Starting a Company
Using Singapore as a Regional Headquarters: Incorporation and Substance Requirements
Learn how to set up a Singapore regional headquarters: incorporation steps, substance requirements, tax residency, employment and compliance with ACRA, IRAS and MOM.
Incorporating a Company to Hold Intellectual Property in Singapore: Pros and Cons
Should you incorporate a Singapore company to hold intellectual property? Explore the pros, cons, key rules (ACRA, IRAS), process, and practical examples.
Incorporating a Dormant Company in Singapore: Does It Still Have Compliance Obligations?
Understand the compliance obligations for a dormant company in Singapore under ACRA and IRAS, including filings, exemptions and practical steps for directors.
Incorporating a Company for Family Businesses: Governance and Succession Considerations
Practical guidance on incorporating a company for family businesses in Singapore, covering governance, succession planning, ACRA filings, IRAS tax implications and compliance.
Incorporation for Foreign Digital Nomads: Owning a Singapore Entity While Working Remotely
Guide for foreign digital nomads on company incorporation in Singapore: rules, process, tax, compliance and how a corporate secretary Singapore can help.
Incorporating a Company for Side‑Hustlers and Freelancers in Singapore: When Does It Make Sense?
Explore when incorporating a company in Singapore makes sense for side‑hustlers and freelancers. Learn ACRA, IRAS, GST, CPF, compliance and next steps.
Setting Up a Joint Venture Company in Singapore: Structure, Governance and Exit Planning
Learn how to set up a joint venture company in Singapore: structure, governance, exit planning, ACRA filings, tax and employment considerations. Practical steps and FAQs.
Converting from Sole Proprietor to Private Limited Company: A Practical Migration Guide
Step-by-step guide to convert a sole proprietorship into a private limited company in Singapore. Covers ACRA, IRAS, GST, CPF and compliance essentials.
The EntrePass in Singapore: A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs in 2026
What Is the EntrePass? The EntrePass is a specialised work pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business in Singapore. Unlike the Employment Pass, which is tied to employment with an...
How to Add or Remove Shareholders in a Singapore Company After Incorporation
Learn the practical steps and compliance requirements for adding or removing shareholders in a Singapore company, including allotment, transfers, buybacks and ACRA filings.
Running a Company
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) Filing in Singapore: Deadlines, Exemptions and What Business Owners Need to Know
Every year, Singapore companies are required to file their Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Yet for many business owners — especially those running their first company — ECI filing is one of those obligations...
How to Transfer Shares in a Singapore Private Company: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shares in a Singapore private limited company represent ownership stakes that can change hands for many legitimate reasons — a founder exiting the business, new investors coming on board, a restructuring of the shareholding structure, or even the settlement of a...
How to Strike Off a Company in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every year, thousands of Singapore companies are struck off the register maintained by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Whether a business has run its course, a venture did not take off as planned, or the shareholders simply wish to move on,...
How to Plan Your First Year Compliance Calendar Immediately After Incorporation
Plan your first year compliance calendar after company incorporation in Singapore. Key ACRA, IRAS, MOM steps, timelines, GST, CPF and practical checklist.
Singapore’s New EDGE Grant Programme: What the Merger of EDG, PSG, and MRA Means for Your Business
Introduction Singapore Budget 2026, delivered in February 2026, introduced one of the most significant restructurings of the Government's enterprise support landscape in years: the consolidation of three flagship grant schemes — the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG),...
The EntrePass in Singapore: A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs in 2026
What Is the EntrePass? The EntrePass is a specialised work pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business in Singapore. Unlike the Employment Pass, which is tied to employment with an...
GST Registration in Singapore: When It Is Mandatory and How to Register
Why GST Registration Matters for Your Business The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is Singapore's broad-based consumption tax, currently levied at a rate of 9 per cent on the supply of goods and services. For business owners, understanding when GST registration becomes...
Understanding the COMPASS Framework: A Guide to Singapore’s Employment Pass Criteria in 2026
Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) remains the primary work visa for foreign professionals seeking to work in the city-state. However, since the introduction of the Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) framework in September 2023, employers and EP applicants have had to...
Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) in Singapore: When and How to Call One
Every Singapore company — whether a startup with two shareholders or a mature enterprise with a complex ownership structure — will at some point need to make important decisions outside the regular cycle of Annual General Meetings. When urgent matters arise that...
The Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Act 2025: What Singapore Directors Must Know About the April 2026 Changes
Singapore's corporate regulatory landscape is undergoing one of its most significant overhauls in recent years. On 5 November 2025, Parliament passed the Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Bill, introducing wide-ranging reforms that reshape how companies...
Growing a Company
Singapore Start-Up Tax Exemption Scheme (SUTE): A Complete Guide
Singapore has long been recognised as one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. Beyond its strategic location, robust legal framework, and ease of company incorporation, the city-state offers generous tax incentives...
Singapore’s New EDGE Grant Programme: What the Merger of EDG, PSG, and MRA Means for Your Business
Introduction Singapore Budget 2026, delivered in February 2026, introduced one of the most significant restructurings of the Government's enterprise support landscape in years: the consolidation of three flagship grant schemes — the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG),...
The Raffles Corporate Services unique advantage
Typically, our blog posts would be about how to run a company, accounting and tax matters or employment related topics. This article is going to be very different. This is an article to explain the unique proposition Raffles Corporate Services offers to corporate...
Understanding Section 130AE of the Companies Act: Duties, Deadlines, and Penalties for Issuing Share Certificates in Singapore
In Singapore’s corporate regulatory framework, administrative efficiency is not merely best practice—it is a legal obligation. Section 130AE of the Companies Act (Cap. 50) serves as a critical compliance provision governing the issuance of share and debenture...
How to Draft a Strong Shareholders’ Agreement in Singapore
If you’re starting or running a business in Singapore, one of the most important legal documents you can create is a shareholders’ agreement. While your company’s Articles of Association provide a basic governance framework, they often fall short in addressing...
Key Steps to Apply for a Business Loan as a New Company
Securing adequate financing is often a major hurdle for new companies. Whether you need working capital to manage cash flow or funds to invest in equipment, understanding how to apply for a business loan is essential. Singapore offers a variety of financing options,...
What you need to know about Trademark Registration
Your brand is more than just a name or a logo; it's your business's identity, reputation, and promise to your customers. In a competitive market like Singapore, protecting this invaluable asset is not just a legal formality—it's a strategic necessity. Trademark...
Treasury Shares in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide
Thinking about a share buyback? Understanding treasury shares is crucial for any Singapore-based company. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the Companies Act to accounting rules and tax benefits, in simple, easy-to-understand terms. What...
A Director’s Guide to Lending Money to Your Company in Singapore
In Singapore's dynamic business landscape, directors often provide personal loans to their companies, especially for startups and growing enterprises. This financial lifeline can be crucial for managing cash flow, seizing growth opportunities, or navigating challenges...
A Practical Guide to No-Par Value Shares in Singapore
The world of corporate finance is filled with technical terms, but few have such a practical impact on business owners as the structure of a company's share capital. In Singapore, a significant shift occurred when the concept of "par value" for shares was abolished....
Taxes and GST
Withholding Tax in Singapore: A Practical Guide for Company Directors and Finance Managers
When a Singapore company makes certain types of payments to a non-resident — whether an individual or a foreign company — it may be required to withhold a portion of that payment and remit it directly to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). This mechanism...
Singapore Budget 2026 Corporate Income Tax Rebate: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Singapore’s Budget 2026, delivered in February, introduced a suite of tax measures aimed at supporting businesses in a period of global economic uncertainty. Among the most relevant for company owners is the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rebate for the Year of Assessment...
GST Registration in Singapore: When It Is Mandatory and How to Register
Why GST Registration Matters for Your Business The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is Singapore's broad-based consumption tax, currently levied at a rate of 9 per cent on the supply of goods and services. For business owners, understanding when GST registration becomes...
Understanding Section 10L: How New Tax Rules Affect Foreign Asset Disposals in Singapore
Singapore usually does not tax capital gains. However, the international tax landscape now demands greater transparency and substance. Section 10L of the Income Tax Act took effect on 1 January 2024. This provision taxes gains from the sale of foreign assets. These...
Understanding Singapore’s Transfer Pricing Regime: Compliance, Documentation, and Risk Management
Transfer pricing governs how related parties price transactions between themselves. These parties may include parent companies and subsidiaries, sister companies under common ownership, or entities linked through control or influence. Such transactions often involve...
Tax Planning Tips for SMEs to Optimise Cash Flow
For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), effective cash flow management is vital to financial resilience and sustainable growth. Strategic tax planning—encompassing compliance, incentives, and tax-efficient financial structuring—can significantly improve...
Avoid IRAS Penalties: A Simple Guide to GST Filing in Singapore
A Comprehensive Guide to Filing GST Returns in Singapore (Form F5) Navigating the intricacies of tax compliance is a crucial aspect of running a successful business in Singapore. One of the key obligations for many companies is the Goods and Services Tax (GST)....
GST Zero-Rating Rules for Export of Goods & Services
For businesses operating in Singapore, particularly those engaging in cross-border activities, mastering the Goods and Services Tax (GST) zero-rating framework is non-negotiable. This framework provides a special rate of 0% on certain supplies. Zero-rating ensures the...
Tax Season 2025: Key Updates and Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Tax filing isn’t just about handing your numbers to IRAS and hoping for the best. The Singapore tax system is rules-based, and the challenge for SMEs is making sure your claims, deductions, and positions are backed by proper documentation. In my experience, it’s not...
Key Changes to Corporate Tax Rules: What to Expect Next Year
As Singapore positions itself for continued economic growth and global competitiveness, the government has announced a slate of corporate tax changes that will take effect in the coming financial years. These changes reflect both domestic priorities (encouraging...
Bookkeeping
Common Bookkeeping Errors in Singapore & How to Avoid Them | Raffles Corporate Services
Avoiding the Pitfalls: A Guide to Common Bookkeeping Errors in Singapore Accurate bookkeeping is the bedrock of any successful business. It provides a clear picture of your financial health, informs strategic decisions, and ensures compliance with Singapore's...
Outsourcing vs In-house Accounting: Pros, Cons & Compliance Issues
In the dynamic business landscape of Singapore, financial management remains a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Every business — from start-ups to multinational corporations — must ensure accurate accounting, timely reporting, and compliance with the Singapore...
Mastering Your Financials: A Business Owner’s Guide to FRS Compliance in Singapore
As a business owner, you juggle countless responsibilities, from product development and marketing to customer service and team management. Amidst this whirlwind of activity, the crucial task of financial management can sometimes feel overwhelming. However,...
Outsourcing Bookkeeping in Singapore: A Smart Move for Your Business?
Accurate and timely bookkeeping is the bedrock of any successful business. It's not just about recording transactions; it provides crucial financial insights for decision-making, ensures compliance with Singapore's regulations (like those set by ACRA and IRAS), and...
Top 5 Accounting Software for SMEs in 2025: Streamline Your Finances
In 2025, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly relying on advanced accounting software to streamline their financial processes and support business growth. With numerous options available, choosing the right accounting software can be a daunting...
When Should Shipping Costs Be Separated from the Related Product Sale?
In the world of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), efficient book-keeping and accurate accounting are crucial to maintaining financial health and making informed business decisions. One area that often causes confusion is the treatment of shipping costs in relation...
How Should Incentive Payments Be Accounted For?
Incentive payments play a crucial role in motivating employees, driving performance, and achieving business goals. For small business owners in Singapore, understanding how to properly account for these payments is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations...
Can non-refundable upfront fees be recognised in revenue when received?
Under Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), specifically SFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," non-refundable upfront fees are generally not recognised as revenue when received. Instead, these fees are considered part of the total transaction...
Under what conditions can customisation or installation services be considered separately from the related product sale?
Under Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), specifically SFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," customisation or installation services can be considered separately from the related product sale under the following conditions: Distinct in the...
Can contract acquisition costs be capitalised, or must they be expensed?
Under the Financial Reporting Standards (FRS), particularly FRS 15/ASC 606, contract acquisition costs can be capitalised, rather than expensed immediately, if conditions are met. Capitalisation of Contract Acquisition Costs 1. Incremental Costs of Obtaining a...
News
Singapore Budget 2026: Corporate Tax Rebate, AI Incentives, and What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Singapore's Budget 2026, delivered on 18 February 2026, introduced a raft of measures designed to support businesses amid global uncertainties and rising energy costs. For company owners, directors, and finance teams, the headline measures — a generous corporate...
Singapore Budget 2026 Corporate Income Tax Rebate: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Singapore’s Budget 2026, delivered in February, introduced a suite of tax measures aimed at supporting businesses in a period of global economic uncertainty. Among the most relevant for company owners is the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rebate for the Year of Assessment...
How the April 2026 ACRA Amendments Affect Singapore Directors: New Penalties, Duties, and Compliance Steps
If you are a director of a Singapore company, April 2026 marks a watershed moment. The Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Act 2025, passed by Parliament on 5 November 2025, introduces some of the most significant changes to Singapore’s corporate governance...
Singapore’s New EDGE Grant Programme: What the Merger of EDG, PSG, and MRA Means for Your Business
Introduction Singapore Budget 2026, delivered in February 2026, introduced one of the most significant restructurings of the Government's enterprise support landscape in years: the consolidation of three flagship grant schemes — the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG),...
Understanding the COMPASS Framework: A Guide to Singapore’s Employment Pass Criteria in 2026
Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) remains the primary work visa for foreign professionals seeking to work in the city-state. However, since the introduction of the Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) framework in September 2023, employers and EP applicants have had to...
The Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Act 2025: What Singapore Directors Must Know About the April 2026 Changes
Singapore's corporate regulatory landscape is undergoing one of its most significant overhauls in recent years. On 5 November 2025, Parliament passed the Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Bill, introducing wide-ranging reforms that reshape how companies...
Singapore’s Corporate Governance Overhaul: Stacked Penalties, Personal Accountability, and What It Means for Companies
A New Era of Accountability in Singapore’s Corporate Landscape Singapore has long prided itself on being one of the world’s most trusted business jurisdictions. On 5 November 2025, Parliament passed major amendments to the Companies Act. This signals a bold shift in...
The $170 Billion Green and Digital Corridor Between China and Singapore: A New Chapter in Sustainable Trade
A Visit Focused on Action, Not Ceremony Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Singapore, the first in seven years, was rich in symbolism. Yet the meeting’s real purpose lay in execution, not ceremony. Following the 2023 upgrade to an “All-around, High-quality,...
BLOOM Unlocked: Singapore’s Leap to AI-Driven, Compliant Cross-Border Payments
Cross-border payments have long been slow and expensive. Many systems still rely on outdated technology, creating friction for businesses worldwide. On 16 October 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced BLOOM — short for Borderless, Liquid, Open,...
Singapore’s New Banking Lockdown: Navigating the Mandatory 24-Hour Cool-Off Period
The digital speed that makes Singapore's financial sector world-class is getting a mandatory speed bump. Starting October 15, 2025, major retail banks in Singapore, including DBS, OCBC, UOB, and others, will introduce a new, stringent anti-scam safeguard: the...