Branch Office

A Branch Office is a legal extension of the parent company, which is allowed to engage in the business and activities performed by its parent company.

Features of Branch Office

1. It should carry the same name as its parent company’s, unless the name exists in Singapore or the authorities deem it as indecent.
2. It is only allowed to engage in the activities performed by its parent company.
3. It is not a separate legal entity from its parent company, hence the parent company has direct control on the business activities and is fully liable for the liabilities of the Branch Office.
4. From the tax point of view, it is a non-tax resident in Singapore, hence it is not eligible for tax incentives.
5. The parent company has to submit its audited accounts to the local authority as compliance.

Requirements of setting-up a Branch Office

1. A Branch Office must appoint 2 agents to represent it in its dealings with the local authorities.
2. An agent may be an individual or a company; and he / she / it has to be an ordinarily resident in Singapore.
3. A Branch Office must have a registered office address in Singapore.
4. A Branch Office must be 100% owned by the parent company.

You may appoint BudgetAccounts as your agent, please click Nominee Agent Service to find out more.

Documents Required

*Note: All non-English documents are required to be officially translated into English.

1. Certificate of incorporation of the foreign company
2. Memorandum & Articles of Association of the foreign company
3. Particulars of the directors of the foreign company
4. A memorandum of appointment and details of at least two persons resident in Singapore who will act as the agents for the Singapore branch office
5. A memorandum executed by or on behalf of the foreign company stating the powers of the local agents
6. Registered business address in Singapore
7. Completed application forms

Procedure

*Note: ACRA does not allow foreign companies to self-register.

1. Incorporation of a Branch
   1. Application for Entity Name (Branch name must be identical to the Parent Company)
   2. Registration of the business
2. Without relocation of staff: – Appoint a Singapore resident director for the incorporation of the company, in accordance with the Singapore Companies Act (through the engaging of our nominee services or otherwise)
3. With relocation of staff – Apply for relevant Employment Pass (EP)
1. Online Application (7 days)/ Manual Application (5 weeks)
2. Upon receipt of the In-principle Approval notification, arrangements will be made for the collection of your Employment Pass.

Back to business registration for foreign company.