This guide gives a brief overview of how to register a company in Singapore for foreigners. We’ve made registration to incorporate a company in Singapore for foreigners easy. You will get all the knowledge from the registration process about the types of entities in Singapore.
Foreigners can register a company in Singapore the same way as in other countries. However, there are many options for entities that they can create or form. Some entities offer greater flexibility than others.
Here are some business types you can choose to register a company in Singapore for foreigners.:
1. Ordinary Partnership
A partnership is similar to a Sole Prop in almost every way. However, not just a single person owns the business but one or more partners. Foreigners must appoint a local manager to operate an ordinary partnership in Singapore.
2. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A (LLP) is a separate business entity from its partners. It can outlast any partner’s death or departure.
An LLP is the newest entity in Singapore. It can have unlimited partners and has limited liability for business risks. Although they are separate entities, LLPs do not qualify for the many business tax exemptions. Also, Singapore is popular for startup tax exemption. An LLP in Singapore must have at least one local manager.
3. Limited Partnership (LP)
A limited partnership is a business entity that consists of two general partners. They are full liability and limited liability. An LP is not a separate entity but functions in the same way as an ordinary partnership or sole proprietorship. Again, a local manager is necessary if there is no general partner or manager in Singapore.
4. Private Company
Private companies are distinct business entities defined in Chapter 50 of the Companies Act. Also, private companies are Singapore’s most flexible business entity, offering the best tax regimes.
The regulatory compliance burden for private companies in Singapore varies based on their number of members. Take, for example:
- Exempt private companies have 20 or fewer members and no corporation with a beneficial interest in the business. They are also less likely to be subject to regulatory compliance
- Private companies can employ up to 20 and 50 members. They have a standard compliance burden
- Private companies must have at least one local director. A foreigner with an Employment Pass can act as the local director for his company
- Public companies have 50 or more members and require higher compliance.
What Are the Restrictions for Foreigners?
The foreigner can sometimes act as the local officer in some cases. However, this role could be contingent on the foreign officer having the right pass.
However, there are some restrictions. For example, most business entities must have local directors or managers.
How to Register a Company in Singapore for Foreigners?
You might be curious about how to Incorporate a Company in Singapore if you plan to open a business. It is easy to register a company in Singapore. The entire process is overseen by the ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).
You must file a proposal to register a Company in Singapore. The ACRA will then approve it. However, approval is quick if your business name contains regulated words. Further, you must do the vetting, which could take several weeks.
1. Get a Business License
Before operations can start in many industries, business licenses are required for many industries. You can apply for licenses for the businesses.
2. Payroll
Singapore requires employers, as per the law, to issue itemized pay slips to employees listing gross salary, deductions, and net salary. Each employee’s employer returns (IR8A form) which needs submission to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
Some companies can make managing your workforce so easy. This will allow you to free up your time and let your business do the things you love.
3. Accounting and Tax Planning
Singapore has favorable tax systems for individuals and businesses. For the best tax benefits, foreigners establishing companies in Singapore should seek guidance from a tax professional familiar with Singapore’s taxation systems.
4. Employment Pass in Singapore Is a Necessity
When applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore, you’ll need to provide a certified copy of your international qualification and a letter from your current employer confirming your intent to work in Singapore.
Fortunately, this process is not nearly as difficult as it was five to ten years ago. You’ll find that it is still relatively easy if you have acceptable qualifications and are willing to work in Singapore. If you have a non-accredited qualification, your only option is to obtain a report from a global verification agency, such as Dataflow or Risk Management Intelligence.
A local agency typically processes an Employment Pass application. An EP can be issued to you in less than six months, requiring a certain amount of paperwork to complete. Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive a personalized IPA (In-Principle-Approval), allowing you to travel to Singapore for up to six months.
5. Data Protection
Singapore businesses must adhere to the Personal Data Protection Act. This includes the requirement for accurate and secure data. Singaporean business owners must create protocols to ensure data protection and compliance.
Also, some companies there provide various data protection services that you can outsource to meet your operational needs and ensure your business meets Singapore’s data protection requirements.
6. The Nominee Director Requirement in Singapore
If you are starting a company in Singapore, you may be wondering whether you need a nominee director. This requirement is important to comply with since it can protect your business from legal issues.
Nominee Directors are not permitted to sign declarations or contracts on behalf of the company, but this requirement is important nonetheless. Here are some of the reasons why you should be careful when selecting a nominee director:
Nominee directors are necessary for several reasons, but perhaps none is more important than to avoid red tape. A nominee director is appointed by a non-resident stakeholder or foreign company to fulfil the requirements of Singapore’s business laws.
7. Immigration and Relocation
You must obtain Singaporean legal residency and employment status as a foreign business owner. To do this, you may need to obtain an Employment Pass, Dependant Pass, or Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass). This could include applying for permanent residency (PR) or Singapore citizenship.
Singapore encourages foreigners to open businesses here. Therefore, they have made it simple to register a Company in Singapore.
Conclusion
Simply put, a foreigner requires proper documentation to register a company in Singapore. Also, the foreigner must have working permission. If the person fails to complete such requirements, registering a company in Singapore for foreigners can be a hard task. However, as now you know all the requirements to run the business comfortably in Singapore, it won’t be that tough for you.
