Doing Business in Singapore

Singapore as your Anchor in Asia Singapore has been consistently ranked among the most preferred countries for finance, business and commerce. This is mainly due to its strategic location, pro-business environment and stable political atmosphere.

The city state has received credentials that include second placing in IMD’s World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020 and being positioned fifth in the Global Financial Centres Index 2021. Singapore also took the seventh spot among 160 countries in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. Being ranked third in the world on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2020, the nation is well placed as the ideal choice for companies to consider expanding their operations.

Neighbouring Asian cities can be accessed from Singapore by air travel within seven hours. This enables Singapore to be an excellent springboard for business expansion in the region. Companies looking towards Singapore can easily establish their regional or operational headquarters here and even use this location as R&D and intellectual property platforms. With low corporate tax and interest rates, as well as the presence of over 85 tax treaties with other countries, business costs are kept low. The nation also does not have foreign exchange controls. This makes it easier for investors to deal with foreign exchange risk. Corporate governance risk is also minimised with a transparent government and the authorities’ backing to promote world-class practices.

RSM welcomes foreign investors to set up their base in Singapore and use it as an integral part of their expansion plans to grow their businesses and optimise their operations. With over 950 staff in Singapore/Malaysia and 260 in China, we have helped numerous foreign businesses in areas such as Cross-border Investment Advisory, International Tax Advisory, as well as Company Set Up in Singapore and other countries. Our affiliation to RSM International also facilitates connections on a global scale.

We hope this Guide will provide the necessary insights on how you can maximise the use of Singapore’s resources.

Welcome to Singapore, and we welcome you to chat with us.

Chio Kian Huat

Chief Executive Officer RSM in Singapore

Doing Business in Singapore 2021 "Doing Business in Singapore 2021" is a handy guide published by RSM for foreign companies intending to set up operations in Singapore. The publication provides an overview of Singapore as a country for investment, types of business organisations, taxation, financial reporting standards, financial assistance schemes and pertinent points for employment in Singapore. Download