Most foreign founders need a nominee director for a few months, not for years. Here is when you need one, what to ask about the fee, and how to end the arrangement.
Last checked: 9 October 2026A nominee director is a locally resident person who sits on your board so the company meets the legal requirement of one resident director. They are a director on paper and take no part in running the business.
Every Singapore company needs at least one director who is locally resident. That means a citizen, a Permanent Resident, or the holder of an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or ONE Pass.
| Your board | Nominee needed? |
|---|---|
| You are a citizen, PR, or hold an EP or ONE Pass | No |
| A co-founder is locally resident and willing to be director | No |
| You live abroad and will apply for an Employment Pass | Yes, until the pass is issued |
| You hold a Dependant's Pass | Possibly for a few weeks; ask your agency before you register |
| You will run the company from abroad for good | Yes, permanently |
Expect roughly S$150 to S$300 a month, often with a refundable deposit on top. Prices vary by agency, and this is an estimate; there is no official price. Incorporation packages for foreigners usually include a nominee for only a few months.
The headline price matters less than these three numbers:
Some providers sell the nominee service only together with their accounting package, and some ask for a refundable security deposit. Ask before you sign.
On paper, a nominee has the same powers and duties as any director. Both sides carry risk, which is why providers use a written nominee agreement.
Only if that foreigner is locally resident, for example on an Employment Pass. Otherwise a second, resident director is required.
No. A nominee shareholder holds shares for someone else. Most foreign founders hold their own shares and need only a nominee director, and only for a time.
Yes, if they are a citizen or PR, or hold a pass that allows it, and accept the legal duties of a director. Pass holders should check with MOM first.
This page gives you the first answers. The Founder Guide takes you through the whole first year in five steps, with checklists, templates to download and what I learned doing it myself.