An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a mandatory yearly meeting where a company presents its financial statements to shareholders. It provides an opportunity for members to ask questions, review the company’s performance, and address concerns. This process ensures transparency and accountability.
Is Holding an AGM Mandatory?
Yes, all companies in Singapore are required to hold AGMs, unless they meet exemption criteria or have formally dispensed with the requirement.
The AGM date must be declared during the filing of your Annual Return on BizFile+.
If your company is exempted from holding an AGM or has dispensed with it, this must also be indicated during Annual Return submission.
Timeline for Holding AGMs
For financial year ending on or after 31 August 2018:
- Listed Companies: AGM within 4 months of FYE; Annual Return within 5 months
- Non-listed Companies: AGM within 6 months of FYE; Annual Return within 7 months
For financial year ending before 31 August 2018:
- First AGM within 18 months of incorporation
- Subsequent AGMs must be held annually and no more than 15 months apart
Financial Statements Timeline:
- Listed companies: Statements must be made up to a date not more than 4 months before AGM
- Non-listed companies: Not more than 6 months before AGM
Exemptions from Holding AGMs
Private companies may be exempt if they send financial statements to all members within 5 months after FYE. However, this exemption is conditional:
- Any member can request an AGM by notifying the company at least 14 days before the end of the 6th month post-FYE
- If requested, directors must hold the AGM within 6 months of FYE
- Members or auditors may request a general meeting to lay financial statements within 14 days of distribution
Dormant Relevant Companies: Companies that are dormant, non-listed, and have total assets ≤ $500,000 may be exempt from holding AGMs, provided other conditions are met.
Dispensing with AGMs Entirely
Private companies can opt to dispense with AGMs if all members pass a resolution. Matters normally resolved at AGMs can be handled via written resolutions circulated in hard copy or digital formats. Legal or professional advice is recommended to ensure proper formatting and procedure.
Member-Initiated AGMs
Even exempt or dispensed companies must comply with requests from members:
- Requests must be made no later than 14 days before the end of the 6th month after FYE
- Directors must hold an AGM within that 6-month timeframe or seek an extension from ACRA
- If a general meeting is requested post-statement distribution, it must be held within 14 days
AGM Compliance Summary Table
Company Type | AGM Deadline | Annual Return Deadline | Financial Statement Age |
Listed Company (FYE ≥ 31 Aug 2018) | 4 months after FYE | 5 months after FYE | ≤ 4 months |
Non-Listed Company (FYE ≥ 31 Aug 2018) | 6 months after FYE | 7 months after FYE | ≤ 6 months |
All Companies (FYE < 31 Aug 2018) | 1st AGM: within 18 months; then annually | N/A | As per listing status |
Private Company (AGM Exempt) | Not required (conditions apply) | Must still file Annual Return | Within 5 months post-FYE |
Dormant Relevant Company | Not required | Must still file Annual Return | Not applicable |
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