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.

30 French companies were set up in 2012 with the help of the FCCS.

Once the market opportunities are clear and the time has come to set up a longer term company presence, 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 common 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 from the other partners. A Private Limited may have up to 50 shareholders, at least one shareholder is required. As it is independent from the parent company as to the accounts and the financial responsibility, the Private Limited is often preferred to the Branch Office.

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 covers assistance in drafting all necessary documentation and applications with the “Registry of Business and Companies” (ACRA), including registration fees, reservation of the name of your company, submission of incorporation information (“Memorandum of Agreement” and “Articles of Association”) and issuance of certificate of incorporation, opening of a bank account in a local bank of your choice.

Please contact us for a quotation

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 engage in business, conclude contracts, provide consultancy for a fee, undertake transshipment of goods, or open or negotiate any letters of credit. After three years, a Representative office may be required to turn a representative office into a more stable form of business or company (generally a Private Limited).

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” (IE Singapore).

Please contact us for a quotation

EntrePass

The EntrePass scheme was launched in 2004 to lure foreign entrepreneurs. It is part of Singapore’s overall plan to become a regional business hub and attract the best business and entrepreneurial minds to the country. EntrePass is required only if you need to relocate to Singapore to run your new company. It’s possible to apply for Entrepreneur Pass before incorporating the Singapore company. Once the pass is approved, you will be generally given 30 days to incorporate the proposed company and inject the necessary share capital.

Individuals wishing to apply for Entrepass may do so individually, as the FCCS is not able to file the application in applicant’s name.

Please note that this service is not provided by the FCCS

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, bank loans may be difficult to obtain. Tax-wise, the company is directly taxed in the owner’s name. Individuals wishing to set up a sole-proprietorship may do so individually, as the FCCS is not able to file the application in applicant’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.