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Setting Up a Representative Office in Singapore
A presentation brought to you by Lawyers-Singapore.com
1
Types of Structures in Singapore
• The economic development of Singapore has led to an increasing number of foreign companies setting up operations here.
• Among the types of structures available for registration for foreign entities are branch offices, subsidiaries and representative or liaison offices.
2
What is a Singapore Representative Office?
• The representative office is a structure with no legal status.
• A Singapore liaison office is not allowed to engage in any commercial activity in Singapore.
• Our Singapore lawyers can provide you with a detailed definition of the liaison office.
3
Why Set Up a Liaison in Singapore?
• Representative offices are suitable for companies wanting to have a permanent establishment in Singapore and benefit from the city-state’s double tax agreements.
• Since 2012 foreign enterprises may register liaison offices for a maximum period of three years after which the status of the company must be changed and registered with the Singapore Trade Register.
4
Services Offered by a Liaison Office in Singapore
• The Singapore liaison office is only allowed to carry out activities with a non-commercial purpose, such as:
marketing and feasibility studies;
customer support activities;
act as a contact point between the parent company and business partners in Singapore.
5
Setting Up a Representative Office in Singapore
• Foreign companies are subject to several conditions in order to be allowed to open representative offices in Singapore:
the company must be registered for at least three years in its country of origin;
it must have a minimum sales return of 250,000 US dollars;
it must have a maximum number of five employees.
6
Documents for Opening a Singapore Liaison Office
• When starting a liaison office in Singapore, the parent company must submit the following the documents:
a prescribed application form duly completed;
the parent company’s certificate of incorporation;
the foreign company’s last annual report and audited accounts;
a declaration stating to comply with the Terms and Conditions regulating representative offices in Singapore.
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Other Requirements for a Liaison Office in Singapore
• The Singapore representative office must renew its status every year and must bear the name of the parent company.
• If the liaison office will employ Singapore citizens or bring any staff member from the parent company, employment visas will be required for the foreign employees.
8
Assistance in Opening a Liaison Office in Singapore
• The documentation related to opening a representative office must be filed with International Enterprise by a professional or by a law firm in Singapore.
• If you need assistance in setting up a liaison office in the city-state, do not hesitate to contact our Singapore lawyers.
9
Thank you for your attention!
For more information, please contact us at:
+ 852 8191 3385
www.lawyers-singapore.com10
