All companies in Singapore must have at least one director who is locally resident in Singapore. Being the local director, he must be either a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, an EntrePass holder or an Employment Pass holder issued with such work pass in the company concerned and having a local residential address.
Nominee Director
A sole director cannot act as company secretary. Hence, it is still a requirement to have at least two company officers – a director and a company secretary. A nominee director has the same obligations and responsibilities as the regular director. The law makes no distinction between a director and a “nominee” director. Likewise, there is no distinction between an active and inactive director insofar as directors’ responsibilities are concerned.
Who can act as Company Director in Singapore
With effect from 1 March 2009, the legal minimum age of the director is 18 years, with the person concerned being physically and mentally fit to carry out the director’s duties. There is no age limit to be the director of a private company, public company or subsidiary of public company as the person’s ability to act as a director the company is not principally determined by his age.
Who cannot act as Company Director in Singapore
- convicted of certain criminal offences, involving fraud or dishonesty
- convicted for three or more for offences under the Companies Act within a period of five years
- is an undischarged bankrupt
- has disqualification order has been made against the person by a court
- has three or more High Court orders compelling compliance under the Companies Act within a period of five years
- the company being wound up for reasons of national security or interest
