Start a Business Overview Singapore
Singapore is known for being a business-friendly country, and starting a business there can be a relatively smooth process. Here's a quick overview of the steps involved:
1. Choose a Business Structure:
The first step is to decide what kind of business entity you want to register. Common options include a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a private limited company. Each structure has its own pros and cons in terms of liability, ownership, and taxes.
2. Secure a Business Address:
You'll need a registered business address in Singapore. This can be a commercial space or even a home address under certain schemes.
3. Reserve a Business Name:
Check for name availability and reserve your desired business name with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
4. Register Your Business:
The actual registration process can be done online via ACRA's BizFile service. You'll need to submit some basic information and pay a registration fee.
5. Open a Corporate Bank Account:
Once registered, open a dedicated business bank account to manage your company's finances.
Additional Considerations:
Licenses and Permits: Depending on your industry, you might need additional licenses or permits to operate legally.
Taxes: Understanding your tax obligations is crucial. Singapore has a corporate tax rate of 17%.
Government Assistance: Several government schemes and grants can help fund and support your business.
More Detailed Information
Diving deeper into starting a business in Singapore:
Choosing a Business Structure:
Sole Proprietorship: Simplest structure, but owner has unlimited liability for business debts. Suitable for low-risk, small businesses.
Partnership: Two or more people co-own and manage the business. Partners share profits and losses based on their agreement, and also share liability.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most popular option, offering limited liability protection for owners (shareholders). Requires a minimum of one shareholder and one director.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Similar to LLC but offers more flexibility in internal management structure. Suitable for professional firms like accounting or architecture.
Business Registration Process:
Reserve Your Name: ACRA's online portal allows name checks and reservations for a small fee.
Gather Information: Prepare details like shareholders' information, business activities, and paid-up capital (minimum S$1).
Register via BizFile+: ACRA's online filing system makes registration efficient. You can usually complete it within an hour unless additional approvals are needed.
Corporate Secretary Appointment: Every Singapore company needs a corporate secretary to handle administrative duties like filing annual reports. You can appoint a professional service or an individual who meets residency requirements.
Licenses and Permits:
Industry-Specific Requirements: Certain industries require additional licenses or permits to operate. Check with ACRA or relevant government agencies for your specific business type. Examples include food businesses needing licenses from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
General Business Licenses: Depending on your activities, you might need licenses for things like displaying a signboard or importing goods.
Taxes:
Corporate Income Tax: Singapore has a territorial tax system, so only income arising in or derived from Singapore is taxable. The current corporate tax rate is 17%.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Applies to most taxable supplies of goods and services in Singapore. Businesses with a turnover exceeding S$1 million per year must register for GST.
Additional Support:
Government Grants: Explore various schemes offered by the Singapore government to help startups and SMEs. These can provide funding for innovation, manpower development, and internationalization. Examples include grants from Enterprise Singapore.
Professional Services: Consider consulting with lawyers, accountants, or corporate service providers to ensure compliance and smooth business setup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Singapore
Here's a breakdown of the process to get your business up and running in Singapore:
1. Plan and Prepare:
Business Idea: Refine your business concept, research the market, and develop a solid business plan.
Structure Selection: Choose the most suitable business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, LLP) based on liability, ownership, and tax considerations.
2. Secure a Business Address:
Home-Based Business: If applicable, determine if your business qualifies for a home-based business scheme and understand its regulations.
Commercial Space: If required, find a suitable office or commercial space for your business operations.
3. Reserve Your Business Name:
ACRA Check: Use the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's (ACRA) online portal to check for name availability and avoid conflicts with existing trademarks.
Name Reservation: Reserve your desired business name for a small fee through ACRA's e-Service.
4. Register Your Business:
Gather Information: Prepare documents like:
Shareholders' details (name, nationality, residential address)
Description of your business activities
Paid-up capital (minimum S$1 required)
Constitution (if registering a company)
Register via BizFile+: ACRA's online filing system allows for efficient registration. You can usually complete it within an hour unless additional approvals are needed from relevant government agencies.
Corppass Administrator: Appoint a Corppass administrator, who will be the authorized person to handle online filings and registrations with Singapore government agencies.
5. Open a Corporate Bank Account:
Choose a Bank: Select a bank that offers services tailored to businesses.
Required Documents: Prepare your business registration documents, identification proof for directors/shareholders, and any other documents requested by the bank.
6. Obtain Licenses and Permits (if applicable):
Industry-Specific Requirements: Research any additional licenses or permits needed for your specific industry. These can be obtained from ACRA or relevant government agencies (e.g., Singapore Food Agency for food businesses).
General Business Licenses: Depending on your activities, you might require licenses for displaying signage, food hygiene (if applicable), or importing goods.
7. Register for Taxes:
Corporate Income Tax: Understand your corporate tax obligations based on Singapore's territorial tax system (only income arising in Singapore is taxable). The current corporate tax rate is 17%.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Register for GST if your business turnover exceeds S$1 million per year.
8. Additional Considerations:
Corporate Secretary Appointment: Every Singapore company needs a corporate secretary to manage administrative duties like filing annual reports. You can appoint a professional service or an individual who meets residency requirements.
Government Grants: Explore various schemes offered by Enterprise Singapore or other agencies to support startups and SMEs. These can provide funding for innovation, manpower development, and internationalization.
Professional Services: Consider consulting with lawyers, accountants, or corporate service providers to ensure compliance with regulations and a smooth business setup.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can navigate the process of starting a business in Singapore efficiently. Remember, this is a general guide, and specific requirements might vary depending on your chosen business structure and industry.
Resources:
For more detailed information and a step-by-step guide, refer to the official resources provided:
Start a Business in Singapore - GoBusiness Singapore
Setting Up a Business in Singapore : Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
ACRA - BizFile+
How Bestar can Help
Start a Business Overview Singapore
Here's how Bestar can help you with starting a business in Singapore:
Understanding Business Structures:
Bestar's accountants can explain the pros and cons of different business structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, LLP) to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Business Registration:
We can assist with the business registration process on ACRA's BizFile+ platform, ensuring all necessary information is accurate and complete.
Licenses and Permits:
Bestar can help identify any licenses or permits required for your specific industry and guide you through the application process.
Tax Compliance:
Our expertise can ensure you understand your corporate income tax obligations and Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration requirements.
Government Grants:
Bestar's knowledge of government grants and schemes can help you identify relevant programs to support your startup financially.
Additional Services:
We offer bookkeeping services to set up your accounting system and manage your financial records.
We provide guidance on business plans or financial projections.
Benefits of Using Bestar:
Save Time and Effort: Our assistance can streamline the business setup process, allowing you to focus on core business activities.
Reduce Risk of Errors: Our knowledge of regulations helps ensure your business complies with all legal and tax requirements.
Gain Expert Advice: You can leverage our accounting expertise to make informed financial decisions for your business.
Contact Bestar to inquire about our specific services and fee structure related to business startup support.