Singapore
Company formation

Welcome to Singapore, a thriving hub of commerce in the heart of Southeast Asia. Known for its strategic location, robust economy, and pro-business environment, Singapore has long been an attractive destination for entrepreneurs from all over the world. Its reputation as a leading financial center, combined with a stable political landscape and clear regulatory framework, provides a fertile ground for business growth and innovation. Singapore’s cosmopolitan culture, coupled with its strong ties to both the East and the West, offers a unique blend that facilitates global trade and investments.

The Republic of Singapore, a city-state located at the crossroads of major shipping routes, is often dubbed the “Gateway to Asia.” With its strategic geographical position, Singapore plays a pivotal role in international trade, attracting global investors and entrepreneurs alike. The government’s forward-thinking policies, dedication to infrastructural development, and emphasis on education and innovation make it a magnet for businesses. Moreover, the nation’s commitment to maintaining an investor-friendly climate, underscored by its transparency and rule of law, provides confidence and assurance for those looking to set up operations here. With a multicultural populace and a strong emphasis on harmony and cooperation, Singapore stands as a beacon of prosperity in the region.

Why opening a company in Singapore

Singapore offers an array of fiscal benefits for entrepreneurs, making it a top choice for company incorporation. Its competitive corporate tax rate, coupled with a myriad of tax incentives and rebates, make it particularly appealing to both startups and established enterprises. The country’s strategic location provides easy access to booming markets in the region, and its world-class infrastructure ensures smooth business operations. The local government actively supports businesses through grants, funding, and training programs. Therefore, Singapore is best suited for entrepreneurs eyeing regional expansion, those in the tech and financial sectors, and businesses aiming to capitalize on the nation’s research and innovation capabilities.

Advantages

Pro-business Environment

One of Singapore’s strongest suits is its unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly ecosystem. The government actively formulates policies that spur economic growth, ease the process of business registration, and enhance regulatory transparency. This environment reduces bureaucratic red tape and allows both startups and multinational corporations to thrive.

Strategic Location

Singapore’s geographical positioning is nothing short of advantageous for businesses. Located at the crossroads of major trade routes, the country provides easy access to the burgeoning markets of Asia. Its state-of-the-art port facilities and excellent air connectivity make it a critical nexus for global trade, facilitating easy import and export of goods.

Robust Legal Framework

Singapore boasts a robust and transparent legal system that is well-regarded globally. The country’s emphasis on upholding the rule of law ensures that contracts are enforced, and intellectual property is protected. This provides businesses with the confidence that their interests are safeguarded.

Tax Incentives

The nation’s competitive tax regime is another lure for entrepreneurs. Singapore offers numerous tax incentives, exemptions, and rebates, effectively lowering the tax burden for many enterprises. Furthermore, the absence of capital gains tax and dividend taxes makes it a tax-efficient location for businesses.

Skilled Workforce

Singapore is home to a highly skilled, multilingual workforce. Its world-class educational institutions and emphasis on continuous learning ensure a steady supply of professionals equipped to meet the demands of various industries.

Disadvantages

High Living and Operational Costs

One of the primary challenges of setting up shop in Singapore is its elevated cost of living. This translates to higher operational costs for businesses, from rental fees to salaries. While the country offers numerous advantages, companies need to be prepared to bear these elevated expenses.

Stiff Competition

Its reputation as a global business hub means that Singapore is a magnet for companies from all over the world. This influx results in fierce competition across sectors, requiring businesses to constantly innovate and adapt to maintain a competitive edge.

Regulatory Changes

While the Singaporean government is pro-business, it is also vigilant in ensuring that the business environment remains fair and sustainable. This vigilance can lead to frequent regulatory changes, requiring companies to be agile and continuously updated on the latest rules and guidelines.

Limited Natural Resources

Singapore’s limited land and natural resources mean that many raw materials need to be imported, potentially raising costs for manufacturing and production businesses.

Dependency on External Markets

Due to its small domestic market, Singapore heavily relies on external markets for trade. This dependence makes the country more vulnerable to global economic fluctuations, which can impact businesses operating within its borders.

Taxes

In Singapore, the corporate income tax rate is capped at 17%. However, through various rebates and incentives, the effective rate can be significantly lower. The tax regime is territorial; thus, companies are taxed on Singapore-sourced income. Income earned outside of Singapore and remitted into the country might be exempted from taxes, under specific conditions. Furthermore, the country has established a wide network of Double Taxation Agreements with numerous countries, ensuring that income is not doubly taxed. This transparent and competitive tax system, combined with no capital gains tax, makes Singapore a tax-efficient location for businesses.

Company types in Singapore

Sole Proprietorship

A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form of business structure in Singapore. It is best suited for individuals who wish to operate a small business. The key feature is that there’s no legal distinction between the owner and the business. This means the owner is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities of the business. While it offers complete control and flexibility to the business owner, the main drawback is the unlimited liability, which can pose a considerable risk.

Partnership

A Partnership in Singapore is a business structure where two or more individuals come together to set up a business. Each partner contributes to the business in terms of capital, skills, or other resources. Like the Sole Proprietorship, partners in this setup are personally liable for the business’s debts and liabilities. It’s crucial for partners to have a well-drafted partnership agreement to define roles, responsibilities, and the distribution of profits and losses.

Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

Private Limited Companies are the most prevalent form of business incorporation in Singapore. It is a separate legal entity from its shareholders and directors, providing them with limited liability. This means that shareholders are only liable up to the amount of their share capital. The Private Limited Company structure is scalable, credible, and offers tax advantages. Its limited liability, along with various tax incentives and exemptions offered by the Singaporean government, makes it the most preferred choice for both local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Limited Liability Partnerships combine features of partnerships and companies. In an LLP, each partner is not personally liable for the wrongful acts of another partner. It offers flexibility in internal management similar to a partnership, while also providing the limited liability feature of a company. An LLP is best suited for professions where joint practice is common, like lawyers or accountants.

Please note that the costs of incorporation and other details mentioned above are approximate and could vary based on various factors, including the agency chosen for incorporation, additional services availed, and potential changes in government fees. Always consult directly with local authorities or professional agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Public Company Limited by Shares (Ltd)

Description:
A Public Company Limited by Shares in Singapore is one that has more than fifty members and its shares are available to the general public for trading, typically on a stock exchange. Unlike private limited companies which have restrictions on share transfers, public companies embrace a broad shareholder base and enhanced transparency measures due to their public trading nature.

Public companies undergo rigorous scrutiny due to their obligation towards their large shareholder base and the general public. Their accounts must be audited by an external party, and they are required to disclose their financial statements publicly, ensuring transparency.

One of the main attractions for companies to go public is to raise capital for expansion or other projects. It also provides an exit strategy for original investors and offers a form of currency for potential mergers or acquisitions in the form of shares.

VAT in Singapore

In Singapore, the Value Added Tax (VAT) is referred to as the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The current GST rate is 7%. All businesses with a turnover exceeding SGD 1 million from taxable goods and services are required to register for GST. This tax is levied on the import of goods, as well as nearly all supplies of goods and services in Singapore.

Common Questions