ACRAAccounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority
Singapore's registrar of companies. Incorporation, annual returns and director changes are all filed with ACRA.
GuidesGlossary
GLOSSARY
Singapore company and pass glossary
Setting up a company and applying for passes in Singapore involves a lot of acronyms. These are grouped by authority, pass, tax and compliance, and each entry gives the operative test rather than a literal translation.
UENUnique Entity Number
A company's unique identifier in Singapore, issued by ACRA on incorporation and used for tax, banking and all government dealings.
MOMMinistry of Manpower
The authority for all work passes (EP, S Pass, Work Permit) and employment regulation.
IRASInland Revenue Authority of Singapore
The authority for corporate income tax, personal income tax and GST.
ICAImmigration & Checkpoints Authority
The authority for permanent residence, long-term residency and immigration matters.
EPEmployment Pass
The main work pass for foreign professionals, applied for by the company as employer. In 2026 the qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services) for applicants aged 23 and below, rising with age to S$10,700 (S$11,800) at 45 and above, and COMPASS must reach 40 points. From 1 January 2027 new applications rise to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services), and S$11,500 (S$12,700) at 45 and above; renewals follow for passes expiring from 1 January 2028. (Source: MOM, verified 2026-09)
COMPASSComplementarity Assessment Framework
The EP points system. Six criteria — salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment, plus two bonuses — must total 40 points. Candidates earning at least S$22,500 fixed monthly salary are exempt.
S PassMid-skilled work pass
A work pass for mid-skilled roles, with thresholds and quota rules distinct from the EP.
EntrePassEntrepreneur Pass
For founders meeting venture, innovation or investment criteria, assessed differently from the EP.
ONE PassOverseas Networks & Expertise Pass
For high earners or those with outstanding achievement; permits working for multiple companies concurrently.
DPDependant's Pass
A dependent status that EP or S Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 can obtain for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children), tied to the main pass. (Source: MOM, verified 2026-09)
PRPermanent Resident
Long-term residency. EP and S Pass holders may apply, but must file personally via their own Singpass with ICA; ICA generally processes complete applications within 6 months, though some cases take longer. (Source: ICA, verified 2026-09)
REPRe-Entry Permit
The permit a PR needs to travel out of Singapore and return as a PR. A PR who departs without a valid REP must apply within 180 days of departure or lose PR status under the Immigration Act 1959 — and filing within the window does not help if the application is refused.
NSNational Service
Under the Enlistment Act 1970, military service required of male citizens and permanent residents unless exempted.
SingpassSingapore digital identity
The single sign-on for government online services. A PR application must be submitted by the applicant using their own Singpass.
CSPCorporate Service Provider
A company-services provider that must register with ACRA and is subject to AML/CFT obligations. Under the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024, from 9 June 2025 anyone acting as a nominee director by way of business must be arranged through a registered CSP, which must assess them as fit and proper. (Source: ACRA, verified 2026-09)
Resident DirectorOrdinarily resident director
Section 145 of the Companies Act requires at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore — a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or an EP (with an MOM Letter of Consent), PEP or ONE Pass holder (whether EntrePass qualifies is stated inconsistently across ACRA pages — check ACRA’s latest guidance); S Pass and Work Permit holders generally do not qualify. (Source: ACRA, verified 2026-09)
Company SecretaryStatutory officer
Mandatory. Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation and be a Singapore resident.
Registered AddressStatutory address
Mandatory. Must be a real address capable of receiving mail; a P.O. box does not qualify.
ECIEstimated Chargeable Income
Filed with IRAS within 3 months of the financial year end. The waiver applies only when annual revenue is S$5m or below and ECI is nil.
SUTEStart-up Tax Exemption
For qualifying new companies across the first three Years of Assessment: 75% off the first S$100,000 of chargeable income and 50% off the next S$100,000, up to S$125,000 exempt per year.
PTEPartial Tax Exemption
Applies from the fourth Year of Assessment: 75% off the first S$10,000 and 50% off the next S$190,000, up to S$102,500 exempt per year.
CITCorporate Income Tax
Singapore applies a flat 17% rate to local and foreign companies alike. The effective burden is far lower once exemptions apply.
GSTGoods and Services Tax
Currently 9%. Registration is compulsory on either test: retrospective — taxable turnover for a calendar year exceeds S$1 million; or prospective — taxable turnover is reasonably expected to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months. (Source: IRAS, verified 2026-09)
AGMAnnual General Meeting
The statutory annual meeting. A private company that sends its financial statements to members within 5 months after the financial year end is exempt from holding an AGM (members or the auditor can still require one). (Source: ACRA, verified 2026-09)
Annual ReturnACRA annual return
The yearly statutory filing confirming company particulars with ACRA — separate from the IRAS tax return.
Audit exemptionSmall company
A private company is exempt from statutory audit if, in the immediate past two consecutive financial years, it met any two of: revenue of S$10m or less, total assets of S$10m or less, 50 employees or fewer.
HDBHousing & Development Board
Renting a whole HDB flat requires the tenant to hold a valid pass plus HDB approval, with a minimum term generally of 6 months. Private property may be rented on any pass type, minimum generally 3 months.