Branch of a Foreign Company
A foreign branch is an extension of an existing company that operates entirely in another country. This is a part of the company that carries out the same business activities within the market. The branch company has a subordinate relationship with its parent company as it is dependent and cannot function without the latter.
Singapore branches of foreign companies are controlled and managed by their foreign parent, thus, they are not considered tax residents of Singapore. With this, they are not eligible for tax exemptions, incentives, and grants that are available for local companies
What are the key registration requirements for Singapore Branch Office?
- Branch Office Name. The name of the branch office to be registered with ACRA must correspond to the name of the foreign company. Read More: Criteria for Choosing Business Names
- Branch Office Officers. At least one local resident agent is required. If the branch office does not have a director, the person who is in the position equivalent to the director should be provided to ACRA. A management staff who will be relocated to Singapore must obtain an Employment Pass first before being appointed as an authorized agent.
- Registered Office Address and Working Hours. A registered office within Singapore where all communications and notices to the company are addressed, and where the company’s registers and records are kept must be provided. Registered Office Addresses must:
- Be an address in Singapore but it does not need to be the same place of business operations.
- Be open and accessible to the public for at least three hours during ordinary business hours on each business day. A business day is any day except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. P.O. Box is not accepted.
- Registration documents. These are the basic documents necessary to register a branch of a foreign company. Additional documents may be required by your registered filing agent.
- A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the foreign company
- A certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles (MAA) of the foreign company
- Particulars of the director and local resident agent of the foreign company
- Charter, Statute, or other constitutional documents.
Note: Non-English documents must be translated to English before submission.
The branch of a foreign company must comply with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) once incorporated.
We offer a complete incorporation package which includes the provision of an authorized agent, company secretary (if needed), and provision of registered office address in Singapore. You may also choose from additional services like the application for a work pass if you or your foreign employees wish to live or work in Singapore.
Ready to have a business presence in Singapore? Accmaster will help you overcome the compliance challenges and help you get started on the path to global expansion. Talk to our experts.
