Services

Company incorporation in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the UAE

We handle name reservation, constitution and filing end to end in every jurisdiction we operate in, then keep the entity in good standing from day one, including nominee and resident directors where the law requires one.

Typical timelineSingapore 1-3 days after name approval; Hong Kong 3-5 days; Malaysia 1-2 weeks; UAE 2-4 weeks depending on mainland or free zone
Local director requiredYes in Singapore and Malaysia; not required in Hong Kong; required for UAE mainland, not for most free zones
100% foreign ownershipAllowed in all four jurisdictions for most activities, subject to sector restrictions
Registered office requiredYes, in all four jurisdictions

What’s included

  • Name reservation, constitution and incorporation filing
  • Nominee and resident director services where the law requires one
  • Registered office and correspondence address
  • Share structure design, including multiple classes and founder vesting
  • Branch and representative office registration for existing foreign companies

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a local director to incorporate in Singapore?

Yes. Singapore requires at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore — a citizen, permanent resident, or Employment Pass holder with a local address. We provide nominee resident director services for founders who don’t yet have one.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Hong Kong company?

Yes. Hong Kong places no restriction on foreign ownership and does not require a local director, which is one reason it’s a common choice for holding companies and trading entities.

What’s the difference between mainland and free zone incorporation in the UAE?

A free zone company is typically 100% foreign-owned with simpler setup but is restricted from trading directly in the UAE mainland market without a distributor or additional licensing. A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally but has more involved setup and compliance.

How long does company incorporation take in Malaysia?

Once the name is approved with SSM, incorporation of a Sdn Bhd typically takes one to two weeks, depending on document readiness and whether the shareholders are corporate entities requiring further verification.

Talk to us about company incorporation