Once your Singapore company is incorporated, the next hurdle is digital access. In Singapore, almost all government transactions—from filing corporate taxes with IRAS to updating ACRA records—are done through CorpPass.

For local directors, this is easy: they just link it to their SingPass.

But what if you are a Foreign Director living overseas? You don’t have a Singapore ID (NRIC/FIN), and you don’t have a SingPass.

Does this mean you are locked out of your own company’s digital records? No. But the process is different. In this guide, we explain how to set up CorpPass for Foreigners in 2025.

1. What is CorpPass and Why Do You Need It?

CorpPass is the single authorization system for all entities in Singapore. You need it to:

  • File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and Form C-S with IRAS.

  • Log into BizFile+ to change company particulars.

  • Apply for Government Grants (like the PSG or EDG).

  • Submit Work Pass applications for employees.

2. Setting Up Without a SingPass (The Foreign ID Route)

How to register CorpPass for Foreign Directors without SingPass Flowchart

If you do not have a SingPass, you must register as a “Foreign ID user” within the CorpPass system.

The Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Appoint a CorpPass Admin: This person must be a Singapore Resident with a SingPass (usually your Company Secretary at Excellence Singapore).

  2. Submit Foreign ID Details: You must provide your passport copy and proof of overseas residential address to your Admin.

  3. Activation Link: Your Admin will create a profile for you. You will receive an automated email from CorpPass with an activation link.

  4. Identity Verification: You will need to upload a digital scan of your passport to the system for verification.

  5. 2FA Setup: Once verified, you will set up a 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication), usually via the CorpPass Mobile App or an OTP sent to your international mobile number.

3. The “Registered Officer” vs. “User”

Many foreign owners get confused between these two roles:

  • The Registered Officer (RO): This is you (the Director listed on ACRA). You are the “owner” of the digital identity.

  • The CorpPass Admin: This is the person who manages the accounts. We highly recommend appointing your Corporate Service Provider as an Admin to handle the technical setup and permission mapping for you.

4. Common Troubleshooting for Foreigners

  • Expired Passports: If your passport expires and you get a new one, your Foreign ID profile must be updated manually, or the 2FA will fail.

  • OTP Issues: If you are using a non-Singapore mobile number, sometimes the SMS OTP is delayed. Using the CorpPass App is a much more reliable way to generate codes overseas.

  • No “Admin” Access: Foreigners often forget to grant themselves “User” rights after they are registered. You must be assigned specific digital services (like “IRAS – Corporate Tax”) before you can actually do anything.

Conclusion: Let Us Bridge the Digital Gap

Navigating Singapore’s digital government portals can be frustrating for those based overseas.

At Excellence Singapore, we act as the CorpPass Admin for hundreds of foreign clients. We handle the registration, the identity verification process, and the assignment of e-services, so you can log in and view your company’s status with zero stress.

Struggling with your CorpPass setup? Contact us to activate your Foreign Director Access