Incorporating a business in Singapore brings a range of advantages, particularly when registering as an Exempt Private Company (EPC). As a recognised legal structure under Singapore law, an EPC offers streamlined compliance requirements, tax benefits, and operational flexibility—making it a preferred choice for many startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In this article, we explore what defines an Exempt Private Company, and the key benefits it offers to business owners.
What Is an Exempt Private Company (EPC)?
An Exempt Private Company is a type of private limited company in Singapore with the following characteristics:
- It has no more than 20 shareholders; and
- None of its shareholders are corporations (i.e., all shareholders must be individuals).
This structure is governed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and is commonly used by small businesses due to its flexibility and compliance advantages.
Key Benefits of an Exempt Private Company
1. Audit Exemption for Small Companies
One of the main advantages of an EPC is potential for audit exemption. If the company qualifies as a “small company” (meeting 2 out of 3 of these conditions: (i) annual revenue not exceeding S$10 million; (ii) total assets not exceeding S$10 million; and/or (iii) hires no more than 50 employees), it is exempt from having its financial statements audited.
This reduces annual compliance costs and administrative burden, while still maintaining a structured and professional corporate setup.
2. Lower Compliance Costs
EPCs are subject to fewer statutory filing and disclosure requirements compared to non-exempt private companies. This includes simplified reporting to ACRA, reduced scrutiny in certain areas, and exemptions from some regulatory disclosures such as exemption from filing its financial statements with ACRA annually (provided the EPC is solvent and able to pay its debts).
This makes it easier and more cost-effective to maintain your business on a yearly basis.
3. Limited Liability Protection
Like all private limited companies, an EPC is a separate legal entity, meaning shareholders are not personally liable for the company’s debts beyond their capital contribution. This protection provides peace of mind and safeguards personal assets.
4. Access to Corporate Tax Incentives
Other than enjoying the same corporate tax regime as other Singapore companies, EPCs Startups also benefit from the Partial Tax Exemption and Start-up Tax Exemption schemes, significantly reducing their effective tax rate in the early years of business. Particularly under the Start-Up Tax Exemption, income tax exemption is given up to S$125,000 for the first S$200,000 of chargeable income for the start-up’s first 3 years of tax assessment.
5. Greater Credibility and Growth Potential
On top of the administrative ease as mentioned above, operating as an EPC maintains the same professional image of your business as compared to other private limited companies. This is important in establishing trust with clients, partners, and investors, and also crucial when applying for bank loans, government grants, or forming strategic partnerships.
It also provides a clear and scalable structure that supports future growth, whether through investment, joint ventures, or expansion.
Conclusion
Incorporating an Exempt Private Company is an effective way for entrepreneurs and small business owners to balance regulatory compliance with cost efficiency and growth flexibility.
With audit exemptions, limited liability protection, and access to tax benefits, the EPC model is ideal for those who want to run a lean yet credible business entity in Singapore.
At Junipers, we assist clients in evaluating your business set-up options and handling the full incorporation process—from structure planning and name reservation to ongoing compliance and corporate secretarial support, as well as accounting and ongoing tax planning.
Need help getting started? Contact us today and speak with one of our incorporation specialists for a free no-obligation consultation.
在新加坡注册豁免私人公司（Exempt Private Company, EPC）的好处
在新加坡注册公司具有多方面的优势，尤其是选择注册为豁免私人公司（Exempt Private Company, EPC）。作为新加坡法律认可的一种公司结构，EPC 在合规要求、税收优惠和运营灵活性方面都提供了显著优势，是许多初创企业和中小型企业（SMEs）的首选。
本文将介绍什么是豁免私人公司，以及它为企业主带来的关键好处。
什么是豁免私人公司(EPC)？
豁免私人公司（Exempt Private Company） 是新加坡的一种私人有限公司，具备以下特点：
- 股东不超过 20 名；且
- 所有股东均为自然人（即无公司法人作为股东）。
EPC 受新加坡会计与企业管制局（ACRA）监管，因其灵活性和合规优势，被广泛用于小型企业。
EPC 的关键优势
1. 小型公司可豁免审计
设立豁免私人公司（EPC）的主要优势之一是有可能享有审计豁免。若公司符合“小型公司”的资格（即满足以下三个条件中的任意两项：（一）年收入不超过新币1,000万元；（二）总资产不超过新币1,000万元；（三）雇员人数不超过50人），则可免除财务报表的强制审计要求。
这大大减少了企业每年的合规成本和行政负担，同时保持专业的公司架构。
2. 较低的合规成本
与非豁免私人公司相比，EPC 在法定申报和信息披露方面的要求更少。这包括更简化的 ACRA 报告流程，以及某些法规要求的豁免 （例如，如果公司清偿能力充足便无需提交年度财务报告）。
这使得日常营运更高效、成本更可控。
3. 有限责任保护
与所有私人有限公司一样，EPC 是一个独立法人实体，意味着股东仅以其出资额为限对公司债务承担责任。这种保护机制为企业主提供了财务安全保障。
4. 享受公司税收优惠
除了享有与其他新加坡公司相同的公司税制外，豁免私人公司（EPC）新创企业还可受益于部分税务豁免（Partial Tax Exemption）和初创企业税务豁免（Start-up Tax Exemption）计划，在业务初期大幅降低其实际税负。特别是在初创企业税务豁免计划下，前 新币20万元应课税收入中的首新币12.5万元 可获得免税待遇，适用于初创企业首 三个课税年度。
5. 提升企业信誉与发展潜力
EPC 有助于树立企业的专业形象，增强客户、银行及商业伙伴对公司的信任。这对于申请银行贷款、政府资助或寻求商业合作尤其重要。
此外，EPC 架构也利于未来的发展与扩张，包括引入投资、建立合资企业或拓展海外市场。
总结
注册为豁免私人公司（EPC） 是创业者和中小企业主实现高效运营、保障个人财产及未来拓展的理想选择。凭借审计豁免、有限责任保障和税收优势，EPC 模式在新加坡广受欢迎。
在博胜，我们为客户提供一站式的注册与合规服务，从公司结构规划、名称预留到公司秘书服务，以及账目管理和税收规划，助您轻松开展业务。
**需要专业协助？**欢迎联系我们，与我们的注册顾问沟通了解详细信息。