Representative Office
A representative office (RO) is for foreign entities that are keen to explore opportunities, test the market in the region, or promote products or services without doing direct business activities and profit generation. An RO allows you to assess the viability of doing business in Singapore before deciding to set up a permanent establishment. RO is a temporary set-up with no legal status so it cannot engage in any trading or business activities that yield a profit.
An approved RO of a foreign commercial entity may operate in Singapore for a validity period of one year only from its commencement date after the evaluation of Enterprise Singapore. An extension of RO will only be granted on a case-by-case basis and is subjected to approval for up to a maximum of 3 years. Once the RO decides to continue its presence in Singapore, its operations should be registered with ACRA.
Governing bodies for Representative Office
Enterprise Singapore
Has the authority to approve the establishment of RO in manufacturing, international trading, wholesale, trade, and trade-related business sectors.
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Approves RO for banking, finance, financial exchanges, and insurance sectors.
Ministry of Law
Approves RO for foreign law practice.
What are the criteria for applying for a Representative Office?
To apply for a Representative Office, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
- The foreign entity must have a sales turnover of more than US$250,000;
- The foreign entity must have been established for 3 years or more;
- The RO must have less than 5 proposed staff.
What are the key registration requirements for Representative Office?
- Name. The name of the RO must be the same as the parent company. You have to notify Enterprise Singapore if the parent company’s name is changed.
- Appointed Representative. The appointed representative must be either staff from the HQ of the parent company or a Singapore employee of the parent company. The main function of the appointed representative is to represent the parent company. Employment Pass must be obtained by foreign expatriates to be able to work in Singapore.
- 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 apply for a Representative Office. Enterprise Singapore has the prerogative to request further information or clarification of information.
- Softcopy attachment (in English or an official English translation) of the foreign entity’s Certificate of Incorporation or Registration Certificate (as applicable).
- Softcopy attachments of the foreign entity’s latest audited accounts.
- Terms and Conditions. All RO must comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Representative Office registered in Singapore. An RO failing to comply with the stipulated Terms and Conditions may be de-registered.
We offer a complete incorporation package which includes the provision of a company secretary (if needed), and a 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.
