Most foreigners find it easy to start a business in Singapore as we have a very pro-business environment. You just need to be aware of additional regulations and permits that apply to non-Singapore Citizens.
Visit Singapore
Preparing To Register
Register Your Business
Obtain Visas And Passes
Taxation In Singapore
Where To Seek Help
Useful Links
Visit Singapore
- Singapore has an open and efficient immigration policy that makes it easy for foreigners to visit Singapore and look for business opportunities.
- You can apply for a visa from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to visit Singapore.
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Preparing To Register
- You need to make certain preparations before registering your business in Singapore, depending on the type of entity you intend to set up.
- Use the Checklist (Before Registering) in our Business Startup Guide to prepare for your business registration.
- However, if you are unsure or are not able to meet company registration requirements, engage a professional corporate secretarial, law or accounting firm to help you.
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Register Your Business
Branch Of A Foreign Company
- All branches must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- You will need to hire a professional firm to register on your behalf.
- Details on registering foreign branch offices can be found on ACRA's website.
Representative Office In Singapore
Setting up a Representative Office (RO) in Singapore is a good way for foreign businesses to explore business opportunities in Singapore or the region.
- ROs in banking and insurance
To set up, you need to register with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
You will need to meet the guidelines or requirements laid out by MAS.
- ROs in all other industries
To set up, you need to register with International Enterprise (IE) Singapore.
Your RO can only carry out the following activities:
- market research
- feasibility studies
- liaison work on behalf of parent company
Your RO must not conduct any of the following activities (directly or on behalf of the parent company):
- trade in goods/services (including import or export)
- lease warehousing facilities
- lease office(s) to other establishments for a fee
- enter into business contracts
- issue invoices/receipts
- open/receive letters of credit
- provide services for fees
If you wish to ship, tranship or store goods in Singapore, you should get your parent company to appoint a local agent or distributor. You cannot use your RO to carry out these activities.
If you wish to carry on operations in Singapore, you should register a branch office or incorporate a company with ACRA.
New Company
- You can also incorporate a company in Singapore.
- You will need to apply for an Employment Pass under the EntrePass Scheme at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
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Obtain Visas And Passes
EntrePass
- The EntrePass is required for foreigners who wish to start a new private limited company in Singapore.
- The EntrePass allows registered entrepreneurs and their families to live in Singapore. You may leave and re-enter Singapore any time and it is renewable for as long as the company remains viable.
Multiple Journey Visa
- The Multiple Journey Visa is ideal for business executives who travel in and out of Singapore frequently either to attend to business matters and investments or to look for business opportunities in Singapore.
- The visa is valid for 1, 2 or 5 years.
Passes For Foreign Employees
- If your branch office, representative office or newly established business intends to hire employees from your home country, you will need to apply for Employment Passes and Work Permits.
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Taxation In Singapore
- Singapore has excellent tax benefits for small-to-midsize companies. These apply if you set up a new company here.
- For profits around S$300,000, the overall tax rate is still a low 17% (Year of Assessment 2010 onwards).
- Startups that meet certain qualifying conditions can claim for tax exemption under the Tax Exemption For Start-ups scheme:
- Capital gains taxes are generally 0%.
Singapore Branch of a Foreign Company
- A Singapore branch of a foreign company is considered resident in Singapore if the control and management of its business are exercised in Singapore. Such companies will not need to pay taxes twice on foreign-sourced income under the Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs).
- Tax residents of treaty countries, where control and management is with the overseas parent company, can also benefit under DTAs for income derived in Singapore and be exempt from paying tax in Singapore.
- You will need to prove that you are a tax resident in your home country by providing the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) with a Certificate of Residence from Non-Residents.
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Where To Seek Help
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Useful Links
Overseas Government Offices
- International Enterprise (IE) Singapore
IE Singapore has 35 overseas centres, headed by IE staff or by local representatives selected by IE. Some of the Centre Directors also function as the Commercial Secretary in the Singapore Embassy.
- Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
EDB's 21 international offices are located across North America, Europe and Asia. Their key role is to encourage foreign investment in Singapore. You can approach EDB to look for opportunities in Singapore.
Living & Working In Singapore
- Contact Singapore
Contact Singapore helps foreigners settle down in Singapore. You can approach them for help on accommodation, tours, travel information and cultural immersion programmes.
- Housing for Foreigners
JTC Corporation provides affordable housing for foreigners working or studying in Singapore. They offer apartments, houses, dormitories and home offices for rent.
Online Guides For Foreign Businesses In Singapore
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