{"id":221,"date":"2012-11-07T09:32:13","date_gmt":"2012-11-07T01:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/new.3ecpa.com.sg\/?page_id=221"},"modified":"2026-05-26T23:17:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T15:17:24","slug":"foreign-company-setup-option","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/incorporation\/foreign-company-setup-option\/","title":{"rendered":"Foreign Company Setup Option"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\" id=\"wpb-content-root\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Foreign Company Setup Option in Singapore<\/h2>\n<p><center><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N1-Z28N0Q0A?si=LGj7MZC8i_GBZ8Pz&amp;rel=0\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/center><br \/>\nPlanning to expand your business into Singapore? You have three main options: a Subsidiary Company, a Branch Office, or a Representative Office. Each suits a different business goal. This guide explains what each one means, what you can and cannot do, and which is right for you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Option 1: Subsidiary Company (Recommended for Most Businesses)<\/h3>\n<p>A subsidiary is the most popular choice for foreign companies entering Singapore. It is registered as a private limited company (Pte. Ltd.) and works as a fully independent business.<\/p>\n<h4>Key features:<\/h4>\n<p>\u2022 Separate from your parent company \u2014 it has its own legal identity<br \/>\n\u2022 Your parent company is NOT liable for the subsidiary&#8217;s debts<br \/>\n\u2022 Can use a different name and run different business activities<br \/>\n\u2022 Eligible for Singapore&#8217;s low corporate tax rate (17%) and startup tax exemptions<br \/>\n\u2022 100% foreign ownership is allowed<br \/>\n\u2022 Can have up to 50 shareholders<br \/>\n\u2022 Ongoing: valid indefinitely \u2014 no expiry date<\/p>\n<h4>What you need to set it up:<\/h4>\n<p>\u2022 At least 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)<br \/>\n\u2022 At least 1 resident director (Singapore citizen, PR, or valid pass holder)<br \/>\n\u2022 A registered Singapore office address<br \/>\n\u2022 Minimum paid-up capital of just S$1<\/p>\n<h4>Tax treatment:<\/h4>\n<p>Taxed as a Singapore resident company. Eligible for tax incentives, group relief, and foreign tax credit offset.<\/p>\n<h4><b>Branch Office<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A branch office is an extension of the parent foreign company and is not treated as a separate legal entity. It must use the same name and mirror the parent company&#8217;s business activities. While it allows foreign companies to operate in Singapore, the branch\u2019s liabilities are directly tied to the parent company.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Branch offices do not qualify for local tax benefits or government incentives and require the appointment of two local agents to represent the branch. This option suits companies that wish to maintain tight control over their Singapore operations without forming a separate entity in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Representative Office<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A representative office (RO) is a temporary setup ideal for foreign companies exploring business opportunities in Singapore without engaging in commercial activities. It is not a legal entity and cannot generate income, enter into contracts, or undertake sales.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RO\u2019s primary role is limited to conducting market research and feasibility studies. Valid for up to three years, an RO provides a low-risk entry route into the Singapore market. Still, businesses must upgrade to a subsidiary or branch office to start commercial operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the Difference Between a Subsidiary, Branch Office, and Representative Office in Singapore?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This chart compares the three incorporation options for foreign companies intending to set up and operate in Singapore. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax and compliance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regulatory requirements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vary <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depending on the type of entity you choose to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">set up<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">singapore company incorporation services expert<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we aim to help owners choose the best option for their venture into Singapore and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/services\/company-setup\/singapore-company-registration-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">company registration in Singapore<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"color: #010f7c;\">\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Types of Foreign Companies&#8217; Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Subsidiary Company Set up<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Branch Office<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Representative Office<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Entity Name<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Need not be the <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">same as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the parent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> company<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must be the <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">same as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the parent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> company<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must be the <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">same as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the parent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> company<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Allowed Activities<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Can conduct all business activities<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must be the same as the parent company<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Can only conduct market research or <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coordinate <\/span>activities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Suitable For<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">For local or Foreign Companies that wish to expand their operations in Singapore<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">For Foreign Companies that wish to expand their operations in Singapore<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">For Foreign Companies that<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">want <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to set up <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a temporary<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vehicle in Singapore to conduct research and act as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> liaison office<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuing Compliance Obligations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> eg Financial Reports, Audit, AGMS, etc<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* unless<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it qualifies for a certain <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exemption<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuing Compliance Obligations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> eg Financial Reports, Audit<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> etc<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">** unless <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">qualifications and exemptions are granted<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">It is a temporary vehicle and cannot generate revenue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Ownership<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Can be 100% foreign or locally owned<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Owned 100% by the head office<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No Ownership<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Separate Legal Entity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Separate legal entity from the parent company<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Separate legal entity from the parent company<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not a legal entity; temporary setup<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Cap on Number of Members<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Yes, max 50<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not Applicable<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not Applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Minimum Setting Up Requirement<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One shareholder, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">who can<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be an Individual or corporate (100% local or foreign shareholding allowed. Must have at least one resident director to set up the Company<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must have one Singapore Resident Authorised Representative to set up the Branch<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must appoint a Chief Representative who will relocate from headquarters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Limited Liability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited liability; parent company not liable for debts<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parent company bears full liability<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parent company bears full liability<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Need for Audited Accounts<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Yes<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* unless <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it qualifies for a certain <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exemption<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Yes<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">** unless <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">qualifications and exemptions are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">granted<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Filing of Accounts with ACRA and IRAS<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Yes<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* unless<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it qualifies for a certain <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exemption<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Yes<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Annual Filing<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must file an audit report of the subsidiary<br \/>\n* unless it qualifies for a certain exemption<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must file branch offices\u2019 as well as the parent company\u2019s audit reports<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not Applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Tax Treatment<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taxed as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore resident entity, local tax benefits<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">available, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and it qualifies <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for group relief, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and can claim <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foreign tax credit<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taxed as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> non-resident entity, local tax benefits <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> not available, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do not<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> qualify for group relief, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cannot claim foreign tax credit<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not Applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Tax Benefits<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A subsidiary company, with at least one individual shareholder with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a minimum of 10 per cent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shareholding, is entitled to local tax incentives and rebates<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Partial tax exemption<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No Corporate tax. Employees have to pay personal tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Cessation of Business upon Death of a Member\/Partner<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No. Equity shares go on in perpetuity<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not Applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Validity Period<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perpetually until <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">struck off<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by ACRA or liquidated<\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Perpetually until deregistered<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temporary and renewable on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an annual<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> basis for up to 3 years only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Normal Registration Time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">1 hour<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">1 hour<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">3 \u2013 5 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Appointment of Officers<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must appoint at least one resident director to set up the Company<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must appoint one resident authorised representative to set up the Branch<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Must appoint a Chief Representative who will relocate from headquarters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Governing Body<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">ACRA &amp; IRAS<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">ACRA &amp; IRAS<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">International Enterprise Singapore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Bank Account<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Can open a bank account in Singapore<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Can open a bank account in Singapore<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Can open a bank account in Singapore to run the cost centre operations. Must be funded by the parent company.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Staff Hiring<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No restrictions on hiring local or foreign staff<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">No restrictions on hiring local or foreign staff<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Chief representative must be a staff member from the parent company. Can have only five employees.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Requirement for setup<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">&#8211; Sales turnover of the foreign entity must be more than US$250,000- No. of years of establishment of the foreign entity must be more than 3 years- Proposed No. of staff should be less than 5 people<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Local Person Requirement<\/strong><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">1 <a title=\"Singapore Nominee Director Services\" href=\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/services\/company-setup\/nominee-director-service\/\">Nominee director<\/a> is required for Company set up &#8211; $2,000 (W\/GST $2,180) per year<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">1 Local authorised representative is required<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">1 Chief representative staff member from the head office who will relocate to Singapore.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* All <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore-incorporated companies must appoint an auditor within three months of the incorporation date, unless they qualify for an audit exemption under ACRA\u2019s current \u201csmall company\u201d framework, which remains in force as of 2025. To be exempted from audit requirements, a company must satisfy all of the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a company with its financial year beginning <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1 July 2015 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(still applicable)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The company does not have any corporate shareholders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The total number of individual shareholders must be less than 20<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nnual turnover of the company must be less than S$5 million<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a company with its financial year beginning on or after 1 July 2015 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(which includes all companies assessed under the prevailing framework in 2025)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">they<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> must qualify as a small company for the immediate past two consecutive financial years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>A company qualifies as a small company if:<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a private company in the financial year in question<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(b) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> meets at least 2 of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the three<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> following criteria for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> immediate past two consecutive financial years:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(i) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">otal annual revenue is not more than $10m<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ii) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">otal assets <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> not more than $10m<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(iii) No. of employees is not more than 50.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a company which is part of a group, to qualify <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the audit exemption:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he company must qualify as a small company<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(b) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he entire group must be a \u201csmall group\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a group to be small, it must meet at least 2 of the three quantitative criteria consolidated for the past two consecutive financial years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">** A Singapore Branch that is dormant, is allowed to lodge with the Registrar, an unaudited profit and loss account <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">concerning<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> its operations in Singapore and an unaudited statement showing its assets used in and liabilities arising out of its operations in Singapore, without having to seek approval for waiver from filing of the documents of the Singapore Branch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In conclusion, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/services\/business-setup\/singapore-branch-office-setup-foreign-company-registration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">branch office is considered a non-resident company for tax purposes,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">does<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> not qualify for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">group relief<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and cannot claim foreign tax credit. Non-resident companies are not eligible for tax incentives for new start-ups or resident companies. Besides, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Branch <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Office must appoint one<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> local authorised representative to run its operations; therefore<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> most foreign companies prefer to set up a Subsidiary Company rather than a Branch Office. Last but not least, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">authorities<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have been<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tightening the assessment criteria for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/services\/business-setup\/singapore-representative-office-setup\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">setting up a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Representative Office<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in recent years. Therefore, it is not advisable to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">always<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> go with the option of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Representative Office<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn how to set up a subsidiary company, click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/services\/company-setup\/singapore-company-incorporation-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore Company Incorporation Services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for details.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_title=&#8221;CTA&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1730870221717{background-color: #126742 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;border-color: #EEEEEE !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center; color: white;\">Ready to establish your business in Singapore?<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Contact Us!&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;white&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1747126645947{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.3ecpa.com.sg%2Fcontact-us%2F&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h4>\n<div id=\"gtx-trans\" style=\"position: absolute; left: 166px; top: -9.625px;\">\n<div class=\"gtx-trans-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion title_tag=&#8221;h3&#8243; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;green&#8221; spacing=&#8221;10&#8243; gap=&#8221;10&#8243; c_align=&#8221;left&#8221; c_position=&#8221;right&#8221; active_section=&#8221;&#8221; no_fill=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1749382945295{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #12674200 !important;}&#8221;][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What is the difference between a subsidiary, a branch office, and a representative office in Singapore?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;what-is-the-difference-between-a-subsidiary-a-branch-office-and-a-representative-office-in-singapore&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A subsidiary is a separate legal entity incorporated in Singapore, offering limited liability protection and eligibility for local tax benefits. A branch office extends the foreign parent company, sharing its legal identity and liabilities. A representative office is a temporary setup without legal status and is limited to non-commercial activities like market research.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Can a foreigner open a company in Singapore as a subsidiary?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;can-a-foreigner-open-a-company-in-singapore-as-a-subsidiary&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, foreigners can open a company in Singapore by incorporating a subsidiary. The process requires at least one resident director, a registered office address, and compliance with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) regulations.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What are the requirements for Singapore company incorporation?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;what-are-the-requirements-for-singapore-company-incorporation&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To incorporate a company in Singapore, you need at least one shareholder, one resident director, a company secretary, a registered address, and a minimum paid-up capital of SGD 1.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What activities are permitted for a representative office in Singapore?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;what-activities-are-permitted-for-a-representative-office-in-singapore&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A representative office in Singapore is restricted to non-commercial activities such as market research, feasibility studies, and liaison work. It cannot engage in profit-generating activities, enter into contracts, or issue invoices.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What is the process for converting a representative office to a subsidiary or branch office in Singapore?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;what-is-the-process-for-converting-a-representative-office-to-a-subsidiary-or-branch-office-in-singapore&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To convert a representative office to a subsidiary or branch office, the foreign company must register the new entity with ACRA, appoint necessary local officers, and comply with all regulatory requirements, including obtaining relevant licenses and permits.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_title=&#8221;Author Card&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1730870221717{background-color: #126742 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;border-color: #EEEEEE !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%; text-align: left; padding: 9px; border-radius: 24px; background: transparent;\">\n<p><!-- Author Box --><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; margin-bottom: 0px; width: 100%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 96px; height: 96px; border-radius: 50%; flex-shrink: 0; margin-right: 15px; border: 2px solid #ffffff;\" src=\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Abigail-Yu.png\" alt=\"Abigail Yu\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"flex: 1;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff;\">Abigail Yu<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0px 0; font-size: 14px; color: #ffffff;\">Author<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"color: white; text-align: left;\">Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Connect Now&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;white&#8221; align=&#8221;left&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1741164803214{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fabigail-yu%2F&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Foreign Company Setup Option in Singapore Planning to expand your business into Singapore? You have three main options: a Subsidiary Company, a Branch Office, or a Representative Office. Each suits a different business goal. This guide explains what each one means, what you can and cannot do, and which is right for you.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":0,"parent":8986,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"class_list":["post-221","page","type-page","status-publish","category-incorporation-header-link","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/221\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104841,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/221\/revisions\/104841"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}