The practical takeaway
A nominee arrangement does not replace genuine governance or make a director responsibility-free.
01 / Begin with the local-resident requirement
ACRA requires a company to have at least one ordinarily resident director. A founder outside Singapore may look at a qualified local resident director as part of incorporation, but eligibility and the person’s ability to carry out director duties must be evaluated.
02 / Understand what a director can and cannot delegate
A director remains responsible for statutory duties and should understand the business and its decisions. Service agreements may set operational boundaries or approval processes but cannot waive legal responsibilities. Avoid arrangements that promise a completely passive director.
03 / Prepare the register disclosures
Unless exempt, companies maintain Registers of Nominee Directors and Nominee Shareholders and file information in ACRA’s central registers. The central filing requirement has applied since 16 June 2025. The details of a nominee and nominator are governed by specific disclosure rules.
04 / Compare cost as a service, not a statutory price
There is no single government price for a private nominee director service. Providers may quote annual fees, security deposits, indemnities and extra charges for board approvals or banking assistance. Ask exactly what is included, refundable and subject to termination.
05 / Reduce founder and director risk
Insist on transparent beneficial ownership, clear information rights, timely accounting and a plan for replacing directors. Review service contracts with Singapore counsel. A director should never be left without visibility into transactions or financial statements.
Questions founders ask
Is a nominee director just a name on paper?
No. Legal responsibilities of a company director continue to apply.
Is the nominee register public?
ACRA maintains central information that is not fully public; specific nominee disclosures may be publicly available.
What should a service quote include?
Annual fee, deposit, scope, approvals, termination, banking support and indemnity terms.
Primary sources
Regulatory rules change. Check the linked official guidance for your circumstances and the current filing period.
Editorial note: This independently prepared overview is educational and is not a substitute for regulated professional advice. No personal founder experience or service relationship is claimed.