Overview

Foreign entities that are keen to explore opportunities in the region may wish to set up a Representative Office (RO) in Singapore.

Singapore has established itself as a reputable financial and regional trading centre. It is the world’s busiest transshipment port and a top location for investments in the Asia Pacific region. Factors such as its strategic location, competitive workforce, pro-business environment and forward-looking economic policies positions Singapore as a natural gateway to Asia and the region.

An RO allows you to evaluate the viability of doing business in Singapore and the region before deciding to set up a permanent establishment.


What is the Representative Office (RO) scheme?

Foreign entities from the manufacturing, international trading, wholesale, trade and trade-related business sectors that are keen on exploring the viability of doing business in Singapore, or are interested in using Singapore as a launch pad into the Asia Pacific, may wish to set-up a Representative Office (RO). By setting up an RO, it allows a foreign entity to assess the business environment in Singapore before deciding to set up a permanent establishment.

An approved RO of a foreign commercial entity may operate in Singapore for a validity period of one year only from its commencement date. 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 three years. ROs which decide to continue their presence in Singapore thereafter should register their operations with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore.

Foreign entities from the following sectors may approach the respective bodies for more information on RO setup in Singapore:

All other foreign entities looking to register and incorporate a local branch office may approach the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Click here for more information on setting up Representative Offices in Singapore.


Criteria

All new applications of foreign commercial entitles must fulfill the following criteria:
  • Sales Turnover of the foreign entity must be > US$250,000
  • No. of years of establishment of the foreign entity must be >= 3 years
  • Proposed No. of staff for RO should be < 5 people
  • Compulsory supporting documents required
    All new applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
    • 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.

Fees

A processing fee of S$200 per year is applicable. The processing fee is non-refundable for unsuccessful or withdrawn applications.

Payment can be made via any of the following modes:
  • Credit/Debit Cards (either Corporate or Personal Visa/MasterCard)
  • Corporate PayNow

    PayNow UEN: T18GB0001KESG
    Participating banks of PayNow: Citibank, DBS/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, SCB, UOB, BOC and ICBC
    Important Note: Please ensure you enter:
    • The correct quantum
    • The details of your payment (e.g. Application of RO (New), Application of RO (Renewal), etc.) under ‘Remarks’
  • Electronic Bank Transfer

    Bank Account: 032-001110-1
    Account Name: Enterprise Singapore
    Bank Code: 7171
    Branch Code: 032
    Bank Name: The Development Bank of Singapore (DBS)
    Branch: 12 Marina Boulevard
    DBS Asia Central
    Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
    Singapore 018982
    Swift Code: DBSSSGSG
    Important Note:
    • If you are paying from overseas using cross-border transfer service, do note that bank charges and miscellaneous fees chargeable by the bank (including intermediary or corresponding bank) are to be borne by customer. For transfer via SWIFT network, please select the charge code "OUR".
    • After effecting the payment via bank transfer, details of the payment should be sent to ar_enquiry@enterprisesg.gov.sg and roms@enterprisesg.gov.sg.


Apply here

Submit your application form here.

Terms and conditions

All ROs must comply with the Terms and Conditions. Please click here for details.