The parent registered here
Foreign Company Branch Registration in Singapore
A Singapore branch is the parent operating here. It is generally treated as non-resident for tax, which matters.
GCC business setup specialists
Simpler to register, worse on tax
A branch avoids forming a new company and is often quicker to establish. The trade-offs are that the parent carries liability, the parent’s accounts may have to be filed, and the branch is generally treated as non-resident for tax and so cannot access the exemptions a subsidiary might.
- Tax consequences explained before you register
- Authorised representative arranged
- Branch or subsidiary weighed properly
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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What registration involves
The shape of a Singapore branch
Most surprises here are tax surprises.
| Question | Position for a branch |
|---|---|
| Separate company? | No. The overseas company registered here. |
| Who carries liability? | The parent company. |
| Tax residence | Generally treated as non-resident, limiting access to exemptions. |
| Authorised representative | At least one ordinarily resident in Singapore. |
| Parent accounts | May have to be filed with ACRA. |
| Activities | The parent’s business carried on here. |
Incorporation and corporate secretarial filings in Singapore are made through a registered filing agent, and a foreign applicant must use one. We co-ordinate your engagement with a registered Singapore agent and manage the process end to end; the regulated filings are made by them.
How it works
Registering the branch
The tax comparison comes first.
01
Compare with a subsidiary
What each means for tax, liability and disclosure. Many groups choose a subsidiary once the tax position is explained.
02
Register
The overseas company registered as a foreign company with ACRA, with an authorised representative appointed.
03
Tax and operations
Tax position established with IRAS, bank introduction made and the filing calendar set.
- Parent certificate of incorporation
- Parent constitution
- Parent registered address and company number
- List of the parent’s directors
- Authorised representative details and residency
- Singapore address for the branch
- Description of the business carried on here
- Parent financial year end
- Parent accounts where filing is required
- Certified translations where not in English
- Details of Singapore employees, if any
- Expected Singapore turnover
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Branch or subsidiary recommendation
- Tax treatment comparison
- Registration as a foreign company
- Authorised representative arranged
- Registered office arranged
- Tax position established with IRAS
- Filing calendar set
- One adviser co-ordinating it
Not included, quoted separately
- ACRA and IRAS fees, paid at cost
- Regulated filings, made by the registered filing agent
- Certified translation of parent documents
- Parent-company accounts preparation
- Profit attribution and transfer pricing advice
- Annual filings, quoted separately
- Audit where required
- Bank account opening decisions
Verify independently
Official Singapore authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)Ministry of ManpowerCentral Provident Fund BoardSingapore CustomsIntellectual Property Office of Singapore
Questions
Singapore branch registration — FAQs
Is a branch cheaper than a subsidiary?
To establish, sometimes. Over time the tax treatment often makes a subsidiary better value, which is why we compare before you choose.
Why does tax residence matter?
A branch is generally treated as non-resident, which can limit access to exemptions and treaty benefits a resident subsidiary might claim.
Will my parent accounts become public?
They may have to be filed with ACRA, depending on the parent’s own position. We establish this before you register.
Do I need a local representative?
Yes. At least one authorised representative ordinarily resident in Singapore is required.
Can a branch employ staff?
Yes, with the usual employer obligations including CPF for eligible employees.
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