How to Setup A Singapore Representative Office

Foreign companies seeking to explore opportunities in Singapore and Southeast Asia can establish a Representative Office (RO). Regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and administered by Enterprise Singapore, an RO provides a low-risk entry point for international businesses to study the Singapore market before committing to full-scale operations.
This structure is ideal for foreign companies testing business feasibility, networking with local stakeholders, or conducting market research — but not yet ready to engage in sales or revenue-generating activities.
However, if your business model requires sales transactions, contract execution, or invoicing, setting up a Singapore Private Limited Company is the preferred and legally compliant option.

Permitted Activities of a Singapore Representative Office

A Representative Office in Singapore is purely exploratory. It enables foreign entities to understand local demand, competitors, and consumer behaviour without engaging in trade. Approved activities include:

These functions help companies plan strategically while remaining compliant with Singapore’s RO regulations.

Limitations of a Singapore Representative Office

As a non-commercial entity, an RO in Singapore cannot:

These restrictions ensure the RO remains non-revenue-generating and focused solely on market assessment.

Requirements to Set Up a Representative Office in Singapore

To register a Representative Office with Enterprise Singapore, the parent company must meet the following:

These requirements ensure only established companies use the RO scheme for genuine market evaluation.

Documents Required for Singapore Representative Office Registration

Applicants must prepare:

All documents must be in English or come with certified English translations.

Timeline, Fees & Validity

• Processing time: Around 5 working days (if documents are complete)
• Fee: SGD 200 (payable via cheque, credit card, or bank draft – cash not accepted)
• Validity: Approval is granted for 1 year, renewable annually (max 3 years)
• Failure to renew results in automatic deregistration.

Singapore Business Structures: RO vs Branch vs Subsidiary

Foreign companies entering Singapore typically choose between:

Key takeaway: Choose an RO if you want to explore. Choose a Subsidiary if you want to operate commercially with tax benefits.

When Should You Convert an RO to a Singapore Company?

Since a Singapore RO has a 3-year operational limit, companies must decide early when to transition to a full legal entity.
Convert your RO to a Singapore Private Limited Company if:

Once these conditions are met, registering a Singapore company with ACRA ensures you’re legally positioned for long-term operations, expansion, and tax residency benefits.

Registering with ACRA as a private limited company gives you:

• Full legal recognition
• Tax residency benefits
• Long-term operational security and scalability

Why Choose Singapore for Market Entry?

Singapore’s strategic location, pro-business policies, competitive tax rates, and world-class infrastructure make it a top choice for companies expanding into Asia. Starting with a Representative Office is an excellent way to evaluate opportunities before investing further.