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Formation Document
I need a formation document for a private limited company in Singapore, outlining the roles and responsibilities of directors and shareholders, with a focus on compliance with local regulations and a clear structure for decision-making processes.
What is a Formation Document?
A Formation Document is the official paperwork you submit to ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) to legally establish your business in Singapore. It includes essential details like your company's name, registered address, directors' information, and shareholding structure.
This founding document becomes your company's legal identity card, proving its existence and setting out its basic framework under the Companies Act. Banks, government agencies, and business partners often request it when you're opening accounts, applying for licenses, or signing major contracts. You'll need to keep it updated and file annual returns to maintain your company's good standing.
When should you use a Formation Document?
You need a Formation Document when starting any business entity in Singapore, from small private companies to large corporations. This foundational paperwork must be filed with ACRA before you can legally begin operations, open corporate bank accounts, or enter into business contracts.
Key moments to prepare your Formation Document include incorporating a new company, converting an existing business structure, or establishing a subsidiary. Many entrepreneurs file it while working with their corporate secretary during the initial setup phase. Having it ready speeds up essential processes like business registration, tax reporting, and applying for government licenses.
What are the different types of Formation Document?
- Formation Documents in Singapore come in several standard formats: the basic Company Constitution for private limited companies, the Limited Liability Partnership Agreement for LLPs, the Partnership Agreement for traditional partnerships, and the Business Registration form for sole proprietorships. Each type contains specific sections about ownership structure, management roles, and operational rules that match your chosen business entity.
Who should typically use a Formation Document?
- Company Directors: Must review and sign the Formation Document, taking legal responsibility for its accuracy and compliance with Singapore law.
- Corporate Secretaries: Prepare and file the document with ACRA, ensuring all required information is properly included.
- Shareholders: Their details and shareholding structure must be clearly stated in the Formation Document.
- Legal Advisors: Often assist in drafting and reviewing to ensure the document meets regulatory requirements.
- ACRA Officers: Review and process the Formation Document as part of company registration.
How do you write a Formation Document?
- Basic Company Details: Gather proposed company name, registered address, business activities, and share capital structure.
- Director Information: Collect NRIC/passport details, residential addresses, and contact information for all directors.
- Shareholder Data: Prepare a list of shareholders with their identification details and number of shares allocated.
- Business Structure: Decide on your company type (private limited, LLP, etc.) and management framework.
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-compliant Formation Document that includes all required elements.
What should be included in a Formation Document?
- Company Name: Full registered name as approved by ACRA, including registration number once assigned.
- Business Structure: Clear declaration of company type and liability status under Singapore Companies Act.
- Registered Address: Official Singapore business address for legal correspondence.
- Share Capital Details: Total authorized capital, share classes, and initial allocation among shareholders.
- Director Information: Names, identification details, and roles of all appointed directors.
- Company Constitution: Internal governance rules, voting rights, and operational procedures.
- Declaration Section: Signed statements confirming compliance with local regulations.
What's the difference between a Formation Document and a Constitution Document?
A Formation Document differs significantly from a Constitution Document, though they're often confused in Singapore's corporate setup process. While both are crucial for business operations, they serve distinct purposes and come into play at different stages.
- Timing and Purpose: Formation Documents are filed first with ACRA to establish the company's existence, while Constitution Documents outline internal governance rules after formation.
- Legal Scope: Formation Documents prove the company's legal existence and basic structure, whereas Constitution Documents detail operational procedures and shareholder rights.
- Modification Requirements: Formation Documents rarely change after initial filing, but Constitution Documents can be amended through shareholder resolutions.
- Primary Users: Formation Documents are mainly used for external verification with authorities, while Constitution Documents guide internal stakeholders in daily operations.
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