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How to Set Up an SPV in Singapore (2026 Guide for Foreign Investors)

  • Writer: Matthew Ivo
    Matthew Ivo
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read
Singapore skyline at sunset with Marina Bay Sands, Merlion statue, and the Singapore Flyer. Vibrant sky and reflections on water.

What is a Singapore SPV and why use one?

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a company or legal entity created for a narrow, defined purpose. Typical uses:

  • Asset holding

  • Securitisation vehicles

  • Fund structuring and private equity vehicles

  • Project financing and infrastructure SPVs

  • Corporate restructuring and intra-group financing

Advantages for foreign investors

  • Regulatory oversight: ACRA and MAS provide strong governance.

  • Tax incentives: Fund-related exemptions and favourable withholding tax treatment.

  • Legal certainty: Singapore follows English common law.

  • Regional access: Gateway to ASEAN and global markets.

  • Flexible structures: Private Limited Companies, VCC sub-funds, or trusts.

Growth of SPVs in Singapore and key sectors

The Singapore SPV ecosystem has expanded significantly with the rise of VCCs and increased investor demand.

Popular sectors using Singapore SPVs

Sector

Common use cases

Private Equity & Fund Management

SPVs for fund structures, holding companies

FinTech & Digital Assets

Tokenisation vehicles, licensing structures

Infrastructure & Energy

Project financing and regional infrastructure SPVs

Corporate Holdings

Intra-group financing, shareholding, holding entities


How to set up a Singapore SPV: step by step

Step 1: Choose the SPV structure

  • Private Limited Company (Ltd) or VCC sub-fund

Step 2: Appoint directors and company secretary

  • At least one local director

  • Company secretary appointed

Step 3: Submit incorporation documents to Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)

  • Name reservation, constitution submission, director/shareholder details

Step 4: Open an SPV bank account

  • Required for capital deposits, project financing, and fund inflows/outflows



Documents required to form a Singapore SPV as a non-resident

Foreign investors can fully own a Singapore SPV, but must prepare the following documentation:

1. Proof of identity

  • Certified passport copy for directors, shareholders, and UBOs

  • Proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement, government-issued document, within 3 months)

2. Corporate structure details

  • Names, addresses, and contact info of directors and shareholders

  • Company secretary details

  • Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) owning/controlling ≥25%

  • Registered office address in Singapore (physical address only)

3. Constitution/incorporation documents

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (constitution)

  • Incorporation forms detailing company name, intended activities, share capital, directors/shareholders

  • VCC-specific registration forms if forming a sub-fund

4. Director and company secretary requirements

  • At least one Singapore-resident director is required

  • Non-resident directors may appoint professional corporate service providers as nominees

5. Sector-specific approvals (if applicable)

  • MAS approvals for regulated fund, fintech, or securities SPVs

  • Supporting documents may include fund constitutions, licensing applications, or investor agreements

6. Post-incorporation documents

  • Share certificates

  • Statutory registers (directors, shareholders, UBOs)

  • First board meeting minutes confirming share allotments and adoption of the constitution

  • Tax registration with IRAS (if applicable)

Tip: Using a professional incorporation service provider ensures compliance and speeds up SPV formation.

Ongoing compliance requirements for Singapore SPVs

  • Annual returns and audited financial statements (ACRA)

  • Corporate secretarial obligations

  • AML/KYC checks for investor onboarding

Tax filings in accordance with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore

  • MAS reporting for regulated SPVs

SPV accounts vs traditional property bank accounts in Ireland

Many investors are familiar with standard Irish property bank accounts. While these accounts suffice for basic rent collection or mortgage payments, SPV accounts offer specialised features designed for international, multi-asset portfolios:

Feature

Traditional property bank account

Currency management

Limited currencies often require multiple accounts

Manage 50+ currencies in a single account, avoiding FX fees

Global payments

Can be slow or restricted for international transfers

Make high-value payments in 160+ countries quickly and securely

Fund segregation

Typically, one account for multiple properties

Each property or investment can have its own account for clarity and compliance

Cash flow & reporting

Manual tracking, prone to errors

Automated reconciliation, smart cash flow monitoring, and simplified tax reporting

Expert support

Standard bank support

Dedicated Relationship Manager for international transactions and portfolio advice

SPV accounts are particularly beneficial for foreign investors, landlords, or fund managers who need efficient cross-border payments and centralised fund management.

Why Interpolitan Money is better than a bank

While high street banks remain the go-to for everyday banking, their offerings often fall short for investors navigating complex, cross-border markets. Interpolitan Money’s SPV accounts are specifically designed to tackle these challenges:

  • Manage currencies easily: Hold, convert, and manage 50+ currencies in a single account.

  • Send and receive globally: Make high-value payments in 160+ countries quickly and securely.

  • Separate funds per property: Keep each property or investment in its own account for clarity and compliance.

  • Expert support: Dedicated Relationship Managers guide international transactions and portfolio management.

  • Smart cash management: Automate reconciliations, monitor cash flows, and optimise capital allocation.

Whether you’re funding acquisitions, managing rental income, or investing internationally, an SPV account from Interpolitan Money provides control, efficiency, and simplicity that traditional banks cannot match.

 



FAQs: Forming an SPV in Singapore

What is a Singapore SPV?

A Singapore SPV is a legal entity for specific investment purposes such as asset holding, project financing, or fund structuring.

Can foreign investors own a Singapore SPV?

Yes, foreign investors can fully own Singapore SPVs.

Do Singapore SPVs require a local director?

Yes, at least one Singapore-resident director is required under ACRA rules.

How long does it take to form a Singapore SPV?

Incorporation typically takes 3–7 working days.

Are Singapore SPVs tax-efficient?

Yes, with fund-related exemptions, low corporate tax rates, and Singapore’s extensive tax treaty network.

Is a Singapore SPV suitable for digital assets or private equity?

Yes. SPVs are commonly used in fintech, tokenisation, and fund management.

What compliance obligations do Singapore SPVs have?

Annual filings, financial statements, corporate secretarial duties, AML/KYC, and MAS reporting for regulated entities.

Disclaimer: All information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute advice on taxation, forming a company, or choosing a jurisdiction. Interpolitan Money does not give recommendations on tax matters, corporate setup, or jurisdiction selection. Ensure you obtain tailored advice from a qualified expert.

 
 
 

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