Belaws Singapore
  • singapore
  • Juridique
    • Juridiques
      • Tous les services juridiques
      • Urgent. Conseil le jour même
      • Consultation juridique immédiate
      • Revue de Document
      • Prepare a legal document
      • Draft
    • Our expertise
      • Droit du travail
      • Fusions & acquisitions
      • Banque & finance
      • Immobilier
      • Contrats & accords
      • Blockchain
      • Propriétés Intellectuelles
      • Expertise fiscale
      • Contentieux civil, médiation & arbitrage
      • Transactions commerciales
      • Droit numérique
      • Due Diligence & Investigation
      • Autres expertises
      • Veuillez noter que ce #Ebook ne constitue pas un avis juridique et ne doit être utilisé qu'à des fins d'information.
  • Sociétes
  • Incorporation
    • Création d'entreprise
      • Tous les services d'incorporation
      • Entrée sur le marché
      • Vérification de la faisabilité de l'entreprise
      • Étude de marché
      • Stratégie d'entrée
    • Type d'entreprise
      • BOI Company
      • Société Privée À Responsabilité Limitée
      • Representative Office
      • U.S Treaty of Amity company
      • Branch Office
      • International Business Center
    • Business Licenses
      • Foreign Business License
      • E-commerce License
      • Factory License
      • Important License
  • Comptabilité & Administratif
    • Comptabilité & Administratif
      • Tous les services de comptabilité & Administratif
      • Urgent. Conseil le jour même
      • Consultation Immédiate
      • Revue de Document
    • Corporate
      • Secrétaire général de la société
      • Ouverture d'un compte bancaire
      • Rédaction de procès-verbal
      • Changement de dirigeant
      • Transfert d'actions
      • Changement d'adresse
      • Augmentation du capital
      • Assemblée Générale Ordinaire (AGO)
      • Assemblée Générale Extraordinaire (AGE)
      • Cessation d'activité
      • Notarisation & Traductions
      • Notarisation & légalisation
      • Translation documents
    • Comptabilité
      • Comptabilité et Déclarations Fiscales
      • Audit Annuel
      • Paie
      • Externalisation de la paie
      • Impôts
      • Immatriculation à la TVA
      • Impôt sur le Revenu des sociétés
      • Impôt sur le Revenu des personnes physiques
  • Visas
    • Visas
      • Tous les services de visas
      • Urgent. Conseil le jour même
      • Consultation Immédiate
      • Revue de Document
    • Travailler à Singapour
      • Visa & Carte d'emploi
      • Retirement Visa
      • Visa de Mariage
      • Modifier le type de visa
      • Voir toutes les options de visa
    • work in thailand
      • PEO Services
      • Non Immigrant B Visa
      • Work Permit
      • BOI Visa & Work Permit
      • Modifier le type de visa
  • blog
  • S'inscrire
  • CONNEXION
    • fr_FRFrançais
    • en_USEnglish
  • Menu Menu
  • Belaws – Home
  • Belaws – Thailand
  • Belaws – Hong-Kong
  • Belaws – Cambodia
  • Belaws – Vietnam
  • S'inscrire
  • CONNEXION
  •  
  • Juridiques
  • Création d'entreprise
  • Comptabilité et Administratif
  • Visas
  •  
  • Consultation Immédiate
  •  
  • Blog
  •  
  • CONTACT
Belaws Home ›› Singapour ›› Blog ›› Maximizing Your Business Potential: A Guide to Tax Incentives for Companies in Singapore

Understanding the Process of Setting Up a Representative Office in Singapore

26/05/2023

With its strategic location and business-friendly policies, Singapore has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment. Many entrepreneurs and businesses have set their sights on Singapore to explore new opportunities. If you are one of those entrepreneurs considering expanding your business in Singapore, setting up a representative office may be a suitable option. 

In this article, we will guide you through setting up a representative office in Singapore. We will cover the requirements, the registration process, and the benefits of setting up a representative office.

Register of nominee shareholders

What is a Representative Office?

An overseas company looking to explore business opportunities in Singapore may consider setting up a Representative Office to test the market and determine the viability of establishing a business in the region. However, certain restrictions and guidelines must be followed. For example, a Representative Office can only be set up for three years. Representative Offices can only engage in the collection of market information for the offshore parent company.

What are the advantages of a Representative Office in Singapore?

Representative Offices offer the following advantages for foreign entities looking to establish a presence in Singapore.

  • No registration requirements with ACRA
  • No minimum capital requirements
  • No need to file any financial or other statutory returns with authorities in Singapore
  • Low maintenance cost from a compliance perspective due to operating limits
  • Allowed to obtain a central registration number to import and export sample products and materials from the parent company.

What are the Disadvantages of a Representative Office in Singapore?

While Representative Offices offer significant advantages, especially the minimal regulatory requirements, some drawbacks exist.

  • A Representative Office is limited to promotion and liaison activities, market research, and organizing activities for foreign companies.
  • A Representative Office is not allowed to engage in profit-making activities, sign contracts, raise invoices or letters of credit, or engage in trading activities.
  • A Representative Office is not a separate legal entity; the parent company is liable for all its liabilities.
  • A Representative Office can operate for a maximum of three years and must be renewed annually.

What Activities are Restricted for a Representative Office in Singapore?

Activities not permitted for a Representative Office in Singapore include:

  • Engaging in trade
  • Offering consultancy services
  • Entering into or negotiating business contracts or issuing invoices
  • Leasing warehouses
  • Sourcing or identifying suppliers
  • Engaging in promotional activities such as advertising or marketing

What are the requirements for setting up a Representative Office in Singapore?

Setting up a Representative Office in Singapore comes with certain requirements and procedures that must be followed. Here is a list of the requirements and documents necessary for registration:

Requirements:

  • The foreign entity must have a sales turnover of more than US$250,000
  • The foreign entity must have been established for more than three years
  • The proposed number of staff for the representative office should not exceed five people

Documents:

  • Foreign entity’s certificate of incorporation or registration certificate (in soft copy)
  • Foreign entity’s latest audited accounts (in soft copy)
  • It’s important to note that the application to be registered as a representative office should be made with Enterprise Singapore, and a processing fee of S$200 per year is applicable. 

How do I set up a Representative Office in Singapore?

To successfully register a Representative Office in Singapore, the following steps must be completed:

  • Fill out the application form to register a representative office.
  • Prepare and submit the required documents, which include the foreign entity’s certificate of incorporation and the latest audited accounts.
  • Respond to any additional questions or requests for information from the authorities.
  • Apply for an employment pass for the staff member who will be relocating to Singapore from the head office, upon approval of the representative office registration.
  • The approval process typically takes about one week, after which the establishment of the representative office can be confirmed.

What else should I know?

Once approved, the registration of a Representative Office in Singapore:

  • is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
  • can only be renewed for a maximum of three years.
  • after three years, the parent company must upgrade the Representative Office to a subsidiary or branch office.

How can Belaws help?

If you have a question about Representative Offices in Singapore, please speak directly with one of our experts.

Talk to an expert

You can also view our Singapore incorporation services here.

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Our consultations last for a period of 1 hour and are conducted by our expert lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.

Consultations can be hosted via WhatsApp or Video Conferencing software for your convenience. A consultation with one of our Blockchain experts is undoubtedly the best way to get all the information you need and answer any questions you may have about your new business or project.

Jusqu'à 1 heure

Web conferencing details provided upon confirmation

$150 USD

Book now

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my GST number in Singapore?

You can register your GST number in Singapore by submitting an application online through the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) website using your SingPass or CorpPass account. Alternatively, you can also submit a hard copy of the application form to the IRAS.

Who needs to register for GST in Singapore?

Businesses that make taxable supplies of goods and services and have an annual turnover of more than S$1 million are required to register for GST in Singapore. However, businesses that have an annual turnover of less than S$1 million may choose to register for GST voluntarily.

When should I register for GST in Singapore?

You should register for GST in Singapore within 30 days of your business exceeding the annual turnover threshold of S$1 million, or if you anticipate that your business will exceed the threshold within the next 12 months.

What does it mean to be GST registered in Singapore?

Being GST registered in Singapore means that your business is registered with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and is authorized to charge GST on taxable goods and services provided to customers. GST-registered businesses can also claim input tax credits on GST paid on business purchases and expenses.

Is GST number the same as business number in Singapore?

No, GST number and business number are not the same in Singapore. A GST number is a unique identification number assigned by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to businesses that are registered for GST. On the other hand, a business number in Singapore generally refers to the Unique Entity Number (UEN) which is a standard identification number used by government agencies to identify businesses.

Related Articles

Guide to Filing Corporate Tax Returns in Singapore: What You Need to Know

31/05/2023
This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to filing corporate tax returns in Singapore.
mai 31, 2023/par jonathan

Understanding the Process of Setting Up a Representative Office in Singapore

26/05/2023
If you are an entrepreneur considering expanding your business in Singapore, setting up a representative office may be a suitable option.
mai 26, 2023/par jonathan

Maximizing Your Business Potential: A Guide to Tax Incentives for Companies in Singapore

24/05/2023
One of the key advantages of doing business in Singapore is the range of tax incentives available to businesses.
mai 24, 2023/par jonathan
  • Visa

Exploring the Benefits of the ONE Pass in Singapore

By jonathan / juin 7, 2023
07/06/2023 ingapore has introduced the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) further to enhance its position as a global...
Read More
  • Corporates

Guide to Filing Corporate Tax Returns in Singapore: What You Need to Know

By jonathan / mai 31, 2023
31/05/2023 This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to filing corporate tax returns in Singapore.
Read More
  • Corporates

Understanding the Process of Setting Up a Representative Office in Singapore

By jonathan / mai 26, 2023
26/05/2023 If you are an entrepreneur considering expanding your business in Singapore, setting up a representative office may be a...
Read More
  • Corporates

Maximizing Your Business Potential: A Guide to Tax Incentives for Companies in Singapore

By jonathan / mai 24, 2023
24/05/2023 One of the key advantages of doing business in Singapore is the range of tax incentives available to businesses.
Read More
  • Corporates

Top Reasons to Start a Company in Singapore in 2023: Opportunities and Advantages

By jonathan / mai 2, 2023
02/05/2023 In this blog post, we'll explore why you should start a company in Singapore in 2023.
Read More
  • Corporates

Registered Capital Requirements in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

By jonathan / avril 26, 2023
26/04/2023 If you're planning to start a business in Singapore, one of the key requirements you'll need to fulfill is...
Read More
  • Corporates
  • Impôts

Complete Guide to GST Registration in Singapore for Foreign Businesses

By jonathan / avril 18, 2023
18/04/2023 Complete Guide to GST Registration in Singapore for Foreign Businesses
Read More
  • Visa

The Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass): Your Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility and Application Process

By jonathan / avril 11, 2023
11/04/2023 The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) – is a work visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business...
Read More
  • Corporates

Understanding the Three Types of Shareholder Meetings Held in Singapore Companies

By jonathan / avril 10, 2023
10/04/2023 When running a business in Singapore, holding shareholder meetings is an essential part of the process.
Read More
  • Corporates

Get Your Guide to Applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore

By jonathan / février 28, 2023
28/02/2023 Learn how to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore with this comprehensive guide. Get step-by-step instructions and...
Read More
+66 (0) 92 990 1046

Ouvert du Lundi au Vendredi
9h - 18h (Heure de Paris + 6h)

ÉCRIVEZ-NOUS

SERVICES

Juridiques

Création d'entreprise

Comptabilité et Administratif

Visas

Consultation ImmédiateNouveau

A propos

Qui sommes-nous

Nous rejoindre

Presse et médias

Conditions d'utilisation

Politique de confidentialité

Ressources

Blog Belaws Singapour

Our Offices

Thailand

Singapour

Hong Kong

Cambodia

Vietnam

Belaws 2017 - 2023 | Belaws se limite à fournir des informations et un logiciel. Belaws n'est pas un "service de mise en relation avec des avocats" et ne fournit pas de services juridiques ni ne participe à aucune représentation juridique. Belaws n'est pas un cabinet d'avocats ou un substitut à un avocat ou à un cabinet d'avocats. L'utilisation de Belaws est soumis à ses Conditions d'utilisation.

Maximizing Your Business Potential: A Guide to Tax Incentives for Companies... Guide to Filing Corporate Tax Returns in Singapore: What You Need to Know
Faire défiler vers le haut