Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Singapore

4 min read|Last Updated: November 25, 2022|
Home>Guides / FAQ>Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Singapore

Businesses and new entrepreneurs were facing many uncertainties when Covid-19 hit. Despite the economic downturn globally, Singapore managed to hit a record high foreign direct investment (FDI) since 2008 of about S$17.2 billion in fixed asset investments.

This goes to show the strength and resilience of Singapore’s economy and foreign investors’ confidence in the city-state, with companies choosing to incorporate in Singapore.

Why Foreigners Should Invest in Singapore

There are many reasons that build up the foreigners’ confidence in Singapore, which include:

  • Gateway to Asia

    Singapore’s strategic location boasts high level of connectivity in Asia, including easier access to the largest consumer market in the world – China. As the business and financial hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore is the perfect place to kickstart your business before expanding into the rest of Asia.

  • Simplicity of company incorporation

    If you have prepared all the relevant documents for your company incorporation, the registration process can be done within the day – check out our incorporation checklist to get you started!

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  • Low corporate tax rate

    Another key reason why you should opt to invest in Singapore is because of its low corporate tax rate of just 17%. This rate is actually one of the lowest in the world!

  • Tax incentives

    What’s more? Besides its low corporate tax rate, there are plenty of tax incentives for foreign and local business in Singapore, such as tax exemption of your first S$100,000 for the first three years, avoidance of double taxation, and more. You can find the list of incentives in our article here.

  • Resilient environment

    The pandemic has brought a need to invest in economies that are resilient. The Singapore government has done a great job in maintaining and controlling the outbreak and is on track to recover from the downturn. Confidence from foreign investors is restored, and this is reflected in the record high FDI in Singapore since 2008.

  • Trade agreements

    If you didn’t know by now, Singapore is very pro-business. With many trade agreements in place to facilitate business activities, it makes it very promising for foreign businesses to expand their operations in Singapore or set up a company here.

  • Attractive personal income tax rates

    Beyond just setting a company in Singapore, many business owners will choose to live and work here because of its low personal income tax rates at a maximum of 24%.

  • High level of security and safety

    Known as one of the most politically stable countries in the world, it boosts a secure and comfortable environment for locals and foreign investors. The low crime rate is also a key factor in choosing to live and work in Singapore

Most Stable Investments in Singapore

If you are looking to invest in Singapore and be assured of financial returns, you can consider these six investment options to minimise your exposure to risks.

  • Singapore Government Treasury Bills

    For investors who are looking at short-term investments of up to 1 year, the Singapore Government Treasury Bills offer such an investment with very low risks as it is one of the few AAA-rated economies in the world. The payments are on its 6-month or 1-year treasury bills.

  • Singapore Government Bonds

    Bonds between 2-30 years are also made available by the Singapore Government. In general, these bonds often garner a higher return than a 1-year treasury bill. However, the risk is higher as it has a longer maturity period.

  • Singapore Savings Bonds

    Singapore Savings Bonds are among the most common investments in which foreign investors invest. If investors do not redeem the bond, the rates will increase until the 10th year, recognising the fact that investors are holding for a longer term.

  • CPF Top-Ups

    The CPF Top-Ups provide opportunities for investors to earn interest on their funds. These funds are supplied by the government and offer return rates at a minimum of 4% per annum. There is also usually an additional 1% interest rate to be earned by the investor.

  • Fixed Deposits

    Fixed deposits serve as a way for investors to earn returns on their money after this money has been deposited in a savings account. Most banks in Singapore offer promotional rates that favour foreign investors.

  • Unit Trusts

    The advantage of investing in a unit trust can be seen in the reduced investment risk as well as the ability to have professionals managing all funds and personal finances. Investment in a unit trust may also help foreign investors to maximise their profits which they have made in Singapore.

What’s Next

Whether you’re investing through the various investment options or planning to start your foreign company in Singapore, we are here to help!

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Come to our office or get in touch virtually for a consultation on your company incorporation and other corporate services.

FAQs

Why is the corporate tax rate in Singapore so low?2021-09-06T16:14:27+08:00

The Singapore government wishes to invite foreign investments into Singapore, thus offering a competitive tax rate to attract foreigners to set up companies in Singapore.

What are the requirements to set up a company in Singapore as a foreigner?2022-07-19T12:35:43+08:00

The basic requirements are as follows:

  • At least one local resident director who is a Singapore citizen, a Singapore permanent resident, or an EntrePass/Employment Pass/ Dependent’s Pass’s holder with LOC.
  • At least one Shareholder
  • S$1 paid-up capital
  • A physical local address
  • A company secretary

You will also need a visa to run your business in Singapore. You can find out more about incorporating a company as a foreigner here.

What is the corporate tax rate in Singapore?2020-11-18T09:31:08+08:00

The corporate tax rate in Singapore is 17%. 

What is a unit trust?2021-09-06T16:15:04+08:00

A unit trust is a type of investment which is categorised as a collective investment. Unit trusts utilise just one fund which contains all involved investors’ money; this fund is overseen by one or more fund managers.

Why is there a large variance in the validity of Singapore Government bonds?2021-09-06T16:08:47+08:00

Singapore Government Securities bonds are valid from anywhere between two and 30 years. The reason for this large variance in validity periods stems from the fact that such bonds have multiple different purposes. Some investors may use these bonds to diversify their investment portfolio; others, for the purposes of holding a long-term investment; and still others, as a means of receiving a steady income.

How much foreign direct investment (FDI) does Singapore receive?2020-07-03T15:15:06+08:00

According to the latest statistics, Singapore received approximately US$77.65 billion in FDI in 2018. This figure reflects an increase from the previous year, which saw the country receive approximately US$75.72 billion in FDI.

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