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
Register Your Business
Obtain Visas And Passes
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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Register Your Business
Branch Of A Foreign Company
- All branches must be registered with the Accounting & 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 Business Or Company
- You can also register a sole-proprietor, partnership, limited liability partnership or incorporate a company in Singapore.
- You will need to apply for an Employment Pass under the EntrePass Scheme at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- Information on the various business structures in Singapore and how to register can be found in the "Register your business" section.
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Obtain Visas And Passes
EntrePass
- The EntrePass is required for foreigners who wish to start a new business 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 business remains viable.