Registering A Business
Singapore welcomes all forms of enterprise and investment. Much of the information you need about doing business in Singapore is available online. Here is a quick guide to some of the key issues.
1) Registering a business
All businesses must be registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This includes any individual, firm or corporation that carries out business for a foreign company.
A foreign company that wants to set up a branch in Singapore will need to appoint two local agents to act on its behalf. These agents must be Singapore residents, that is, either citizens or permanent residents, or foreigners with employment or dependant passes. Information on registering a branch of a foreign company is available here.
Special licenses are needed for some businesses such as banking, insurance and stock broking. Special licenses are also required for the manufacture of goods such as cigars and firecrackers.
A step-by-step guide to registering a business or company in Singapore is provided at the business.gov.sg website.
2) For Startups
SPRING Singapore was set up to assist young startup companies. SPRING Singapore offers startups assistance in financing, capabilities and management development, technology and innovation, and access to markets.
Click to visit SPRING Singapore’s website.
Click to visit SPRING Singapore’s website.
3) Setting up a not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are not-for-profit can be legally set up as either a society with the Registry of Societies or a company limited by guarantee with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
NGOs with charitable objectives are eligible to apply for incentives under the Charity Status and the Institution of Public Character Status within 3 months of incorporation in Singapore. Details of the conditions, application process and the application forms can be found on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website.
Other forms of support for setting up of NGOs in Singapore are available. Please contact EDB at (65) 6832 6832 for details.
NGOs with charitable objectives are eligible to apply for incentives under the Charity Status and the Institution of Public Character Status within 3 months of incorporation in Singapore. Details of the conditions, application process and the application forms can be found on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website.
Other forms of support for setting up of NGOs in Singapore are available. Please contact EDB at (65) 6832 6832 for details.
- Copyright © 2009 Singapore Economic Development Board.
- Surveys
- Rate this site
- Privacy
- Terms of use