The short answer is yes. In 2026, Singapore remains one of the world’s most digital-friendly jurisdictions, allowing founders to manage their businesses from anywhere—be it London, New York, or a beach in Bali.
However, “running it remotely” does not mean the company is invisible to the law. To remain legal, your company must maintain a physical and regulatory “anchor” in Singapore. At Hallmark Corporate Services, we help remote founders bridge the gap between global mobility and local compliance.
1. The Statutory “Anchor” Requirements
Even if you never step foot in Singapore, your company must fulfill these four legal pillars under the Singapore Companies Act:
- The Resident Director: Every company must have at least one director who is “ordinarily resident” in Singapore (a Citizen, Permanent Resident, or specific Work Pass holder). For remote founders, this is usually solved through a Nominee Director service.
- The Registered Office Address: You must have a physical office address in Singapore (not a P.O. Box). This address must be accessible to the public for at least five hours during ordinary business hours. Most remote owners use a Virtual Office address for this purpose.
- The Company Secretary: You must appoint a resident Company Secretary within six months of incorporation to manage ACRA filings and statutory books.
- Digital Compliance: In 2026, all companies must maintain a Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) and file Annual Returns digitally via BizFile+.
2. Tax Residency: Where is Your “Mind and Management”?
There is a legal distinction between a “Singapore-registered company” and a “Singapore tax resident.”
- Tax Residency: For a company to be considered a Singapore tax resident (and thus eligible for tax treaties and startup exemptions), its “mind and management” must be exercised in Singapore.
- The Remote Risk: If all board meetings and strategic decisions happen outside Singapore, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) may classify the company as a non-resident. This could disqualify you from the Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE) and other local tax incentives.
3. Employment and Work Passes
- Working from Abroad: If you are a foreigner running your Singapore company from your home country, you do not need a Singapore work pass (like an Employment Pass).
- Hiring Remotely: You can hire remote employees globally. If those employees are not based in Singapore, you generally do not need to contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for them.
- Relocating Later: If you decide to move to Singapore to run your company in person, you must apply for an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass.
4. Banking in a Digital Age
In 2026, opening a corporate bank account remotely is easier than ever, thanks to digital-first banks and video-conferencing verification. However, traditional banks may still require at least one director to be physically present for an interview. Having a professional Nominee Director can often facilitate these local banking relationships.
Checklist for Remote Founders in 2026
| Requirement | Solution for Remote Owners |
| Local Presence | Appoint a Nominee Director. |
| Official Correspondence | Use a Virtual Office with mail-scanning services. |
| Legal Filings | Outsource to an ACRA-registered Corporate Service Provider. |
| Tax Optimization | Hold at least one Board Meeting in Singapore annually to support tax residency. |
Conclusion: Global Freedom, Local Compliance
Running a Singapore company remotely is a powerful way to leverage the city-state’s reputation and tax efficiency while maintaining your global lifestyle. The key is ensuring your “paperwork” reflects the same level of professionalism as your operations.
At Hallmark Corporate Services, we specialize in being the local anchor for global entrepreneurs. From nominee director services to digital bookkeeping and tax residency planning, we ensure your remote business stays on the right side of Singapore law.
Are you ready to incorporate your Singapore company from abroad? Would you like a 2026 guide on how to open a Singapore bank account without flying in?