Yes. Section 145 of the Singapore Companies Act requires every Singapore-incorporated company to have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore — meaning a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or EntrePass holder physically based in the country.
Non-compliance with ACRA's resident director requirement constitutes a breach of the Companies Act. ACRA can issue penalties against the company and its officers. In cases of persistent non-compliance, ACRA has the authority to strike the company off the register.
Yes. Foreign nationals can be appointed as directors of Singapore companies. However, they cannot serve as the company's sole director if they are not ordinarily resident in Singapore. At least one director must satisfy the ordinary residency requirement. Foreign directors may serve alongside a Singapore-resident independent director.
For a dormant company with no transactions or regulatory complexity, the governance risks are lower. For any operating company, any entity with intercompany transactions or management fees, or any company whose beneficial owners are subject to CFC or substance rules in their home jurisdiction, a nominee director arrangement is increasingly inadequate and potentially a material liability. We recommend a governance review to assess your current position.
Singapore Directorships
Substance First, Compliance Always.