subject: About Singapore Branch Office Registration [print this page] About Singapore Branch Office Registration
Another popular foreign company business structure type is the Singapore Branch Office. A Branch Office functions as an extension of a foreign company that is registered outside of Singapore. The purpose of this type of business structure is to facilitate operation and revenue generation in Singapore for the foreign parent company.
A Singapore Branch Office is considered a non-resident company for tax purposes. Non-resident companies are not eligible for tax incentives for new start up or resident companies; and therefore most foreign companies prefer to set up a Subsidiary Company rather than a Branch Office.
Below are the minimum setup requirements for a Singapore Branch Office:
A certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation of foreign parent company.
A certified copy of Memorandum and Articles.
Information such as nationality, passport number and other personal information of directors of the branch office.
A memorandum executed by or on behalf of the foreign company stating the powers of the local directors, if any.
A memorandum of appointment or power of attorney stating the names and addresses of two or more residents in Singapore to act as authorized agents to perform services and accept any official notices served to the company.
According to Singapore Companies Act, foreign companies are prohibited from self-registering a Branch Office. They are only allowed to hire the services of company incorporation firm such as Rikvin, Singapore's leading specialist in registration of companies with ACRA, to assist you with the registration of a Branch Office at Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA).
Once your Singapore Branch Office is registered, it is required for you to abide with the statutory requirements set by ACRA and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Finally, here is a step-by-step guide when you choose to register a Singapore Branch Office:
Register a Singapore Branch Office. Rikvin can help you register your Branch Office.
Appoint two resident agents to represent the company in accordance with the Singapore Companies Act. The agents can be Singapore residents or appointed staff members from the foreign company who have secured the Employment Pass.
Alternatively, you can engage our Nominee Agent Service to represent your Branch Office.
Application for an Employment Pass for the appointed staff member to relocate to Singapore can only be submitted after the successful registration of the Branch Office.
