Do you need to set up a branch in Singapore? (Expert answer)

Expanding your business into Singapore? A branch office might be the right move.

It gives foreign companies direct market access while maintaining full control. But how does it work, and what should you consider before setting up?

Global Link Asia Consulting has spoken to an ACRA officer who helps businesses expand into Singapore. He shared key insights on setting up a branch office, tax implications, and operational challenges.

With his rich knowledge, we will break down the step-by-step process, legal requirements, and expert tips to help you successfully set up a branch office in this guide.

1. What is a branch office?

A branch office is an extension of a foreign company that operates in Singapore.

Unlike a subsidiary, it’s not a separate legal entity—meaning the parent company is fully liable for its debts and obligations.

This setup allows foreign companies to establish a presence, engage in business activities, and generate revenue in Singapore while staying connected to their headquarters.

Key features of a branch office are:

• Operate under the same name as the parent company;
• Conduct profit-generating activities;
• Compliance requires at least one locally resident agent. (A person who works in Singapore to manage the branch)

2. Why do some foreign companies choose to register a branch over a subsidiary or a representative office?

Choosing the right business structure in Singapore is crucial. 

Some companies opt for a branch office for its unique benefits.

Here’s why:

3. How to open a branch in Singapore? (Simple guide)

3.1. Key requirements for branch registration

If you decide to incorporate a branch office, this is a strategic move—but there are key requirements you need to meet.

Here’s what you need:

•  1 Corporate Shareholder
•  1 Singapore resident agent
• A Registered office address in Singapore

Unlike local companies, foreign businesses can’t self-register a branch office. The Singapore Companies Act requires you to work with a registered filing agent. (Professional corporate provider).

That’s where Global Link Asia Consulting can help you.

As Singapore’s leading corporate services provider, we handle the entire process for you legally, quickly and professionally from A-Z.  If your documents are ready, we can have your branch office registered with ACRA in 1 day.

Want expert guidance? Let’s get started today. 

Once you find a reliable partner like Global Link Asia Consulting, the incorporation process is hassle-free.

3.2. pStep-by-step Process to register a Branch office in Singapore

Setting up a branch office is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get it done with our expert support.

Step 1: Reserve your branch name

Your branch name must match your parent company’s name. Submit a name application to ACRA (Singapore’s company registrar). Approval usually takes within a day unless further review is needed.

Step 2: Prepare the required documents

these documents are ready:

1. A certified copy of your parent company’s certificate of incorporation;
2. Your parent company’s constitution or memorandum & articles of association;
3. Details of your Singapore Resident Agent (Copy of Singapore Identity Card or Copy of passport if the individual is not a citizen of Singapore);
4. A board resolution authorizing the branch setup.

We will prepare the necessary registration documents and email them to you for signing.

Step 3: Register with ACRA

Submit your application via BizFile+, ACRA’s online portal. If everything is in order, approval happens within 24 hours.

Step 4: Set up your registered office

Your branch must have a registered address in Singapore. This is where official communications from the government will be sent.

We will help you find an office that meets your needs in Singapore.

Step 5: Obtain Employment Pass

Non-resident staff acting as agents and relocating to Singapore must obtain an Employment Pass. We help you prepare documents and obtain the employee's employment Pass from MOM.

Step 6: Open a corporate bank account

Once registered, you’ll need a Singapore business bank account for local transactions. Different banks have different requirements, so choosing the right one is crucial.

Opening your bank account is just the beginning. To ensure smooth operations, your branch office must meet Singapore’s regulatory requirements. 

4. How to manage your branch office in Singapore the right way?

Compliance is key to avoiding penalties and maintaining a good standing. In summary, your branch office must:

• File annual  (audited) financial statements;
• Adhere to tax obligations;
• Maintain proper corporate records.

4.1. File financial statements

Foreign companies must submit their financial statements and those of their Singapore branches to ACRA every year.

If a foreign company is listed or any other exchanges (in Singapore or overseas), it must submit financial statements that follow the listing rules of the stock exchange where it is listed.

If a foreign company is not listed, the reporting depends on its accounting standards:

1. If the financial statements follow accounting standards similar to IFRS, these can be submitted;
2. If it follows other accounting standards from its home country, those statements can be submitted. The audit must comply with the home country’s laws;
3. If it does not meet either of the above, it can submit unaudited summary financial statements.

Summary financial statements must include:

• A balance sheet (statement of financial position)
• A profit & loss statement (statement of comprehensive income)
• Key accounting policies
• A director’s statement, signed by two directors (or one, if only one is registered with ACRA)

If the financial statements are not in English, both the original and translated versions must be submitted.

All Singapore branches must submit audited financial statements to ACRA.

These statements must:

• Show profits/losses from operations in Singapore
• Include assets and liabilities related to Singapore operations

The only exceptions for the required audited financial statements submission are either a company is dormant (no business transactions) or ACRA has approved the skip of the audit.

4.2. Adhere to tax obligations

A branch office in Singapore is taxed on profits earned there. The corporate tax rate is 17% on chargeable income. 

If a branch office's taxable revenue exceeds SGD 1 million in a year, it must register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

A Singapore branch office must comply with annual filing requirements set by ACRA and IRAS:

File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) with IRAS

Within 3 months after the financial year-end, the branch must report:

• Revenue earned
• Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) (profit after excluding capital gains and asset disposals)
• File Annual Income Tax Returns with IRAS

Singapore uses a preceding-year tax basis (income from last year is taxed this year).

Filing deadlines are

1. Paper filing: November 30
2. E-filing: December 15

4.3. Maintain proper records

A Singapore branch office must keep all business and financial records for at least five years from the end of the relevant financial year.

These records include:

• Financial statements (profit & loss statements, balance sheets);
• Tax records (ECI filings, income tax returns, GST submissions);
• Invoices and receipts (both issued and received);
• Bank statements and accounting records;
• Contracts, agreements, and other supporting documents;

Records must be kept in an organized manner, either in physical or digital form.

5. How can Global Link Asia Consulting help you set up a branch office in Singapore?

Just getting started to build your presence in Singapore and expand to Southeast Asia? First, define your business goals—Are you expanding sales? Entering a new market? Testing Singapore’s potential?

Once you’re clear, we’ll handle the rest:

• Register your branch hassle-free
• Set up banking & compliance smoothly
• Manage taxes & GST to keep you compliant
• Optimize operations for long-term success

Take the first step—We’ll guide you from there.
A solid setup is key, but sustainable growth makes the difference. Let’s build both.

6. FAQs about branch registration in Singapore

With over a decade of experience serving as a trusted partner to more than 750 business owners seeking professional development and breakthroughs in the international market, we are an  expert strategic corporate service provider helping you incorporate and operate successfully in 10 different countries

Our areas of expertise include:

• Strategic Consulting and Company formation in over 10 different countries worldwide such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.S., Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and offshore destinations like BVI, Belize, Seychelles, and more.
• Account opening for personal and corporate bank accounts, as well as setting up PayPal and Stripe gateqays in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S..
• Tax Consulting and Preparation for SFRS IFRS financial reports, corporate income tax returns, VAT/GST (Value Added Tax/Goods and Services Tax), and more.
• Opreation support:
• Registered adress;
• Foreign consular legalization;
• Trademark and patent protection registration in Singapore and the US;
• Employment Pass application in Singapore and Hong Kong;
• Website design, international SIM number provision;
• DUNS registration.

With over 10 years of experience and a team of experts with 5 to 25 years of experience (international standard certifications) as well as direct partnerships with institutions such as OCBC, UOB, DBS, PayPal, and Stripe, we are proud to offer professional, legal, transparent, sustainable services with no hidden costs.

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