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Why Use One IBC to Set Up Your
Company In Singapore?
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Our expert team provides step-by-step guidance to start and protect your new company in Singapore.
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What You Need to Know About Forming a Public Limited Company
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a business entity in Singapore that can offer its shares to the public and may be listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). It provides limited liability for shareholders, allows large-scale capital raising, and operates under stricter regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and investor protection.
Why Do You Need to Form a Public Limited Company?
Forming a PLC is ideal for businesses seeking substantial investment, public credibility, and long-term growth. It enhances your company’s visibility, builds trust with investors, and gives you access to broader funding opportunities through public share offerings—all while keeping shareholder liability limited.
What Challenges Come with Forming a Public Limited Company?
Starting a PLC involves a more complex setup process. You must comply with ACRA and SGX regulations, appoint multiple directors (with at least one resident in Singapore), maintain audited financial reports, and conduct annual general meetings. Ongoing disclosure obligations and corporate governance standards can feel overwhelming without professional support.
When Do You Need to Form a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company suits businesses that are scaling rapidly, planning to raise capital through public offerings, or aiming for a stock exchange listing. If you're targeting long-term growth, external investment, and broader market reach, forming a PLC ensures legal structure and investor confidence to support that vision.
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Public Limited Company
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Preparation
Request free company name search We check the eligibility of the name, and make a suggestion if necessary.
Filling
Register or login and fill in the company names and director/ shareholder(s). Fill in shipping, company address or special request (if any).
Payment
Choose your payment method (We accept payment by Credit/Debit Card, PayPal or Wire Transfer).
Delivery
Get soft copies of key documents (Certificate of Incorporation, etc.) to start your business. Use the company kit to open a bank account, or let us assist with banking.
3 Reasons for Forming a Public Limited Company
Raise Large-Scale Capital
By forming a Public Limited Company in Singapore, you can access funding from public investors through share offerings—ideal for businesses with ambitious growth plans and expansion strategies.
Build Credibility And Public Trust
A PLC operates under strict regulatory standards and public disclosures, enhancing your company's reputation and increasing trust among shareholders, partners, and customers.
Limit Personal Liability
Just like a private company, a PLC offers limited liability protection—your personal assets remain safeguarded, even as you scale your business and take on public investment.
Public Limited Company
vs. Exempt Private Limited Company: What's the Difference?
There are several key differences between a Public Limited Company (PLC) and an Exempt Private Limited Company (Exempt Pte. Ltd) in Singapore:
Public Limited Company
Ideal for Large-Scale Growth
A Public Limited Company is structured for businesses aiming to raise capital from the public or institutional investors. It can offer shares to the public and may list on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).
Higher Regulatory Oversight
Subject to strict reporting standards, PLCs must appoint at least three directors, hold Annual General Meetings, and file audited financial statements.
Unlimited Shareholders
There’s no cap on the number of shareholders, making it ideal for large businesses seeking broad investment.
Private Limited Company
Simplified Compliance
An Exempt Pte. Ltd is a private company with no more than 20 shareholders and no corporate shareholders. It enjoys simplified filing obligations and may be exempt from statutory audits.
Private Capital Structure
It cannot offer shares to the public. Capital is raised privately, often from founders, family, or selected investors.
Lower Operating Costs
With fewer reporting and regulatory burdens, Exempt Pte. Ltd companies are cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses in Singapore.
What You Should Know About Forming a Public Limited Company
To form a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Singapore, you must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and meet stricter compliance standards, including appointing at least three directors, preparing audited financial statements, and possibly filing a prospectus if planning to raise capital from the public. With our expertise, the complex process becomes manageable, we handle all legal and regulatory requirements to help launch your PLC with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Company Limited by Shares is a private limited company in which the liability of each shareholder is limited to the unpaid amount on their shares. It is the most common structure for businesses operating in Hong Kong.
Only one shareholder is required to incorporate a Company Limited by Shares. The shareholder can be an individual or a corporate entity, and there is no requirement for them to be a Hong Kong resident.
Yes. Every Company Limited by Shares in Hong Kong must appoint a Company Secretary. The secretary must be a Hong Kong resident or a licensed corporate service provider.