Singapore - Establishing an Office Singapore - Establishing an Office
American firms wishing to establish a presence in Singapore have several straightforward options to do so. They can establish a Representative Office (RO), register as a Branch of their parent company, or incorporate as a Singapore company. General information on establishing an office can be found online.
If an American company wishes to operate in Singapore, it should register a branch office or incorporate a local company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA publishes an excellent guide that takes first-time registrants through the process of establishing a branch office or incorporating in Singapore.
Representative Office
Setting up a Representative Office (RO) in Singapore is an option for American firms to explore business opportunities in Singapore and the region. ROs in banking and insurance need to register with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and meet the guidelines or requirements laid out by the MAS. ROs in all other industries need to register with Enterprise Singapore.
ROs can only carry out market research, conduct feasibility studies or work as a liaison on behalf of the parent company. ROs may not conduct business directly or on behalf of the parent company. ROs cannot ship, transship, or store goods in Singapore. American firms can either work through an agent or distributor to do so or establish their own commercial presence.
Branch Office
For Branch Offices, the Companies Act requires a foreign company to appoint a minimum of one authorized representative, who is ordinarily a resident in Singapore, i.e. one who is a Singaporean Citizen, a Singapore Permanent Resident, or a person who has been issued an EntrePass.
Establishing a Singapore Business
American firms can also register a sole-proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, or incorporate a company in Singapore. For a sole proprietorship the process takes about one day, while more complex business entities can take up to six weeks and require lawyers and accountants to assist with incorporation documents. A point to bear in mind is that registration/incorporation of a company does not automatically mean that expatriate staff can be assigned to Singapore. Foreign staff must obtain employment passes from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.