients may question your legitimacy, and business partners may feel unsure about working with you.
A virtual office in Singapore should offer a physical location that enhances your profile. Look for a virtual office based in a commercial area.
In addition to compliance, founders must also see to it that a virtual office is tailored to their needs at the moment. Some pitfalls that founders fall into when acquiring packages from virtual offices include:
Many virtual office packages promote additional services that sound impressive. However, acquiring higher-tier packages may result in companies paying for services they don’t actually use. For example, if a virtual office package includes coworking access, yet the startup only needs a virtual commercial address and mail forwarding, they may find themselves spending unnecessarily on the coworking space they didn’t get to use.
A good Singapore virtual office should allow you to customise your plan. Companies should be able to choose what they need and skip the rest.
Here at Parkway Suites, our most affordable choice is as low as 13 cents daily. It includes an office address at Paya Lebar Square, mail alerts via WhatsApp/Email, and mail forwarding (charges may apply). We’ve found that these are the bare necessities that most starting businesses need.
On the other hand, some virtual office offers are cheap because they include fewer services. You might see the cheapest virtual office packages and feel tempted because of their low cost.
We provide the bare necessities at an entry-level price. However, for companies needing more, they may find that these cheaper options are insufficient for their needs.
Other services that virtual offices provide include:
If the package availed does not meet the company’s needs, subscribers may need to upgrade their packages immediately. Here at Parkway Suites, we allow subscribers to change their packages on the fly. We also offer serviced physical offices for startups that need physical space for better collaboration.
Technically, a virtual office space is a physical space. However, it’s not a “physical space” in the sense of the word most people think it means. It doesn’t automatically mean the virtual office can be used as a working area or as a room to meet clients.
Because of this misconception, many businesses assume these offices are operational spaces they can use at any time and book whenever needed. This is not always the case.
For companies planning to host clients, partners, or team meetings, they must check with their virtual office provider to see if it’s possible. Also, confirm the cost: ask if a booking requires a minimum time block.
Here at Parkway Suites, our Premium Virtual Office Address Rental Plan at 49 cents per day includes 2 hours of monthly coworking space access with drinks. This is enough time to hold crucial meetings or discuss strategies with key partners. Subscribers may book for more time as needed.
Customer support is indicative of the kind of service subscribers can expect before they sign on. Companies can gauge the quality of service based on the first interaction with the virtual office provider. If a provider takes too long to respond to queries, expect the same enthusiasm when they render service for your company
A strong virtual office provider values professionalism. They treat your business as their own.
The right virtual office supports growth. Taking the time to assess your options and choosing the right one rewards you with a virtual office provider that:
Most importantly, the right provider becomes a long-term partner that can help your business scale.
If you want reliable virtual office services in Singapore, Parkway Suites offers the stability and cost-efficiency your business deserves. Parkway Suites provides a business address in a business district, giving your startup the repertoire and professionalism it deserves.
Our virtual office packages support both new and growing businesses, since founders can utilise services and rental plans as needed, not on a lengthy, committed contract. You get clear pricing, arrangements that let you scale, and services that let you operate efficiently.
Get in touch with Parkway Suites today to learn more about our virtual office plans and how we can support your business.
Yes, foreign-registered companies can use a virtual office address in Singapore as their registered business address, provided the provider is ACRA-compliant and meets the physical location requirements.
No. Virtual offices primarily provide a professional address and administrative support. Access to coworking spaces or private office spaces is usually limited and may require booking or additional fees.
Yes. Many providers allow flexible upgrades or switching virtual office plans without long-term contracts. This helps businesses scale as needed.
You can receive official government correspondence from ACRA, IRAS, MOM, as well as business mail, cheques, and parcels. Some providers offer Whatsapp and email alerts for instantaneous notifications.
Yes. A business address in a commercial area enhances professional presence and business credibility, which can positively impact relationships with banks, clients, and investors.
You may lose access to mail and services. Choosing a reputable provider like Parkway Suites reduces this risk and ensures continuity of service.
