Expand your business footprint and gain access to Singapore’s dynamic, globally connected market by establishing a branch office in the region. As one of Asia’s leading business hubs, Singapore offers a pro-business environment, world-class infrastructure, and numerous incentives for foreign businesses seeking growth opportunities. Our team is here to make the process of setting up a branch seamless and efficient, guiding you every step of the way.

Why set up a branch in Singapore?

A branch office allows your company to directly operate in Singapore while maintaining its headquarters abroad. With Singapore’s favorable tax policies, transparent regulatory framework, and strategic location, a branch office can serve as an ideal gateway for expansion into Asia and beyond. Additionally, Singapore’s double-tax treaties with numerous countries offer further benefits for multinational operations.

Key Benefits of a Branch Office in Singapore

• Market Entry and Expansion: Gain direct access to Singapore’s economy and regional markets, including Southeast Asia.
• Brand Recognition: Operate under your existing brand while capitalizing on Singapore’s reputable business environment.
• Efficient Taxation: Enjoy competitive corporate tax rates and potential tax.
• Full Ownership and Control: Retain complete ownership and management control, as the branch is an extension of your parent company.

Requirements for Setting Up a Branch in Singapore

To establish a branch office, your company must meet specific legal and regulatory requirements, including:

• Registered Office Address: The branch must have a registered address in Singapore.
• Appointed Local Agents: Appoint at least one Singapore resident as an authorized representative for compliance matters.
• Branch Name: Use the same name as your parent company, subject to approval by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
• Compliance with Singapore Law: Ensure that the branch operates in line with Singaporean laws, including employment and tax regulations.

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a separate legal entity form its partner. It can:

• Sue and be sued under its own name
• Acquire and hold property under its own name
• Use a common seal under its own name
• Perform other legal acts as allowed for corporate bodies

Can foreigner set up LLP in Singapore?

Foreigners looking to register a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in Singapore must appoint a locally resident manager. This includes Singapore citizens, permanent residents, or individuals holding an EntrePass or Employment Pass.

What is the Min and Max number of partners that an LLP can have?

There must be a minimum of two partners. However, there is no cap on the maximum number of partners.

Who can be partners of an LLP?

Partners in an LLP can be either individuals or companies.

What is the tax rate for LLP?

For income tax purposes, a LLP is treated as a partnership, not as a separate legal entity. This means the LLP is not taxed at the entity level. Instead, each partner is taxed on their share of the LLP’s income.

Where the partner is an individual, the partner’s share of income form the LLP will be taxed based on the individual income tax rare. Where the partner is a company, the partner’s share of income from the LLP will be taxed at the corporate income tax rate.

Annual Declaration

The manager of every LLP is responsible for lodging an annual declaration stating whether the LLP is solvent or insolvent.

The first annual declaration must be lodged within 15 months from the date of registration of the LLP. Subsequent declarations must be lodged once every calendar year and not more than 15 months after the lodgement of the last declaration.

Annual Income Tax Return (Form P)

All partners of an LLP are required to file an Annual Income Tax Report (Form P) to show all income earned and business expenses deducted by the partnership during the year.

E-filing of Form P is available from 1 Feb and due on 18th Apr each year.

Why Set Up a Company in the BVI?

Consider the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as an ideal jurisdiction for offshore company formation. Benefit from its low taxation, minimal compliance requirements, confidentiality, and streamlined setup process.
To regulate both offshore and local companies, the BVI introduced the BVI Business Companies Act 2004 (No. 16 of 2004). This law enables BVI business companies to engage in transactions with BVI residents and invest in BVI real estate.

Requirements for setting up a company in the BVI

• Minimum of 1 shareholder and 1 director
  (Permitted to have corporate directors and shareholders)
• Require a local registered office
• Exempted from Local Tax on foreign income
• Not required to have Company Secretary of Auditing
• Possession of a minimum paid-up capital of US$1
  (Standard authorised capital - 50,000 shares of USD1.00 par value)