Singapore Subsidiary Registration Process Explained

How to Register a Branch in Singapore? A Comprehensive Guide!

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and the rapid economic development in Southeast Asia, more and more enterprises have turned their attention to Singapore, an international business hub. As one of the most competitive economies in Asia, Singapore has attracted numerous multinational companies to set up branches or offices here due to its favorable geographical location, efficient services, transparent legal system, and open commercial environment. However, for Chinese companies entering the Singapore market for the first time, how to smoothly register a branch is a complex and cumbersome process. This article will provide you with a detailed interpretation of the entire process of registering a branch in Singapore and offer practical suggestions based on recent news hotspots.

Why Choose Singapore?

Singapore is known as the Eastern Switzerland, providing investors with an ideal business environment through its stable political situation, sound financial system, and world-class infrastructure. According to the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook, Singapore has topped the list of the most competitive economies globally for five consecutive years. Singapore has signed Free Trade Agreements FTAs with many countries, creating convenient conditions for enterprises to expand into international markets. For instance, recently, Singapore and China signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP, further strengthening trade relations between the two sides. For enterprises looking to expand into the Asia-Pacific market, Singapore is undoubtedly an attractive choice.

Preparations Before Registration

Before submitting the application, enterprises need to make adequate preparations. First, it is crucial to clarify the purpose and scope of establishing a branch. Singapore allows foreign companies to engage in various business activities locally, but they must ensure that the main business complies with the regulations of the Singapore Economic Development Board EDB. Second, enterprises should determine an appropriate company name. According to the requirements of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the company name must not duplicate existing ones and cannot contain any words that may cause confusion. For example, earlier this year, a Chinese e-commerce company was rejected for using the name Alibaba when submitting its company name, which reminds us to be particularly cautious when naming the company.

Registration Process in Detail

1. Determine the Company Type

Singapore allows foreign companies to establish wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or representative offices locally. Among these, wholly-owned subsidiaries are the most common form because they can operate independently and enjoy full legal person status. In contrast, representative offices cannot engage in profit-making activities and are limited to client liaison and brand promotion. If you plan to develop long-term and conduct substantive business operations in Singapore, it is recommended to prioritize setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary.

2. Capital Requirements

Singapore does not have strict regulations on the minimum registered capital, but it is usually advisable to set at least 10,000 Singapore dollars to demonstrate the financial strength of the enterprise. It should be noted that the registered capital is not the actual amount paid in, but the total amount of funds committed by shareholders. Even if the registered capital is high, it does not mean that the full amount needs to be paid at once.

3. Submit Application Materials

After completing the preliminary preparation, enterprises need to submit the registration application through ACRA's online platform. The required documents include, but are not limited to

Certified Memorandum and Articles of Association

Identity proof documents of directors and secretaries

Proof of company address such as lease contract or purchase contract

List of shareholders and their shareholding ratios

It is worth noting that since 2025, Singapore has implemented stricter anti-money laundering regulations, requiring all directors and shareholders to undergo background checks. This change reflects the global community's attention to combating illegal fund flows, while also increasing the compliance costs for enterprises.

4. Obtain the License

Once the application materials are reviewed and approved, ACRA will issue a Certificate of Incorporation. Afterward, the enterprise still needs to register for a tax account with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS and handle work permit procedures for employees. Recently, due to the post-pandemic economic recovery, Singapore has relaxed restrictions on the entry of foreign talents, which is undoubtedly good news for enterprises urgently needing to introduce professional skills.

Subsequent Operational Considerations

After successfully registering the branch, enterprises still need to continuously pay attention to the following matters

Annual Reporting Enterprises must submit annual reports AR to ACRA on time each year; otherwise, they risk fines or even revocation of the license.

Tax Planning Singapore adopts the territorial principle of taxation, meaning only income generated in Singapore is taxed. Reasonable arrangements for cross-border transactions can help reduce overall tax burdens.

Intellectual Property Protection Given that Singapore is an important hub for intellectual property-intensive industries, enterprises should promptly register trademarks, patents, and other intangible assets to avoid infringement.

Conclusion

In summary, although registering a branch in Singapore is not easy, as long as enterprises follow the above steps and remain patient, most can complete the process successfully. It is worth mentioning that Singapore has introduced various supportive policies, such as the Entrepass and Global Innovation Network GIN programs, aimed at attracting innovative enterprises and high-potential entrepreneurs to settle down. In the future, with the in-depth implementation of the RCEP agreement, Singapore is expected to become a bridge connecting China and ASEAN countries, bringing more development opportunities for enterprises. If you are planning to enter this fertile land, be sure to do your homework in advance and seize every key link to turn your dreams into reality!