A nominee director helps your company meet the law that requires a local director. They do not manage or control the company.
Every company in Singapore must include one person who stays in the country as a director. If no one on your team lives in Singapore, you must choose a nominee director. Picking this person requires more than checking a list. You must follow strict rules, move carefully, and respect the law. The nominee director helps your company stay active and correctly listed in Singapore.
This guide shows you what a nominee director does, how to choose one properly, and how to follow the law without mistakes.
Understanding the Role of a Nominee Director
A nominee director carries out a clear and specific job. This person does not run the business or guide daily work. Instead, they stay on your company board to follow the rule that one director must live in Singapore.
Look at what a nominee director must do:
- Track that your company obeys legal rules
- Approve filings and reports before they reach the government.
- Review your company records and ensure they stay updated.
- Sign documents that need a formal agreement.
They do not lead projects, handle your company’s money, or control business plans. Their job is focused. Still, they remain legally responsible for what your company does. If your company breaks the law, the nominee director in Singapore may face trouble.
So you must choose someone honest, skilled, and dependable.
Who Needs a Nominee Director in Singapore
You must assign a nominee director if:
- You form a new company and have no directors living in Singapore
- Indeed, you plan to live in Singapore later, but you don’t have your work pass yet.
- Your company is managed from another country.
The nominee director in Singapore keeps your business inside the rules. If you later qualify as a local director, you may ask the nominee to step away.
Many businesses still keep their nominee director later on, to help stay steady with filings and reports.
Requirements to Qualify as a Nominee Director
Before someone becomes your nominee director, they must follow these rules:
- They must be at least 18 years old
- They must live in Singapore (as a citizen, PR, or work pass holder)
- Therefore, they must not owe money in bankruptcy.
- They must not have broken laws involving trust or business.
Singapore’s rules about directors are clear and strict. If your nominee doesn’t follow these steps, your company can’t get approved. A Nominee Director Service ensures the person you choose fits every rule the first time.
Steps to Appoint a Nominee Director the Right Way
You must handle each part with care when choosing your nominee director. If you skip steps or ignore details, your company could face big trouble. Use this path to appoint your nominee director correctly:
- Create a Nominee Director Service Agreement
This agreement explains what your nominee can and cannot do. It includes:
- The legal work they must perform
- Rules that protect your business details
- Terms that guide when and how the service stops
- Wording that shields the nominee from legal blame when acting in good faith
- File the Appointment with ACRA
You must tell the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) who your nominee director is. You must send:
- A board resolution signed by other directors
- A form where the nominee agrees to serve
- Details like their name, ID number, and home address
ACRA stores this in public records. If anything is missing or incorrect, the government will reject it.
- Maintain Proper Registers
After your nominee steps into their role, you must keep a Register of Nominee Directors at your office. You must:
- Record every detail correctly
- Update the register within seven days after changes.
- Keep it ready for officers to check
Missing this step can cost your company money and lead to fines.
Why Choose a Professional Nominee Director Service
If you try to do this by yourself, you may get stuck or confused. That’s why many business owners select a Nominee Director Service. The team connects you with someone skilled, legal, and trustworthy. We handle:
- All the paperwork for ACRA
- Writing the Nominee Director Singapore Service Agreement
- Keeping company records up to date.
- Managing changes if you need to switch directors later
A Nominee Director for Companies must stay clear, legal, and on time. The service ensures each part stays controlled and safe.
How to Replace or Remove a Nominee Director
If you want to change your nominee director later, you must handle it without gaps. According to the law, you must never let your company stay without a resident director.
Do these steps:
- Pick someone new who lives in Singapore
- Get your directors to approve the change.
- Tell ACRA about the update.
- Add the change to your company records.
If you move to Singapore and obtain your work pass, this will allow you to replace the nominee with yourself. That way, everything stays correct.
Risks of Appointing the Wrong Person
Choosing the wrong nominee director for companies may cause deep harm:
- You could lose control of your business
- You might miss filings or dates.
- The owner may face legal action.
- You might open the door to fraud.
If you skip the Nominee Director Service Agreement, you don’t protect your nominee or your business. Always follow a clear path, use legal support, and avoid rushing. Make smart choices from the start.
What Sets a Nominee Director Service Apart
If you work with a reliable service provider, your company stays ready and secure. They make sure:
- The nominee follows every rule and passes a background check
- The Nominee Director service Agreement shows all tasks clearly.
- The filings with ACRA happen quickly.
- Your company records stay current all year.
When you choose a trustworthy Nominee Director Singapore Service, you protect your business and meet Singapore’s legal standards with confidence.
Conclusion
Every company in Singapore must have a local director to stay legal. Appointing a nominee director takes more than just a name on paper. It demands care, trust, and strong records. A Nominee Director Singapore Service gives you safe support, clear agreements, and full control. Whether you start fresh or grow your company, these service providers help you meet rules without confusion.
FAQs
2. Is the nominee director legally responsible?
Yes. Even with limited tasks, they must still follow the law and carry legal responsibility.
3. Can I replace the nominee if I get a work pass?
Yes. Once you have a pass and a local address, you may replace the nominee with yourself.
4. What happens if I don't appoint a resident director?
You can’t form or run your company in Singapore without at least one local director.
5. Why do I need a Nominee Director Service Agreement?
It shows what the nominee can do, protects both sides, and keeps your company legal and secure.



