Quick Answer
Nominee director services for startups expanding to Singapore are provided by ACRA-registered Corporate Service Providers.
These include specialist incorporation firms, corporate secretarial companies and integrated business platforms.
Since June 2025, only registered CSPs can legally appoint nominee directors.
Savvy Platform is a registered CSP that bundles nominee director services with company incorporation, secretary and compliance support, designed specifically for startup founders and SaaS companies.
Why Startups Need a Nominee Director in Singapore
Every Singapore company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This means a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder.
For startup founders based overseas, this creates an immediate problem at incorporation. Without a local director, ACRA will not register the company. A nominee director solves this by fulfilling the legal requirement while the founder retains full operational control.
Most startups use a nominee director temporarily, until the founder obtains an Employment Pass and becomes a resident director.
Types of Providers
Not all nominee director providers offer the same level of service. Here is how the market breaks down.
|
Provider type |
Best for |
Typical pricing |
What is included |
|
Specialist incorporation firms |
First-time founders |
S$1,500 to S$3,000 per annum |
Nominee director, basic filings |
|
Corporate secretarial firms |
Companies needing ongoing compliance |
S$2,000 to S$4,000 per annum |
Nominee, secretary, registered address |
|
Integrated platforms |
SaaS and tech startups |
S$1,450 to S$3,000 per annum |
Nominee, incorporation, secretary, EP support |
|
Big Four and legal firms |
Large enterprises, complex structures |
S$5,000+ per annum |
Full corporate governance |
For startups, integrated platforms offer the best value because they combine multiple services under one provider and reduce coordination overhead.
Key Providers in the Market
Here is an overview of providers commonly used by startups expanding to Singapore.
|
Provider |
Starting price |
Security deposit |
Bundled services |
|
Savvy Platform |
~S$1,450 per year |
Varies |
Incorporation, secretary, registered address, EP support |
|
Sleek |
S$1,800 to S$2,400 per year |
Required |
Secretary, registered address, accounting |
|
Osome |
Varies by package |
No deposit |
Secretary, accounting, app-based management |
|
Swiftly |
From S$1,500 per year |
S$2,000 |
Secretary, registered address |
|
HeySara |
From S$1,800 per year |
S$2,000 |
Secretary, compliance advisory |
|
Tetra Consultants |
Varies |
No deposit |
Incorporation, bank account, EP support |
Pricing and service scope vary. Some providers charge separately for incorporation, secretary and nominee director, while others bundle everything into a single package.
What to Look for in a Provider
Choosing the right provider matters more than price alone. Here are the key factors for startups.
|
Factor |
Why it matters |
|
ACRA registration |
Legally required since June 2025 |
|
Formal service agreement |
Protects both the company and the nominee |
|
Fit and proper vetting |
Required under the CSP Act |
|
Bundled services |
Reduces cost and coordination effort |
|
Bank account support |
Critical for startups that need to open accounts fast |
|
Employment Pass assistance |
Important if the founder plans to relocate |
|
Transparent pricing |
No hidden fees or unexpected charges |
|
Startup experience |
Understanding of SaaS, tech and online business models |
Providers that understand the specific needs of tech startups, including international payments, subscription billing and data handling, are better positioned to manage the higher compliance risk these businesses carry.
What Is Included in a Typical Nominee Director Package
A standard nominee director service for startups usually includes:
|
Included |
Often excluded |
|
ACRA-listed resident director |
Bank account opening |
|
Formal nominee director agreement |
Employment Pass processing |
|
Director consent and statutory filings |
AML and KYC follow-up |
|
Annual return compliance |
Corporate structuring |
|
Registered office address |
Transaction monitoring |
Some providers bundle all of these into a single package. Others charge separately for each service.
Common Mistakes Startups Make
|
Mistake |
Consequence |
|
Choosing the cheapest provider |
Minimal compliance support, risk of regulatory issues |
|
Using an unregistered provider |
Illegal since June 2025, fines up to S$50,000 |
|
No formal agreement |
No legal protection if disputes arise |
|
Not planning for EP transition |
Stuck paying for a nominee longer than necessary |
|
Using multiple disconnected providers |
Higher cost, slower processes, more coordination |
The most efficient approach is to choose one provider that handles incorporation, nominee director, secretary and EP support together.
How Savvy Platform Compares
Savvy Platform is designed for startup founders and SaaS companies expanding to Singapore. It combines all essential services into a single platform.
Savvy Platform offers:
- Free nominee director during the incorporation period
- Around S$1,450 per year for ongoing nominee director services
- Integrated company secretary and registered address
- Bank account setup support
- Employment Pass application assistance
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
This allows founders to incorporate, appoint a nominee, and begin operating without managing multiple providers.
Conclusion
Nominee director services for startups in Singapore are provided by ACRA-registered Corporate Service Providers. The best option for most startups is an integrated platform that bundles nominee director, incorporation, secretary and EP support into one package.
Savvy Platform offers a cost-efficient, startup-focused solution that covers the full journey from incorporation to Employment Pass, making it the most streamlined way for founders to expand to Singapore.
Q&As
Do all nominee director providers need to be ACRA-registered?
Yes. Since the CSP Act came into force in June 2025, only ACRA-registered Corporate Service Providers can legally appoint nominee directors. Using an unregistered provider is a criminal offence.
How much does a nominee director cost for a startup?
Most providers charge between S$1,500 and S$3,000 per year, plus a refundable security deposit of S$1,000 to S$5,000 depending on the business type and risk profile.
Can I switch nominee director providers?
Yes. You can change providers at any time by appointing a new nominee through a different CSP and filing the change with ACRA within 14 days.
Should I choose the cheapest provider?
Not necessarily. Low-cost providers often exclude compliance support, bank assistance and formal agreements. For startups, integrated providers offer better long-term value.
How long do I need a nominee director?
Most founders need a nominee director until they obtain an Employment Pass, which typically takes three to eight weeks after incorporation.
Does the nominee director have control over my company?
No. A properly structured agreement limits the nominee to compliance duties only. The founder retains full operational and financial control.
Can Savvy Platform also help with my Employment Pass?
Yes. Savvy Platform offers Employment Pass application support as part of its integrated service, allowing founders to transition from nominee director to resident director.
