Representative Office

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?
 

With effect from 1 January 2012, an RO of a foreign commercial entity may operate in Singapore for a maximum of three (3) years from its commencement date, provided that the RO status is evaluated and renewed yearly. ROs which decide to continue their presence in Singapore thereafter should register their operations with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of 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
 
  • Foreign entity's Certificate of Incorporation or Registration Certificate (as applicable) in softcopy as an attachment
  • Foreign entity's latest Audited Accounts in softcopy a an attachment
Fees
 
  • A processing fee of S$200 per year is applicable. This is non-refundable for unsuccessful or withdrawn applications.
  • Payment can be made by the following modes:
    • Cheque drawn on a bank located in Singapore (must be crossed and made payable to Enterprise Singapore).
    • Bank Draft in Singapore Dollars payable by a bank located in Singapore (made payable to Enterprise Singapore).
    • Credit Card (either Visa or Master Card) when submitting application online.
Apply Here
 
  1. Submit your online application form here.
  1. After submitting your application form, if you are not paying by credit card, please mail your cheque or bank draft to Enterprise Singapore
    Representative Office (RO) Unit
    Enterprise Partnership Group
    Enterprise Singapore
    230 Victoria Street #07-00
    Bugis Junction Towers
    Singapore 188024
Terms and Conditions
 

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