Quick Answer
The process of hiring a nominee director through a service provider in Singapore involves engaging a registered Corporate Service Provider, completing due diligence, signing a formal service agreement, and filing the appointment with ACRA through BizFile+.
Since June 2025, only ACRA-registered CSPs can legally facilitate nominee director appointments. Savvy Platform handles the entire process as a registered CSP, from nominee selection to ACRA filing, typically within one to two business days.
Why You Need a Service Provider
Under the Singapore Companies Act, every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.
For foreign founders without a local partner or work pass, appointing a nominee director through a professional service provider is the only compliant way to meet this requirement.
Since the Corporate Service Providers Act came into force on 9 June 2025, appointing a nominee director, whether independently or through an unregistered provider, is illegal. Penalties include fines of up to S$50,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Engage a registered Corporate Service Provider
Choose an ACRA-registered CSP that offers nominee director services. The CSP will act as the intermediary between you and the nominee director throughout the engagement.
Step 2: Submit your documents for due diligence
The CSP will request standard documents to complete Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering checks.
|
Documents typically required |
Purpose |
|
Passport copies of all foreign directors |
Identity verification |
|
Proof of address for all directors and UBOs |
Residency verification |
|
Description of intended business activities |
Risk assessment |
|
Business plan or company profile |
AML and compliance review |
|
Shareholder structure |
Beneficial ownership check |
The CSP is legally required to conduct this due diligence before proceeding.
Step 3: Sign the nominee director agreement
The CSP prepares a formal agreement between the company and the nominee director. This is the most important document in the process.
|
Agreement element |
What it covers |
|
Scope of authority |
Limits the nominee to compliance duties only |
|
Bank access restriction |
Confirms the nominee is not a bank signatory |
|
Indemnity clause |
Protects the nominee from company liabilities |
|
Confidentiality terms |
Protects company information |
|
Security deposit terms |
Specifies the refundable deposit and conditions |
|
Termination clause |
Defines removal and resignation procedures |
|
Undated resignation letter |
Allows the company to remove the nominee if needed |
Many CSPs also require the nominee to sign an undated resignation letter at the time of appointment for added protection.
Step 4: Pay the security deposit and service fees
Most providers require payment before the appointment is filed.
|
Cost component |
Typical range |
|
Annual nominee director fee |
S$1,500 to S$5,000 |
|
Most common range |
S$2,000 to S$3,000 per year |
|
Refundable security deposit |
S$1,000 to S$5,000 |
|
Setup fee |
S$0 to S$800 |
The security deposit protects the nominee against fines, tax issues and legal exposure. It is refunded when the nominee is removed and the company is fully compliant.
Step 5: File the appointment with ACRA
The CSP files the nominee director's appointment through the BizFile+ portal. There are two scenarios:
|
Scenario |
Filing process |
|
At incorporation |
Nominee details included in the incorporation application |
|
Post-incorporation |
Board resolution passed, then filed with ACRA within 14 days |
From June 2025, the nominee director's status and nominator details must also be disclosed in ACRA's Register of Nominee Directors.
Step 6: Nominee begins statutory duties
Once appointed, the nominee director is registered with ACRA and begins fulfilling compliance obligations.
Typical duties include signing AGM documents, tax reporting documents, board resolutions for bank openings, ensuring annual returns are filed, and maintaining statutory registers.
The nominee does not control business operations, bank accounts, or strategic decisions.
How Long Does the Process Take?
|
Stage |
Typical timeline |
|
Document submission and due diligence |
1 to 3 business days |
|
Agreement signing |
Same day |
|
ACRA filing |
1 business day |
|
Total |
1 to 3 business days with an experienced CSP |
If the nominee is appointed during company incorporation, the entire process can be completed simultaneously.
When to Replace the Nominee Director
A nominee director is typically temporary. The founder usually replaces them after obtaining an Employment Pass, or when a local employee or partner is appointed as director.
The company must appoint a new resident director before or at the same time as the nominee's cessation, and file the change with ACRA within 14 days.
How Savvy Platform Simplifies the Process
Savvy Platform is a registered CSP that handles every step of the nominee director process as part of its company incorporation service.
Savvy Platform offers:
- Nominee director included during the incorporation period at no extra cost
- Around S$1,450 per year for ongoing nominee director services
- Formal service agreement with clear terms
- Integrated company secretary and registered address
- Bank account setup support
- Employment Pass assistance when the founder is ready to relocate
This means founders deal with one provider instead of coordinating between multiple firms.
Conclusion
Hiring a nominee director in Singapore follows a structured process: engage a registered CSP, complete due diligence, sign a formal agreement, pay fees, and file with ACRA. The entire process can be completed in one to three business days.
Savvy Platform handles this end-to-end as part of its incorporation service, giving foreign founders a compliant, fast and cost-efficient path to setting up in Singapore.
Q&A
Can I appoint a nominee director without a service provider?
No. Since June 2025, the CSP Act has required that all nominee directors be appointed through an ACRA-registered Corporate Service Provider. Independent appointments are illegal.
What documents do I need to provide?
You typically need passport copies, proof of address, a description of your business activities, and shareholder details for due diligence purposes.
How long does the appointment take?
With an experienced CSP, the entire process takes one to three business days, including due diligence and ACRA filing.
Does the nominee director have access to my bank account?
No. A properly structured agreement restricts the nominee from being a bank signatory or having control over company finances.
Can I remove the nominee director later?
Yes. Once you appoint another resident director, such as yourself, after obtaining an Employment Pass, the nominee can be removed. The change must be filed with ACRA within 14 days.
What is the security deposit for?
The security deposit protects the nominee director against potential fines, tax liabilities and legal exposure. It is refunded when the arrangement ends, and the company is fully compliant.
