Company Set Up

In 2005, the Economic Development Board (EDB) recognized the Business Support Unit of the French Chamber of Commerce as a key-player in attracting foreign companies from France.

25 French companies were set up in 2009 (more than 100 since January 2004) with the help of the FCCS. The following link will give you a presentation of some of the latest company set ups.

Once the market opportunities are clear and the time to set up a longer term company presence has come, you have the choice between several solutions ranging from business entities to companies structures. The most frequently set-up forms are the following:

Private Limited (Pte Ltd)

The most current legal structure in Singapore, the Private Limited is more than an independent entity, limiting the responsibility of its partners to the amount of their shares. Shares cannot be given away without consent form the other partners. A Private Limited counts between 1-50 shareholders. Independent, the Private Limited is often preferred compared to a Branch Office as the accounts represent less risk for the Parent Company.

The French Chamber of Commerce of Singapore can help you in the incorporation process of your company in Singapore as a Private Limited, which includes the co-ordination and assistance when processing incorporation up to the point of obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation. This support involves all documentation and applications with the “Registry of Business and Companies” (ACRA), including registration fees.

Some steps include reservation of name, submission of incorporation information (“Memorandum of Agreement” and “Articles of Association”) and issuance of certificate of incorporation.

Representative Office (RO)

A foreign company may establish a representative office in Singapore to undertake promotional and liaison activities on behalf of its parent company. The office, however, directly or on behalf of its parent company, must not be engaged in business, conclude contracts, provide consultancy for a fee, undertake transshipment of goods, or open or negotiate any letters of credit.

The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore can set up and register a Singapore Representative Office. This includes liaising, drafting of a sponsor letter, preparing the required documents including translation of documents if necessary, submission and monitoring with the “International Enterprises Singapore” (IES). After two years, one can be asked to transform a representative office in a more stable form of business or company.

Sole proprietorship

A sole-proprietorship is a business firm owned by one person or one company. There are no partners. The sole-proprietor has absolute say in the running of the business firm. There is no difference between the personal and the professional ownership and as a result, it is difficult to get a bank loan. Tax-wise, the company is directly taxed in the owner’s name.

• « Representative Office »: Promotional office where activities are carried out on behalf of the parent company.

• « Private Limited »: company where responsibility of its associates is limited to the amount of subscribed shares.

• « Sole Proprietorship »: independent business entity with one owner only.

Facilitating your access to the market

• Market information.

• Providing all necessary documents for the establishment of a Singapore registered company.

• Assistance putting together a business plan.

• Information on local business practices (taxation matters, social protection, insurances, bank account opening..).

• Benefit from our network of institutional and professional partners: Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), 330 company members of the FCCS (legal and tax advisors, accountants…).

Full support in your application of Work Permits and Visas

• « Employment Pass» for foreign professionals and executives wishing to work in Singapore.

• « Dependent Pass » for spouses and family members.

• « Entrepass Pass » for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to start a business.

•  « Long term Social Visit Pass/Training Employment Pass » for common-law spouse and final-year university students.

Point of Contact & Administrative domiciliation services (3 months minimum)

• Registration with an official address on Singapore’s renown Orchard Road.

• Transfer of phone/fax messages through mobile/fax/email and storing and/or forwarding of postal mail.

• 12 hours/month of meeting room availability including facilities.

Turn key Office Space Rental

Temporary rental of office space for a temporary period of time including furniture, phone and extension number, printer and fax machine, desk top computer, insurance, …