What are the new Singapore director requirements in 2025?

From 2025, Singapore company directors must meet stricter residency and compliance checks. This includes identity verification, fit-and-proper assessments, and adherence to ACRA's updated corporate governance standards.

Who can qualify as a company director in Singapore?

To qualify as a company director in Singapore, you must be at least 18 years old, not disqualified by bankruptcy or conviction, and meet the new 2025 director eligibility requirements set by ACRA.

Why are Singapore company director requirements changing in 2025?

The changes in 2025 aim to strengthen corporate transparency and accountability. ACRA’s updated requirements ensure directors uphold good governance and prevent misuse of nominee directors.

How do businesses stay compliant with Singapore director rules?

Businesses should verify directors’ eligibility, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with ACRA’s ongoing reporting rules. Partnering with a corporate service provider can help ensure compliance.

Singapore Director Requirements 2025: Key Changes You Must Know

Singapore remains one of the most trusted global business hubs, and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) continues to refine its regulatory framework to promote transparency and good corporate governance.

While no major overhauls have been introduced to director eligibility rules in 2025, it’s important to understand the current Singapore company director requirements—especially if you’re a foreign investor, local entrepreneur, or Corporate Service Provider (CSP) facilitating company incorporation.

Current Director Requirements in Singapore (as of 2025)

Every company in Singapore is subject to clear and strict requirements for anyone intending to act as a director.

Key Requirements:

Minimum Age: Directors must be at least 18 years old and have full legal capacity.
Residency Requirement: Every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This includes:
- Singapore Citizens
- Singapore Permanent Residents
- Employment Pass or EntrePass holders (with a Letter of Consent to act as director)
Legal Standing: A director must not be an undischarged bankrupt and must not have been convicted of fraud or dishonesty-related offences, whether in Singapore or elsewhere.

These requirements ensure that company directors are responsible, available, and accountable under Singapore law.

Disqualifying Factors

ACRA outlines specific circumstances under which an individual is disqualified from serving as a company director:

Declared bankrupt, whether in Singapore or abroad
Convicted of offences involving fraud or dishonesty
Previously served as a director of a company that was wound up for non-compliance or misconduct
Disqualified by court order or ACRA due to repeated breaches of the Companies Act
Restricted or blacklisted under sanctions or regulatory enforcement

These rules are in place to maintain a robust corporate ecosystem and deter abuse of the company structure.

How It Impacts Business Registration

The Singapore company director requirements directly influence the speed and success of your business registration process.

Key Considerations:

Pre-Appointment Verification: CSPs must ensure that proposed directors meet all legal requirements before submission to ACRA.
Foreign Director Review: Foreigners acting as directors must demonstrate valid immigration status and provide proper documentation (e.g., passport copy, work pass).
Resident Director Compliance: Companies must maintain a resident director throughout their lifecycle to avoid penalties or deregistration.

Failing to appoint an eligible director or meet ongoing compliance standards can result in rejected applications, enforcement actions, or delays in incorporation.

What CSPs Must Do Now

Corporate Service Providers (CSPs) play a vital role in ensuring smooth and compliant company setups in Singapore. To keep pace with ACRA’s enforcement expectations, CSPs should:

Recommended Actions:

Educate Clients: Especially foreign entrepreneurs who may be unaware of Singapore’s unique director rules.
Update KYC Processes: Ensure that all director onboarding includes verification of eligibility, residency, and legal standing.
Monitor Director Changes: Assist clients in notifying ACRA promptly about any changes to directorships.
Maintain Records: Keep proper documentation of director due diligence to comply with inspections and audits.

CSPs who implement strong compliance frameworks will not only avoid penalties but also enhance their value to clients.

Final Thoughts

While Singapore’s director requirements in 2025 have not undergone major structural changes, the expectations around compliance, documentation, and accountability are higher than ever. Companies and CSPs must be diligent in ensuring that directors meet the statutory criteria from day one.

At Ei-Biz, we provide end-to-end support for:

Company incorporation
Director due diligence
Corporate secretarial services
Compliance with ACRA and regulatory obligations

We don’t just handle compliance—we help businesses operate confidently across regulated industries in Singapore. We offer end-to-end license planning and advisory for:

BCA Licensing – For the construction industry, including manpower quota planning and classification.
Precious Stones and Precious Metals Dealers (PSPM) Licensing – To meet AML/CFT obligations.
Massage Establishment License – Guidance on URA zoning, police approval, and operator requirements.
F&B Licensing – Including NEA food shop license, layout planning, and food hygiene compliance.
Liquor License – For retail or on-premise consumption.
HSA Licensing – For controlled drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics import/distribution.
Import License Applications – For goods requiring AVS, HSA, or SCDF approval.