Singapore, often referred to as the “Lion City,” has emerged as a global hub for business and innovation. It offers a welcoming environment for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish their presence in Asia. With its strategic location, robust legal framework, political stability, and business-friendly policies, Singapore has become a top choice for many foreign investors.
If you’re a foreign entrepreneur considering incorporating your business in Singapore, there are several key considerations you should keep in mind. In this blog, we’ll explore these essential factors to help you navigate the process successfully.
Points to Consider for Foreign Entrepreneurs While Incorporating a Business in Singapore
1. Business Structure:
Choosing the right business structure is a fundamental decision that can significantly impact your business’s operations and liabilities. Singapore offers several options when it comes to business structures:
a. Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest form of business structure, where the owner is personally responsible for all aspects of the business. It is not a separate legal entity, which means the owner has unlimited liability.
b. Partnership: Partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing the responsibility, profits, and losses of the business. Like sole proprietorships, partnerships do not offer limited liability.
c. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): An LLP provides some degree of limited liability to its partners while allowing them to manage the business directly. It’s a suitable option for professional services firms.
d. Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd): The Private Limited Company is the most common and preferred choice for foreign entrepreneurs. It offers a separate legal identity, limited liability, and ease of raising capital. Shareholders are not personally liable for the company’s debts.
Choosing a Private Limited Company is often recommended for foreign entrepreneurs due to its advantages in terms of legal protection and credibility.
2. Eligibility and Compliance:
Before proceeding with incorporation, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and understand the compliance requirements. Here are the key elements:
a. Director Requirements: At least one director must be a Singapore resident, Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass holder. It’s common for foreign entrepreneurs to appoint a local nominee director if they don’t meet this requirement.
b. Shareholder: You need at least one shareholder, which can be the same person as the director.
c. Registered Office Address: You should have a registered office address in Singapore is mandatory. This address is where all official correspondence will be sent.
d. Company Secretary: You need to appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation to ensure compliance with administrative and statutory requirements.
e. Minimum Paid-up Capital: While the minimum paid-up capital required is just S$1, it’s advisable to allocate a more substantial amount depending on your business needs.
Additionally, be aware of industry-specific regulations, licenses, or permits that might apply to your business. Certain sectors, such as finance or healthcare, may have specific requirements or licensing procedures.
3. Taxation:
Understanding the tax implications for your chosen business structure and operations is crucial for financial planning. It’s to your advantage that Singapore does offer a favourable tax regime:
a. Corporate Tax: Singapore’s corporate tax rate is capped at 17%, but various incentives and exemptions are available to reduce the effective tax rate. For instance, newly incorporated companies may enjoy full tax exemptions on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income for the first three consecutive years that they are in operation.
b. Goods and Services Tax (GST): Singapore applies an 8% GST to most goods and services. Additionally, there is a planned increment in the GST rate, which is set to rise to 9% by 2024. Businesses must register for GST when their taxable turnover surpasses SGD 1 million.
c. Withholding Tax: Be aware of withholding tax obligations, especially if your business involves payments to non-resident individuals or companies. Take note that Singapore does have a network of double taxation avoidance agreements to mitigate double taxation.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the tax implications for your business structure and operations in Singapore:
- The tax residency of a company is determined by the place where its control and management is exercised. This means that a company can be resident in Singapore even if it is incorporated in another country.
- Resident companies are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-resident companies are only taxed on their Singapore-sourced income.
- Singapore has a one-tier taxation system, which means that dividends paid by Singapore-resident companies are tax-exempt when in the hands of the shareholders.
- There are a number of tax incentives available for businesses that invest in research and development, internationalisation, and innovation.
If you are planning to start or operate a business in Singapore, it is important to seek professional advice to help you manage your accounting and taxation as per your business structure and operations.
4. Immigration and Work Passes:
If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your business, obtaining the right work pass or visa is essential. Options include:
- Employment Pass (EP): Commonly used by foreign business owners and skilled professionals.
- EntrePass: Specifically designed for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish or operate a business in Singapore.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to the application process for the relevant pass.
5. Intellectual Property Protection:
Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is vital in a competitive business environment. Singapore offers a strong framework for IP protection, including trademark, patent, and copyright registration. As a signatory to various international IP agreements, Singapore provides a solid foundation for safeguarding your intellectual assets.
6. Banking and Finance:
Setting up a bank account in Singapore is straightforward, but it’s crucial to choose a bank that aligns with your business needs. Singapore’s robust financial sector offers various services, including multi-currency accounts and online banking, to facilitate international business transactions.
7. Compliance and Reporting:
After incorporating your business, you need to ensure you meet all the statutory requirements. Singapore has stringent compliance requirements to ensure transparency and accountability. To avoid legal issues, businesses must:
- Maintain proper accounting records.
- File annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- Hold annual general meetings.
- Comply with tax filing requirements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Conclusion
Incorporating your business in Singapore for foreign entrepreneurs can be a rewarding endeavour, given the country’s supportive business environment and numerous opportunities. However, it’s crucial to carefully consider the factors mentioned above to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process.
Seeking guidance from professional corporate service providers with expertise in Singapore’s regulatory landscape can also be invaluable. With the right planning and execution, Singapore can be an excellent place to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
