Starting a Company
Re-domiciliation of foreign companies into Singapore: documents required and templates
Re-domiciliation of foreign companies into Singapore: eligibility size test, documents, ACRA cost in S$, timeline and tax residency explained.
Singapore representative office (3-year sunset): documents required and templates
Singapore representative office: permitted activities, 3-year sunset, eligibility, documents, cost in S$ and how to upgrade to a branch or subsidiary.
Singapore branch office of foreign parent: documents required and templates
Singapore branch office of foreign parent: registration steps, documents, cost in S$, timeline and how a branch differs from a subsidiary.
The Company Constitution in Singapore (2026): What It Is and What Yours Should Contain
Every company incorporated in Singapore must have a constitution. It is the company's rulebook: the document that governs how the company is run, how decisions are made, and the relationship between the company, its directors and its shareholders. Since 2016, the old...
Converting Your Sole Proprietorship to a Pte Ltd in Singapore 2026: Benefits, Tax Savings and the Step-by-Step Process
Many Singapore businesses start life as a sole proprietorship because it is cheap and simple to register. As the business grows, that simplicity becomes a liability, literally. The owner is personally exposed to every debt, the tax bill climbs with personal income,...
Re-domiciliation of foreign companies into Singapore — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Re-domiciliation of foreign companies into Singapore — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For foreign parent companies entering Singapore. Practica…
Singapore representative office — 3-year sunset — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Singapore representative office — 3-year sunset — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For foreign parent companies entering Singapore. Practical 202…
Singapore branch office of foreign parent — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Singapore branch office of foreign parent — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For foreign parent companies entering Singapore. Practical 2026 walk…
Single-Member Companies in Singapore (2026): One Shareholder, One Director
Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world to run a company single-handedly. You can incorporate a private limited company with just one shareholder who is also the sole director, own 100 percent of the shares, and control every decision. This "single-member...
Company Limited by Guarantee in Singapore (2026): Setup, Uses & Compliance
Most people picture a Singapore company as a private limited company with shares and shareholders. But there is another form that suits a very different purpose: the company limited by guarantee. It has no share capital and no shareholders. Instead it has members who...
Running a Company
Audit vs Review vs Compilation: What Level of Assurance Do You Need?
Understand audit, review and compilation differences in Singapore. Learn when ACRA, IRAS or lenders require audited or reviewed accounts and practical steps to comply.
When Should Your Company Appoint an External Auditor?
Learn when a Singapore company must appoint an external auditor, audit exemption rules, ACRA filing steps and practical examples for company secretarial compliance.
Summary Judgment in Singapore (2026): A Fast Route to Recover a Company Debt
Not every dispute needs a full trial. When a company is owed a clear debt and the other side has no genuine defence, dragging the matter through months of litigation only rewards a stalling debtor. Singapore's Rules of Court provide a faster route: summary judgment,...
Security for Costs Against a Company in Singapore Litigation (2026): A Practical Guide
When a company sues another party, the defendant faces a real risk: if the defendant wins and is awarded costs, will the claimant company actually be able to pay them? Companies have limited liability, and an impecunious company with few assets may be a hollow...
GST InvoiceNow in Singapore (2026): What Businesses Need to Know About the E-Invoicing Mandate
Singapore is moving its GST system onto a digital, real-time footing. Under the GST InvoiceNow requirement, GST-registered businesses will send invoice data to IRAS automatically through the nationwide InvoiceNow network, which is built on the international Peppol...
How to Change Your Company Name in Singapore (2026): Process, Resolution and Costs
Rebranding, a change of ownership, or simply outgrowing a name chosen in a hurry at incorporation are all common reasons to change a company name in Singapore. The process is straightforward, but it is a formal act under the Companies Act 1967 that requires a members'...
Directors’ Fees vs Salary in Singapore (2026): Approval, Tax and CPF
How you pay a director in Singapore is not just an accounting choice. Directors' fees and a director's salary are treated differently under company law, tax law and the CPF rules, and getting the distinction wrong can lead to unapproved payments, unexpected CPF...
EDG vs PSG vs MRA (2026): Which Singapore Government Grant Is Right for You?
If you run a Singapore SME, three government grants come up again and again: the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA). They sound similar, they are all administered under Enterprise Singapore,...
Preparing Management Accounts: What Key Reports Should You Review Monthly?
Discover which management accounts and key monthly reports Singapore companies should review to improve control and compliance with ACRA, IRAS and MOM requirements.
How Long Must You Keep Accounting Records in Singapore and in What Form?
Understand how long to keep accounting records in Singapore, permitted formats (electronic or paper), and key ACRA, IRAS and Companies Act requirements with practical steps.
Growing a Company
EDG vs PSG vs MRA (2026): Which Singapore Government Grant Is Right for You?
If you run a Singapore SME, three government grants come up again and again: the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA). They sound similar, they are all administered under Enterprise Singapore,...
Singapore trust structures for HNW families — Documents required and templates
Singapore trust structures for HNW families — Documents required and templates. For HNW individuals planning trusts and succession in Singapore. Practic…
Approved Third Party Logistics (3PL) Company Scheme Singapore (2026): GST Suspension for Logistics Hubs
Singapore markets itself as a logistics hub, and a great deal of the cargo that flows through the country never actually belongs to the local company handling it. Third-party logistics operators store, pick, pack, and re-export goods owned by overseas clients. Under...
Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) in Singapore (2026): Resolving Cross-Border Double Taxation
Double taxation is the nightmare of any business that operates across borders: two tax authorities each claiming the right to tax the same profit, leaving the company caught in the middle. Tax treaties exist to prevent exactly this, but treaties are only as useful as...
Hand-Carried Exports Scheme (HCES) Singapore (2026): Zero-Rating Goods Hand-Carried Out of Singapore
Most exporters picture a container leaving the port when they think about zero-rated exports. But plenty of high-value goods, jewellery, watches, electronics, precision parts, leave Singapore in a traveller's hand luggage, carried out through Changi Airport by an...
Approved Foreign Loan (AFL) Scheme Singapore (2026): Withholding Tax Relief on Interest for Equipment Financing
When a Singapore company borrows from an overseas lender to buy productive equipment, the interest it pays out is normally caught by Singapore withholding tax. At the standard rate of 15% on gross interest, that is a real cost that can make foreign financing...
Singapore as regional commodity trading hub — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Singapore as regional commodity trading hub — Eligibility and requirements checklist. For trading companies setting up Singapore operations. Practical 2…
GST Cash Accounting Scheme Singapore (2026): Cash-Flow Relief for Small Businesses
Most GST-registered businesses account for GST on an invoice basis: you must declare and pay the GST on a sale as soon as you issue the invoice, even if the customer has not yet paid you. For a small business that gives customers 30, 60 or 90 days to settle, that can...
NTS Occupation List Work Permit Singapore (2026): An Employer’s Guide
For many employers in manufacturing and services, hiring lower-skilled foreign workers has become harder as S Pass qualifying salaries and levies have risen. To give those sectors breathing room, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) operates the Non-Traditional Sources...
Section 34C: The Tax Framework for Qualifying Amalgamations in Singapore (2026)
When two Singapore companies merge under the amalgamation provisions of the Companies Act, the legal mechanics are only half the story. The other half is tax. Without a special rule, an amalgamation could trigger deemed disposals, balancing charges on capital...
Taxes and GST
BEPS Pillar Two and 15% Multinational Top-up Tax — Documents required and templates
BEPS Pillar Two and 15% Multinational Top-up Tax in Singapore: who is in scope, what to file and the documents large groups must prepare.
Singapore Budget 2026 corporate impact briefings — Documents required and templates
Singapore Budget 2026 corporate impact briefings: turn Budget measures into board decisions, reliefs to claim and the documents IRAS expects.
GST InvoiceNow in Singapore (2026): What Businesses Need to Know About the E-Invoicing Mandate
Singapore is moving its GST system onto a digital, real-time footing. Under the GST InvoiceNow requirement, GST-registered businesses will send invoice data to IRAS automatically through the nationwide InvoiceNow network, which is built on the international Peppol...
Directors’ Fees vs Salary in Singapore (2026): Approval, Tax and CPF
How you pay a director in Singapore is not just an accounting choice. Directors' fees and a director's salary are treated differently under company law, tax law and the CPF rules, and getting the distinction wrong can lead to unapproved payments, unexpected CPF...
Succession planning across Singapore PR / citizenship — Documents required and templates
Succession planning across Singapore PR / citizenship — Documents required and templates. For HNW individuals planning trusts and succession in Singapor…
Singapore charitable structures and donor-advised vehicles — Documents required and templates
Singapore charitable structures and donor-advised vehicles — Documents required and templates. For HNW individuals planning trusts and succession in Sin…
Private Trust Company (PTC) setup — Documents required and templates
Private Trust Company (PTC) setup — Documents required and templates. For HNW individuals planning trusts and succession in Singapore. Practical 2026 wa…
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) in Singapore 2026: Filing Deadlines, the Revenue Waiver and Instalment Benefits
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) is the first tax obligation most Singapore companies meet after their financial year closes, and it arrives well before the full corporate tax return is due. Many directors either miss the deadline or wrongly assume they are exempt....
How Much Stamp Duty on a Share Transfer in Singapore? Valuation, e-Stamping and Penalties (2026)
When shares in a Singapore private company change hands, the transaction rarely stops at signing a share transfer form. There is a tax to settle first: stamp duty. It is small in percentage terms, but the deadline is tight, the valuation rules trip people up, and the...
Fixed Asset Register and Depreciation for Singapore SMEs (2026)
Almost every Singapore business owns assets it uses year after year: computers, machinery, office fit-outs, vehicles, or equipment. These are your fixed assets, and how you record, track, and depreciate them affects your balance sheet, your profit, and the tax you...
Bookkeeping
Month-End Closing Checklist for Singapore SMEs (2026)
Closing the books at the end of each month is what separates a business that knows its numbers from one that guesses. A disciplined month-end close means your management accounts are ready within days, your year-end is painless, and you spot problems while you can...
Bank Reconciliation for Singapore SMEs (2026): A Step-by-Step Guide
Bank reconciliation is one of the most basic yet most valuable controls a Singapore SME can run. It is the simple act of comparing what your accounting records say about your cash against what the bank statement actually shows, then explaining every difference. Done...
Accounts Receivable and Credit Control for Singapore SMEs (2026): A Practical Guide
Every Singapore SME lives or dies by its cash flow, and for most small businesses the single biggest pool of trapped cash is money owed by customers. Accounts receivable, the invoices you have raised but not yet been paid for, can quietly grow until you are profitable...
Self-Help Group Contributions in Singapore Payroll (2026): CDAC, MBMF, SINDA and ECF
Every Singapore payslip carries a small line item that many employers process on autopilot and few fully understand: the self-help group contribution. Alongside CPF, employers deduct and remit small amounts to one of four community funds, CDAC, MBMF, SINDA, or ECF,...
Singapore SME Chart of Accounts (2026): A Practical Template for Bookkeepers
A ready-to-use Chart of Accounts for a Singapore SME – with numbering, tax mapping, GST breakdown and IFRS 16 lease accounts.
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...
News
Singapore Budget 2026 corporate impact briefings — Costs and fees breakdown
Singapore Budget 2026 corporate impact briefings — Costs and fees breakdown. For directors and counsel tracking Singapore regulatory shifts. Practical 2…
PR Application Rejected? Here’s What to Do Next in Singapore (2026)
A structured 2026 response plan for foreign professionals whose Singapore PR applications have been rejected — diagnosis, reapplication and alternative pathways.
XBRL Filing with ACRA: Requirements, Exemptions & Step-by-Step Guide
XBRL Filing with ACRA: Requirements, Exemptions & Step-by-Step Guide Most directors of Singapore companies have heard of XBRL. Far fewer can confidently say what it stands for, when it must be filed, what data must be tagged, and which companies are exempt. This...
Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP: Which Singapore Work Visa Do You Need?
Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP: Which Singapore Work Visa Do You Need? Singapore offers a tiered range of professional work passes, and choosing the right one is more consequential than most applicants realise. Pick the wrong pass and you may overpay on minimum...
Singapore Company Compliance Calendar: Every Filing Deadline You Need
Singapore Company Compliance Calendar: Every Filing Deadline You Need Running a Singapore company means keeping a small but unforgiving calendar of statutory deadlines. ACRA, IRAS, MOM, the CPF Board and (where relevant) MAS each set their own filing dates â and...
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026)
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026) Singapore has, in the space of a decade, become Asia’s pre-eminent hub for single family offices. The combination of political stability, a deep banking and asset management ecosystem, an...
VCC vs Cayman SPC: Why Singapore Is the New Fund Domicile
VCC vs Cayman SPC: Why Singapore Is the New Fund Domicile For decades, the Cayman Islands segregated portfolio company (SPC) was the default offshore vehicle for hedge funds, private equity sleeves and bespoke managed accounts targeting Asian capital. That dominance...
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026)
Singapore has emerged as Asia's leading family office hub, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) reporting close to 2,000 single family offices established in the city-state by end-2024 — and that number continues to climb in 2026. The combination of a stable...
Singapore PR Application 2026: Requirements, Documents & Timeline
Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident is one of the most consequential decisions a foreign professional or family in Singapore can make. PR status confers the right to live and work in Singapore indefinitely without an employer-tied work pass, full access to CPF and...
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...