# Do Private Companies in Singapore Need to Hold an AGM? (2026)

> Private companies must hold an AGM within 6 months after FYE — unless they qualify for the AGM exemption under section 175A. Here is when you can skip it.

_Updated 2026-07-09_

Source: /resources/agm-requirements-singapore

**In short:** A Singapore private company must hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 6 months after its financial year end (FYE) under section 175 of the Companies Act. But since the 2017/2018 reforms, any private company can dispense with the AGM under section 175A if it sends its financial statements to members within 5 months of FYE — this is no longer limited to exempt private companies.

## Do private companies in Singapore need to hold an AGM?

By default, yes — but most private companies can now skip it. Under section 175 of the Companies Act 1967, a private company must hold its AGM within 6 months after its financial year end (FYE). However, following the 2017/2018 amendments, a private company may be exempted from holding an AGM under section 175A if it sends its financial statements to members within 5 months after FYE.

Crucially, this AGM exemption is not limited to exempt private companies (EPCs). All private companies can rely on it, provided they send their financial statements to members on time and no member requires an AGM to be held.

## When can a private company dispense with the AGM (s175A)?

A private company is exempt from holding an AGM for a financial year if it sends its financial statements to members within 5 months after FYE. The exemption is subject to safeguards for members and auditors.

- The company sends its financial statements to all members within 5 months after FYE.
- A member or auditor may still require an AGM to be held by giving notice within the statutory period.
- The company must still file its annual return with ACRA within 7 months after FYE — the AGM exemption does not remove the annual return obligation.

## AGM, annual return and financials — how the deadlines line up

For a private company, these obligations all run from the FYE. The example column assumes a 31 December FYE.

| Step | Deadline (from FYE) | Example (FYE 31 Dec) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Send financial statements to members (for AGM exemption — s175A) | Within 5 months | By 31 May |
| Hold AGM (if not exempted — s175) | Within 6 months | By 30 Jun |
| File annual return with ACRA (s197) | Within 7 months | By 31 Jul |

## What happens if we neither hold an AGM nor qualify for the exemption?

Failing to hold a required AGM is a breach of the Companies Act and can expose the company and its directors to penalties and ACRA enforcement. If you intend to rely on the section 175A exemption, ensure the financial statements are actually sent to members within the 5-month window and keep evidence of despatch. Penalty amounts for AGM breaches vary and are enforced by ACRA — confirm the current figures with ACRA or a qualified corporate secretary.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does the AGM exemption remove the need to file an annual return?

No. Even if your company is exempted from holding an AGM under section 175A, it must still file its annual return with ACRA within 7 months after FYE.

### Is the AGM exemption only for exempt private companies (EPCs)?

No. Since the 2017/2018 reforms, all private companies can be exempted from holding an AGM if they send financial statements to members within 5 months of FYE.

### Can a member still force an AGM?

Yes. A member (and in some cases the auditor) may give notice requiring the company to hold an AGM within the statutory period, even if the company would otherwise be exempt.

## Sources

- [ACRA — Holding annual general meetings (AGMs)](https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/holding-annual-general-meetings)
- [ACRA — Changes to AGM and annual return requirements](https://www.acra.gov.sg/legislation/legislative-reform/listing-of-legislative-changes)
- [Companies Act 1967 — Singapore Statutes Online](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CoA1967)

## Related

- [When is the annual return due?](/resources/annual-return-filing-singapore)
- [AGM (glossary)](/resources/glossary/agm)
- [FYE — Financial Year End (glossary)](/resources/glossary/fye)
- [Annual Return (glossary)](/resources/glossary/annual-return)