Dezan Shira & Associates Magazine - An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore

In this issue

In a global economy dominated by huge industrial powers, the city-state of Singapore has carved out its competitive niche as a destination for regional headquarters, branch offices and holding companies for doing business all across Asia.

Singapore offers foreign investors a highly skilled workforce, English-speaking business environment, business-friendly legal and tax systems, immense logistics and transportation capacities, and over sixty double taxation avoidance agreements, among other advantages. Furthermore, the city-state consistently takes measures to align its policies with the international standards emanating from the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and even issue-centric organizations like the International Accounting Standards Board.

Singapore has consistently been ranked first on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, with particular strengths in “protecting investors” and “trading across borders.” In fact, the city-state runs in such an efficient, business-friendly manner that it has been said to run like a corporation itself; “Singapore Inc.”

Establishing and Running a Business
What are my options for investment?
How do I establish a company?

Tax and Accounting
What are Singapore’s major taxes?
What are some of the key compliance requirements?

Human Resources and Payroll
How do I hire staff/workers?
What major legal obligations does a company have for its staff/workers?

The content of this guide is based on the knowledge of Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in emerging Asia.