Best Business Loans in Singapore

Head of Research
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Updated 06 May 2026
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Glossary

Useful Resources

Head of Research
Updated 06 May 2026
|

Fact-checked

Business loans provide working capital, equipment financing and growth funding for companies registered in Singapore. These loans are offered by major banks, alternative lenders and through government backed schemes administered by Enterprise Singapore.

Most business loansare unsecured meaning no collateral is required with loan amounts typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the business's revenue, operating history and creditworthiness. This page explains the different types of business financing available, eligibility requirements, government support schemes like the Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) and how to compare options to find the most suitable loan for your business needs.

More Details

A business loan is financing provided to companies for operational needs, expansion, equipment purchase or cash flow management. Unlike personal loans taken by individuals, business loans are taken by companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs or private limited companies registered with ACRA. The loan is assessed based on the company's financial health, revenue and profitability not just the owner's personal income.

  • Singapore registered business (ACRA) sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP or Pte Ltd
  • Minimum 6 to 24 months in operation
  • At least 30% local shareholding (Singapore Citizens or PRs) for government schemes
  • Minimum annual revenue of $100,000 to $300,000 depending on lender
  • Satisfactory credit profile for both business and directors (personal guarantors)
  • Loan amounts depend on the business's revenue, profitability, and existing debt:
  • Unsecured term loans: Up to $300,000 to $700,000
  • Traditional banks (1-3 days)
  • Government backed EFS-WCL: Up to $500,000
  • Trade financing: Up to $10 million (revolving)
  • Equipment/Fixed asset loans: Up to $30 million (secured)
  • Most SMEs qualify for $50,000 to $300,000 based on annual revenue and financial health.
  • Approval speed varies significantly by lender type:
  • Digital lenders: Same day to 3 working days
  • Traditional banks: 3 to 14 working days
  • Government-backed schemes: 3 to 7 working days for provisional approval
  • Secured loans (property/equipment): 10 to 21 working days due to valuation
  • Over 85% of EFS applications from eligible SMEs received provisional approval within 3 working days.

Disclosure

Glossary

Useful Resources

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Typical Rates

Unsecured business loans typically cost 7% to 11% EIR. Government backed schemes and secured loans offer lower rates. Digital lenders charge 9% to 15% for faster approval.

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Loan
Amount

Borrow $50,000 to $500,000 unsecured. Secured loans (equipment, property) can reach $30 million. Amount depends on revenue, profitability and existing debt.

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Repayment Tenure

Choose 1 to 5 years for most term loans and equipment financing up to 7 years. Property backed loans up to 15 years. Shorter tenure = lower total interest.

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Government Support

Enterprise Singapore's EFS provides 50% to 70% government risk sharing, improving approval chances and potentially lowering rates for eligible SMEs.

Our Expert says

Match the Loan Type to Your Business Need Not the Other Way Around

The biggest mistake SME owners make is defaulting to a term loan for every financing need. A $200,000 term loan over 5 years might seem straightforward but if you're bridging a 60 day invoice gap you'll pay years of interest for a short-term problem. On the other hand sing a credit line for equipment purchase means paying revolving rates when an asset backed loan at half the cost would suffice.

Before applying, calculate exactly what you need and ask yourself the following questions. Is this a one time capital injection or ongoing cash flow management? Will revenue from this investment repay the loan or is it an operational cost? How quickly will you recover the funds? The answers will point you to the right financing options such as term loan, working capital facility, invoice financing or equipment loan. The cheapest loan is the one that matches your actual cash flow cycle. Quote Icon

Trinh Thanh
Trinh Thanh
Head of Research
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Eligibility Requirements

Business Loan Eligibility

Basic Requirements:
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Business registered with ACRA (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP or Pte Ltd)
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Operating in Singapore for minimum 6 to 24 months
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Minimum annual revenue of $100,000 to $300,000
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At least 30% local shareholding (SC/PR) for government schemes
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Satisfactory credit profile for business and guarantors
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Positive cash flow and ability to service loan repayments
Documents Required:
ACRA BizFile (business profile)
NRIC copies of directors/shareholders
Latest 6 to 12 months bank statements
Latest 2 years financial statements (audited if available)
Latest Notice of Assessment (NOA) from IRAS
Existing loan schedules and debt obligations
Personal guarantees from directors (standard requirement)
For Startups (Under 2 Years):
Detailed business plan with cash flow projections
Director's personal income documents
Stronger personal credit profile required
May only qualify for microloans ($50,000 to $100,000) or OCBC Business First Loan
Factors That Affect Approval:
Profitability: Most banks require positive net profit in latest financial year
Cash flow: Consistent revenue and healthy working capital
Industry risk: Some sectors (F&B, retail) face stricter assessment
Director tenure: Directors should be appointed for at least 1 to 2 years
Existing debt: High debt to revenue ratio reduces approval chances

Tips for Business Loan Applicants

Tips to Improve Approval Chances
Apply when financials are strong

Banks assess risk based on historical performance. Apply when revenue is consistent, cash flow is healthy and the business is profitable not when you're desperate for funds.

Maintain clean credit records

Both business and personal (director) credit profiles are assessed. Clear outstanding debts, avoid late payments and check credit reports before applying.

Prepare comprehensive documentation

Incomplete applications cause delays and signal disorganisation. Have all documents ready before starting the application.

Don't apply to multiple banks simultaneously

Each application creates a credit inquiry. Multiple inquiries in a short period can negatively impact credit scores and signal desperation to lenders.

Consider government-backed schemes first

EFS loans offer government risk-sharing which can improve approval chances and rates for eligible SMEs. Check eligibility before applying to commercial loans.

Start with your existing bank

Banks prefer lending to existing customers with visible transaction history. Your business banking relationship provides data that supports your application.

Alternatives to Business Loans

Other Ways to Finance Your Business
A business term loan isn't the only option consider these alternatives.
Invoice Financing

For B2B businesses with outstanding invoices, invoice financing unlocks up to 80% of invoice value immediately no need to wait for customers to pay. Interest is charged only on the amount advanced. Useful for managing cash flow gaps without taking on term debt.

Business Line of Credit / Overdraft

A revolving credit facility that provides access to funds when needed with interest charged only on the amount used.

Equipment Financing / Hire Purchase

For purchasing machinery, vehicles or equipment, hire purchase or equipment loans are secured against the asset resulting in lower rates than unsecured loans.

Equity Financing

For high growth startups, venture capital or angel investment provides capital without debt repayment obligations. Trade offs include giving up equity and some control. Suitable for businesses with high growth potential but limited cash flow.

Government Grants

Enterprise Singapore offers non repayable grants for specific purposes like productivity improvement (PSG), capability development (EDG) and market expansion. Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid but have specific eligibility and usage requirements.

Revenue-Based Financing

For businesses with predictable monthly revenue, revenue based financing provides capital repaid as a percentage of future sales. No fixed monthly payments and repayment adjusts with business performance.

List of Business Loans in Singapore

All banks listed are regulated by MAS. Compare rates and
launch your application directly via ROSHI.
Loan amount must be between 500 and 100,000.
Tenure must be between 1 and 60 months.
More Filters
ROSHI Personal Loan
22.56%
0%
Grocery Vouchers
Up to 1% Cashback
$1,021.33
$2,256.00
Maybank SME BTL
7%
2%
$891.67
$700.00
OCBC BTL
7%
2%
$891.67
$700.00
DBS SME Loan
7%
1%
$891.67
$700.00
Anext Business Loan
7%
1%
$891.67
$700.00
Ethoz Capital BTL
7%
1.25%
$891.67
$700.00
Orix Leasing BTL
8.5%
2%
$904.17
$850.00
SCB BIL
9%
3%
$908.33
$900.00
Business Term Loan Pro
9.6%
7%
$913.33
$960.00

All lenders verified against Ministry of Law registry. Last updated: May 27 2026.

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  • No initial impact on credit score
  • Up to 1% Cashback & Vouchers
  • MAS registered lenders only

$1,000

$200,000

3 Months

72 Months

Total Cashback
10
Your Monthly Payment

337

* For a loan amount of $20,000, APR of 6.95%, 5 year, read more

Complete Overview of Business Financing Options

Different loan structures serve different business needs.

Loan Type Best For Budget Tenure Interest Rate
Business Term LoanGeneral working capital, expansion$50,000 to $700,0001 to 5 years7% to 11% p.a.
Working Capital LoanDaily operations, payroll, rentUp to $500,000Up to 5 years6.8% to 10% p.a.
Trade FinancingImport/export, inventoryUp to $10 millionRevolving5% to 8% p.a.
Invoice FinancingB2B with long payment termsUp to 80% of invoiceShort-term1% to 3% per invoice
Equipment FinancingMachinery, vehicles, technologyUp to $30 million1 to 7 years3% to 8% p.a.
Business OverdraftShort-term cash flow gapsVariesRevolving7% to 12% p.a.
Bridging LoanUrgent temporary financing$50,000 to $5 million3 to 24 months12% to 24% p.a.
Micro Business LoanStartups, small capital needsUp to $100,0001 to 3 years8% to 15% p.a.
Property Backed Business LoanLarge capital needs, lower ratesUp to $30 millionUp to 15 years4% to 7% p.a.
Revenue Based FinancingBusinesses with predictable revenueBased on monthly revenue6 to 18 monthsFactor rate 1.1-1.5x

Who Provides Business Loans in Singapore?

Four main financing providers each with different rates, requirements and approval speeds.
Traditional Banks
Interest Rate: 7% to 11% p.a. (EIR)
Major banks offer the most competitive rates for established businesses. Minimum 1 to 2 years operating history and $100,000 to $300,000 annual revenue typically required. Approval takes 3 to 14 working days. Personal guarantee from directors required. DBS holds 32% SME loan market share in Singapore.
Best for:
Established businesses with strong financials seeking lowest rates and higher loan amounts.
Government Schemes
Interest Rate: 6.8% to 10% p.a. (EIR)
Enterprise Singapore's Enterprise Financing Scheme provides 50% to 70% government risk sharing with participating banks, improving approval chances and potentially lowering rates. Seven loan types available: Working Capital, Trade, Fixed Assets, Project, Venture Debt, M&A and Green loans. Requires 30% local shareholding and annual turnover below $500 million.
Best for:
SMEs meeting local shareholding requirements seeking government support for easier approval.
Alternative Lenders
Interest Rate: 9% to 15% p.a. (EIR)
Platforms like Funding Societies, Validus, GXS Capital and ANEXT Bank offer faster approval of 24 to 72 hours with less stringent requirements. Fully digital applications with minimal documentation. Accept businesses from 6 months old with lower revenue thresholds. Higher rates reflect faster access and higher risk tolerance.
Best for:
Younger businesses, urgent funding needs, or those who don't meet traditional bank criteria.
Licensed Moneylenders
Interest Rate: 12% to 48% p.a. (capped at 4% per month)
For businesses that don't qualify for loans with banks or alternative lenders due to limited history, poor credit or urgent needs, licensed moneylenders regulated by the Ministry of Law offer an alternative. Same day approval and disbursement available. Significantly higher rates but more flexible approval criteria and faster processing.
Best for:
Urgent bridge financing or businesses rejected by banks and digital lenders.

Loan Schemes

Enterprise Singapore's Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS)
improves loan access for eligible SMEs.

Risk Sharing Mechanism
The Enterprise Financing Scheme provides 50% to 70% government risk sharing with participating banks meaning the government covers a portion of the default risk. This encourages banks to lend to SMEs that might otherwise be rejected or offered higher rates.
Basic Eligibility
  • Singapore registered business with 30%+ local shareholding (SC/PR)
  • Group annual turnover not exceeding $500 million
  • Apply through 16+ participating financial institutions
For detailed eligibility, rates and application steps, visit our small business loans page or contact a participating bank directly.
EFS enhancements took effect 1 April 2026 as announced in Budget 2026.
Borrower Requirements
SME Working Capital Loan
Daily operations, cash flow
$500,000
Trade Loan
Import/export, inventory
$10 million
Fixed Assets Loan
Equipment, machinery, premises
$30 million
Project Loan
Overseas/domestic projects
$50 million
Venture Debt
High-growth startups
$10 million
M&A Loan
Mergers & acquisitions
$50 million
Green Loan
Sustainability projects
Varies

How To Apply for a Business Loan

Assess your needs
Determine loan purpose (working capital, equipment, expansion), required amount and preferred tenure.
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Check eligibility
Review your business financials, operating history and existing debt. Ensure you meet minimum requirements before applying to avoid rejection on record.
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Prepare documents
Gather ACRA BizFile, bank statements, financial statements, NOA and director particulars. Complete documentation speeds up approval.
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Compare options
Request quotes from multiple lenders. Compare EIR (not just advertised rates), processing fees and terms. Consider government-backed EFS schemes first for better approval odds.
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Submit application
Apply directly via ROSHI or bank's SME portal or Singpass MyInfo Business for faster processing. For EFS loans, apply through the Enterprise Singapore Incentive Management System (ESIMS) portal.
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note Pro Tip:
Apply to your primary business banking relationship first, existing customers often receive faster approval and better rates.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Business Loans?

PROS

  • Access to capital for growth, equipment, or working capital needs
  • No equity dilution
  • Fixed repayments make budgeting predictable
  • Government schemes offer risk-sharing for easier approval
  • Build business credit history for future financing
  • Tax-deductible interest payments reduce effective cost

CONS

  • Personal guarantee puts directors' personal assets at risk
  • Monthly repayments impact cash flow regardless of business performance
  • Rejection can negatively affect credit profile
  • Startups and younger businesses face limited options and higher rates
  • Collateral may be required for larger loan amounts
  • Strict financial requirements exclude many SMEs

How to find the Right Business Loan (FAQs)

What is the difference between a business loan and a personal loan?

A business loan is taken by a registered company for business purposes, assessed on the company's financials. A personal loan is taken by an individual based on personal income. Business loans typically offer higher amounts but require more documentation and often personal guarantees from directors.
Banks typically require 1 to 2 years operating history. For businesses under 12 months options include OCBC Business First Loan, microloans, Funding Societies startup financing or government backed schemes for young enterprises.
EFS is a government initiative by Enterprise Singapore that provides risk sharing with participating banks covering 50% to 70% of default risk. This encourages banks to lend to SMEs that might otherwise be rejected. Schemes include working capital loans, trade loans, fixed asset loans, venture debt, project loans, M&A loans and green loans.
Most SME term loans up to $500,000 to $700,000 are unsecured meaning no collateral required. For larger amounts or better rates, secured loans backed by property or equipment may be offered.
Alternative lenders approve in 24 to 72 hours while traditional banks take 3 to 14 working days. Government backed EFS loans average 3 to 7 working days for provisional approval. Secured loans requiring property valuation take 2 to 3 weeks.
Most banks require minimum annual revenue of $100,000 to $300,000. Some alternative lenders accept lower thresholds. OCBC Business First Loan accepts businesses with as little as $100,000 annual revenue.
Government backed EFS schemes require at least 30% local shareholding (Singapore Citizens or PRs). Fully foreign owned companies can apply to banks and alternative lenders but may face stricter assessment.
Missed payments incur late fees and damage both business and personal credit profiles. Continued default can lead to legal action against the company and personal guarantors.
General term loans and working capital loans have no usage restrictions funds can be used at the company's discretion. Specific loans like trade financing, equipment financing or EFS Green loans have designated purposes.
A personal guarantee is a legal commitment by company directors to personally repay the loan if the business cannot. This is standard for SME loans and means directors' personal assets can be pursued if the company defaults.
Most business loans use a reducing balance method which means interest is calculated on the outstanding principal which decreases with each repayment. Compare using EIR (Effective Interest Rate) which reflects the true annual cost of borrowing.
Most lenders allow early repayment but some charge prepayment penalties typically 1 to 2% of outstanding amount or 1 to 2 months interest. Check loan terms before signing. Government backed EFS loans often have no or lower prepayment penalties.

Our customers trust us when it comes to making important borrowing decisions

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3 months ago

I used ROSHI platform to find the best loan offers. Just need to fill up some details and wait for loan offers and can choose which one you like. It is totally free and can receive vouchers and cashback based on the loan amount approved. Thank you ROSHI

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7 months ago

I can’t thank Roshi enough for helping me find the best financial institution for my DCP! The guidance and support were absolutely amazing—everything was explained clearly and tailored to my needs. Thanks to Roshi’s help, I’m now on track and completely debt-free in just 12 months! 💪🏼 I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and highly recommend Roshi to anyone looking for smart, reliable financial advice.

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7 months ago

With the help of the ROSHI Support link to partner, I had a great experience with EZY Loan. The online application was simple, document verification was fast, and the funds were credited on the same day. The staff were professional and explained everything clearly, with no hidden fees. Overall, an excellent and hassle-free service!

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7 months ago

Roshi service will update all your listings to match your nearest requested amount accurately, saving you time and effort by eliminating the need to visit each location individually. Recommended !

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Explore Other Business Financing Options

Business loans cover general funding needs but depending on your business situation specialised financing options may be more suitable. For short term cash flow gaps, working capital loans provide operational funding with government support through the EFS scheme. Bridging loans offer temporary financing for urgent needs while awaiting receivables or longer term arrangements.

For businesses needing to unlock cash tied up in receivables, invoice financing and purchase order financing provide immediate funds without term debt. Businesses with predictable monthly revenue can consider revenue based financing while payroll financing helps cover staff costs during cash flow gaps. Companies purchasing equipment or vehicles can explore equipment financing for lower rates secured against assets.

For startups with limited operating history, business loans for startups and micro business loans offer more accessible options with lower thresholds. Businesses with property assets can access property-backed business loans for larger amounts at lower rates.

For bank specific business loans, reviews can be compared across DBS, OCBC, SCB, Maybank, ANEXT Bank and Funding Societies.