Internationalisation

Taking your business overseas or expanding internationally is simpler with the expertise of RSM colleagues in 120+ countries worldwide.

One Stop to Internationalise

Whether you are considering expansion beyond your country, or are already in multiple locations.

You want to go to market and grow your business fast.
You want to minimise business risk and tax exposure in your overseas ventur
You need the peace of mind to tackle the new market and customers, and not be encumbered by the complex web of regulatory obligations in various jurisdictions.

RSM is your first stop for internationalisation solutions. We work closely with experts on the ground to ensure you start right and help you comply with local laws wherever you are. We can also pre-empt you on considerations that might impact your overall business.

Start smart with the right help

Expansion Advisory

In your internationalisation plan, starting with the right structure to meet your business goals is of utmost importance. We are able to assist in the following:

Advice on tax-effective shareholding and sales structures
Incorporation of local and offshore companies
Setting up representative or branch offices
Application for business licences and work passes
Local accounting, payroll and other business support
Provision of nominee directors and shareholders
Other non-corporate business registration
Setting up IT infrastructure and reporting system
Opening and managing bank accounts
Assistance in search for office premises and recruitment of staff
Assistance in translation of documents

Global compliance

Businesses that lack the requisite managerial time and expertise to deal with internationalisation needs may do well to organise their compliance early. Ignorance of local laws is no excuse and the cost of non-compliance can be hefty. Besides, you want to avoid non-revenue generating activities such as dealing with fines, penalties and late filings.

We can be your independent compliance partner to give you peace of mind to run your business. You need to only deal with one dedicated point of contact for your global or regional compliance needs. This means:

You save time in not dealing with various professionals in different countries.
You minimise the risk of non-compliance or missed statutory filing requirements.
Your business stays up to date with the latest regulatory changes.
Your staff need not learn and relearn the technicalities of doing business in various jurisdictions.

Investment Advisory

Foreign investors keen on expanding their business internationally rely on us to give them the clarity and traction needed to get started without delays.

Advice on appropriate entry strategy
Preparation of business plan
Advice on appropriate corporate structure and jurisdiction
Application for government licences (in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, India)
Linking investors with relevant government bodies, professionals (e.g. lawyers and bankers) and business partners
Raising funds from private equity market or financial institutions

Risk Management & Advisory

Overseas growth prospects may attract risks and other concerns beyond what one may be accustomed to. How can you safeguard the value and reputation of your business when operating overseas? Can you manage and respond to a wider spectrum of business risks? Are you able to guide and influence the way your people conduct business overseas? Are you keeping an eye on regulatory governance, by introducing best-in-class ethical and commercially accepted standards? How assured are you that transactions are conducted in a consistent manner to give predictable outcomes?

Our Risk Management and Advisory specialists can assist in performing:

Optimisation of corporate governance structure to improve governance effectiveness
Deployment of anti-bribery and anti-corruption programmes, including alignment of practices and training to your extended workforce
Enterprise-wide risk advisory to assess the broader risk environment to deal with more uncertainty and disruption
Internal control advisory, including review engagements, optimisation, streamlining and alignment initiatives

Tax Advisory

As an astute businessman, you want to minimise your tax exposures globally, and ensure that all possible incentives and treaty benefits are obtained. If you are in the e-commerce space, you need to also consider when your goods may attract indirect taxes, especially Goods & Services or value-added taxes. Further, you also want to ensure that your transactions with related parties are conducted at arm’s length, in accordance with international transfer pricing guidelines.

Our multidisciplinary experts in corporate tax, international tax planning and transfer pricing can help in:

Tax planning for cross-border investments and transactions, including considerations on the OECD's proposals regarding Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ("BEPS")
Transfer pricing advisory and documentation
Tax planning for expatriates
Efficient structuring of employment packages
Asset protection planning and estate planning
Corporate tax advice and compliance

Asia’s Hub for International Business

We are a leading and preferred one-stop choice for foreign Startups, SMEs and Corporates to set up base in Singapore and internationally expand into the Asia Pacific markets. With over 35 years of experience, our comprehensive suite of business solutions and growth strategies help clients to simplify, digitalise and support their business at every stage of their life cycle and growth. We specialise in a broad range of services such as incorporation, accounting and tax, finance, HR, payroll and compliance. Uncover all the opportunities of setting up in Asia with us.

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China Business Advisory

We assist foreign businesses to establish a foothold in China, and support Chinese businesses looking to expand globally using Singapore as a springboard. We have successfully assisted several companies set up in Singapore and overseas, as well as helped Singapore companies to establish their presence in China.

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Hong Kong Business Advisory

We are well-equipped to assist internationally active businesses in Hong Kong, supporting every stage of your business lifecycle – from starting up, building up to scaling up your business.

Our agile approach addresses your Hong Kong business needs, from meeting filing deadlines and regulatory reporting to adapting to evolving payroll and HR regulations, and navigating remote work challenges.

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Doing Business in ASEAN

RSM's ASEAN Desk specialises in helping businesses spearhead successful expansion into the region. We demystify challenges, highlight obstacles as well as give businesses the clarity needed to identify opportunities and crystalize their strategies.

Along with a network of local advisors, our on-the-ground experience gets your business started with the traction needed to start operations without delays.

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Our International Specialists

If your business aims to expand internationally or improve its existing overseas operations, you may encounter various challenges, from cultural and language differences to local regulatory requirements. These issues and risks can be mitigated with specialised guidance from RSM.

Our country practices possess extensive knowledge and collaborate closely with RSM colleagues and partner firms worldwide to offer you trustworthy, tailored advice.