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Singapore Branch vs Subsidiary vs Representative Office: Which is Best?


branch vs subsidiary

As a bustling global business hub, Singapore’s strategic location, stable politics, and top-tier infrastructure make it a prime choice for business expansion.


If you’re considering setting up business here, one crucial decision looms: Should you open a branch, start a subsidiary, or set up a representative office?


This guide unpacks each option to help you land the best choice for your business needs. It also explores how each structure relates to a foreign company and its operations in Singapore.


Singapore Branch Office

Singapore's bustling skyline, a hub for global business expansion and foreign entities

Legal Status and Liabilities

A Singapore branch office is not a separate legal entity but an extension of the foreign parent company, bearing all legal liabilities. This means any liabilities directly impact the parent company. The branch office operates indefinitely, provided it complies with the corporate regulatory authority in Singapore.


Authorized Activities

Singapore branch offices can conduct business activities similar to those of the parent company and must appoint a local representative. They can hire local or foreign staff and maintain a corporate bank account independently or linked to the parent company.


Registration and Operations

The branch office must mirror the parent company's name, and contracts must be signed using that name, enhancing brand continuity but limiting flexibility.


It is registered with the corporate regulatory authority, ensuring it meets all local business requirements.


Annual Filing Requirements

Branch offices face complex compliance, filing financial statements for themselves and the foreign parent company with the corporate regulatory authority.


Branch offices are required to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore and to submit their financial statements and any other necessary reports. When submitting annual returns, the branch office should file for itself and the parent company.


Taxation

As a non-resident entity, the branch office faces a standard corporate income tax rate of 17% and does not benefit from local tax incentives or tax benefits.


The tax treatment also may vary depending on the nature of the business and the relevant tax treaties between Singapore and the foreign country.


Singapore Subsidiary Company

The Merlion statue at sunset, symbolizing Singapore's role as a gateway for international business.

Legal Status and Liabilities

A subsidiary company in Singapore is a separate legal entity, offering limited liability to its shareholders and protecting the parent company from debts. It is ideal for foreign companies seeking a distinct legal entity for international expansion.


Authorized Activities

The subsidiary company can engage in a broader range of business activities independently from the parent company. It is required to appoint a local resident director, which enhances its credibility and compliance with local labour laws.


Registration and Operations

Setting up a subsidiary company involves choosing a name that may reflect or differ from the parent company. The company can be registered swiftly kicking-start operations early. A subsidiary company takes 1 to 2 days to register and can operate until it closes.


Annual Filing Requirements

Subsidiary companies in Singapore must conduct thorough annual filings to stay compliant with the ACRA. These filings must include audited accounts, ensuring transparency and adherence to local and potentially international financial standards.


The extent and nature of these filings can vary depending on the subsidiary's size and industry, possibly encompassing additional industry-specific regulations and licensing requirements.


Taxation

As a Singapore resident entity, subsidiary companies benefit from a fixed corporate tax rate of 17%. However, their specific business sector can qualify them for lower tax rates and various tax incentives and exemptions provided under Singapore's tax regime.


This favourable treatment helps optimize tax obligations in alignment with local economic goals and compliance with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).


Singapore Representative Office

Modern office setup in Singapore, suitable for companies establishing a branch or representative office

Legal Status and Liabilities

A representative office is not a separate legal entity and serves as a temporary or short-term entity for foreign companies to conduct market research. It bears no legal liability for business operations as it cannot generate revenue.


Nevertheless, branch offices offer a low-risk option due to their limitations and lack of liability exposure.


Authorized Activities

Singapore representative offices are designed for companies exploring the local market without substantial investments. These offices are restricted to non-commercial activities like market research and liaison efforts. They must operate with a Chief Representative from the head office and are limited to five employees only.


Although they can have a bank account, it is strictly funded by the parent company, underscoring their role in preliminary market exploration.


Registration and Operations

Registration for a representative office takes 3-5 days, and its name must be the same as the parent company and include "Representative Office."


The registration process for a representative office takes slightly longer, ensuring it aligns with the foreign company's goals of understanding the local market without engaging in direct business transactions.


Taxation

Since representative offices do not generate revenue, they are exempt from corporate income taxes. Instead, they focus solely on paving the way for future business expansion.


Comparison and Decision-Making

A financial report to develop corporate compliance strategies in Singapore

Deciding on the right business entity for expanding into Singapore is pivotal. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each type—branch office, subsidiary company, and representative office—to help you make a strategic choice:


Singapore Branch Office


  • Direct Control: Acts as an arm of the foreign parent company, ensuring continuity but bearing all liabilities.


  • Tax Implications: Faces a 17% corporate income tax rate without the perks of local tax benefits, which can affect long-term fiscal strategies.


Singapore Subsidiary Company


  • Independence and Protection: Operates as a separate legal entity, shielding the parent company from liabilities and offering flexibility in business activities.


  • Local Tax Advantages: Enjoys local tax incentives, potentially reducing tax rates significantly, a big plus for cost-efficiency.


  • Flexibility—Office vs Subsidiary Company: Unlike a branch office, a subsidiary company is a separate legal entity, providing better protection and more operational flexibility.


Singapore Representative Office


  • Low-Risk Market Entry: Perfect for market research and understanding local dynamics without financial commitments to sales or transactions.


  • Operational Limits: Cannot conduct profitable activities, making it ideal only for preliminary market exploration.


Strategic Considerations

Multinational team discussing business strategies in a Singapore office setting.

  • Long-term Vision: Reflect on whether you need a short-term presence or plan a durable setup. Subsidiaries provide growth and permanence, while representative offices are ideal for initial scouting.


  • Risk and Control: Balance how much risk you're willing to take. Branch offices offer control at the cost of higher liability, whereas subsidiaries minimize risk with their independent status.


  • Operational Flexibility: If adapting to local market needs is crucial, a subsidiary allows more operational freedom. A branch office aligns closely with the parent company's directives for tighter control.



Launch Your Business in Singapore with DND Consulting Services!


Navigating the choice between a branch, subsidiary, or representative office in Singapore can be tricky. But don't worry; DND Consulting Services is here to make it simple.


We specialise in smoothing out the complexities of setting up your business, ensuring you pick the right path for success.


Why Partner with Us?


  • Expert Guidance: Our team of seasoned experts is ready to provide personalised advice to match your business goals with the optimal entity type.


  • All-in-One Support: From paperwork to compliance with local laws, we handle everything to get your business operational quickly and efficiently.


  • Speed and Ease: We pride ourselves on fast, hassle-free setup processes that let you hit the ground running.


We're more than just a service provider; we're your partner in growth. Whether you're establishing a subsidiary, a branch, or just testing the waters with a representative office, we ensure a smooth start.


Eager to start your business journey in Singapore? Contact us today and learn how our tailored services can propel your business forward!

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