- NEWSLETTER,U.A.E
- March 14, 2023
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a favoured investment destination for foreign investors. This is primarily due to its advantageous geographical location, economic and political stability, forward-thinking business regulations, and rich talent pool.
Nevertheless, the Free Zones, dedicated areas for business activities with specialized corporate and tax rules, play a crucial role in making the UAE a thriving business hub. The Free Zones offer an unparalleled opportunity for foreign investors to set up their businesses in Dubai, an environment conducive to growth and development.
The Benefits and Challenges of Corporate Tax in UAE Free Zones
UAE’s Ministry of Finance announced a CT regime on Jan 31, 2022, but assured that current tax incentives for Free Zone entities would still be honoured. After that, on April 28, 2022, a Public Consultation Document was made available. As per guidelines the free zone entities will continue to enjoy the tax benefits if they don’t carry out business with mainland UAE and fulfill relevant regulatory requirements.
The Free Zone Advantage: How the Final CT Law Protects Your Rights
The UAE MoF released the final version of the CT law on December 9, 2022, which includes Free Zone persons as taxable individuals. Additionally, the beneficial tax regime only applies to qualifying Free Zone individuals earning qualifying income.”
Article 18 of the final law defines a qualifying Free Zone person as an entity located in the Free Zone that:
- Must have sufficient substance
- Must generate qualifying income as specified
- Must comply with transfer pricing regulations under the law
- Must not have chosen to be subjected to Corporate Tax (CT)
- Must fulfil any additional requirements as prescribed
A Free Zone person’s qualifying income is taxed at 0%, while any other income is 9%. However, Free Zone persons may need access to the AED 3,75,000 income threshold. If eligible, a qualifying Free Zone person can apply to be taxed at the same rates as other taxable individuals.
Top Priorities for Free Zone Individuals in the UAE
Staying informed and complying with relevant regulations is essential for smooth and confident business operations. Free Zone individuals in UAE should consider key considerations to comply with regulations specific to their status. This includes visa requirements, employment restrictions, tax obligations, business licensing, banking, customs, and import/export regulations.
Maximizing Tax Benefits: A Guide for Free Zone Individuals in the UAE
A person in the Free Zone has the choice to opt for being taxed according to the regular provisions.
To comply with the arm’s length principle and disclose transactions with related parties and connected persons, Free Zone individuals must maintain sufficient transfer pricing documentation.
Free Zone individuals cannot join tax groups or receive tax relief on intra-group transfers and restructuring. Moreover, it is not allowed to transfer tax loss to or from a Free Zone person.
Free Zone companies, particularly those that belong to large groups, must assess the advantages and disadvantages of waiving the exemption since it is a one-time opportunity.
As Free Zone Companies’ revenue is divided into Qualified Income and other income, they must allocate expenses appropriately based on their earnings.
In addition, the Ministry of Finance’s FAQs have clarified that Free Zone entities that are part of a multinational group and meet the eligibility criteria will likely be subject to a distinct CT rate after implementing the Pillar Two rules in the UAE CT regime.
Conclusion
By staying informed and complying with these requirements, Dubai Free Zone Companies can maximize their success and grow their businesses confidently. Overall, the Free Zone model has proven successful. Choosing Dubai as a location for your company is likely to continue to be a key factor in the region’s long-term economic development.
In observation company formation in Dubai, as the UAE CT law becomes effective for the financial year beginning on or after 1 June 2023, companies must adjust their financial systems to ensure compliance. The upcoming cabinet notification regarding qualifying income will be closely watched to see if it aligns with the Public Consultation Document or presents any surprises.
- NEWSLETTER, GLOBAL
- March 1, 2023
We are pleased to announce the launch of the PayNow and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) linkage, providing an instant, secure, and direct fund transfer service between the two countries. This milestone initiative was first proposed during PM Narendra Modi’s 2018 visit to Singapore, and the discussion of digital connectivity was further intensified at the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held last year.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and all stakeholders involved for bringing this vision to fruition. This linkage will enable customers of participating financial institutions* in Singapore and India to send and receive funds between bank accounts or e-wallets across the two countries in real-time. They can do this using just the mobile phone number, UPI identity, or Virtual Payment Address (VPA). The linkage provides customers with a safe, simple, and cost-effective way to make cross-border fund transfers. This represents a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between the two countries, as we explore and pursue new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
If you are an Indian company seeking to expand into Singapore, this is fantastic news! Incorporating a Singapore Company and establishing a presence in this dynamic and business-friendly city-state has never been easier. Take advantage of Singapore’s status as a regional hub for technology, finance, and business, and tap into the many opportunities available here.
Furthermore, if you are a single-family office, you will be pleased to know that Singapore is home to a thriving family office ecosystem. Singapore has established itself as a hub for wealth management and private banking, and it boasts a range of services that cater to family offices’ unique needs. With its excellent business infrastructure, low tax rates, and stable political environment, Singapore is an ideal location for Indian family offices looking to expand internationally.
We believe that this partnership between PayNow and UPI will continue to spawn innovative technology solutions, creating more cross-border opportunities for our digital economies. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your business and take advantage of the growing digital economy in Singapore.
Get in touch with IMC today to learn more about incorporating a Singapore company or establishing a Single Family Office in Singapore.
*Singapore participants are DBS and Liquid Group. India participants are Axis Bank, DBS India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and State Bank of India (more institutions will be added gradually).
- NEWSLETTER, GLOBAL
- February 28, 2023
In the context of a global economy, it is crucial for companies to attract and retain the best talent to stay competitive on the international stage. An effective strategy for gaining a competitive advantage is to provide a flexible workspace that caters to the requirements of the current distributed workforce. This article explores how flexible workspace solutions can assist global employers in attracting and retaining top talent across geographical borders.
What defines a flexible workspace?
A flexible workspace refers to a comprehensive workspace solution that offers employees and teams a range of work options based on their individual needs. Such options include open offices, hot desks, and coworking spaces.
Advantages of Offering Flexible Workspace Solutions to International Staff
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction:
The increase in remote work has resulted in a growing demand among employees to work from locations that align with their preferences and lifestyle. By availing a global network of flexible work desks, employees can easily locate a workspace that is convenient for them, irrespective of their location. This allows employees to have greater autonomy over their work environment, leading to an improved performance in a workspace that suits them best.
Heightened Efficiency and Teamwork:
Flexible workspaces not only offer convenience to employees but also provide them with fresh and distinct work environments that can stimulate creativity and innovation. This advantage is particularly evident in coworking spaces, where employees and businesses from diverse backgrounds and industries come together. The resulting diversity of perspectives can lead to the generation of novel ideas and innovative work methodologies.
Improved Harmony Between Work and Personal Life:
Offering employees greater flexibility in terms of when and where they work can help them manage their personal and professional lives effectively. Work flexibility is particularly crucial for employees who have family commitments, lengthy commutes, or inadequate access to stable and secure WiFi connectivity at home. When employers empower their teams to choose their work schedule and location, it promotes a better work-life balance, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction while reducing stress and burnout levels among employees.
Enhanced Relationships and Involvement:
Providing employees with access to a worldwide network of flexible workspaces enhances their sense of connection with the company. When employees can work from a location that is convenient for them, it improves their level of engagement with the work. This advantage is especially relevant for international employees who may experience feelings of isolation or disconnection from their colleagues and the organization’s central office.
Enhanced Trustworthiness:
Empowering employees to select their preferred work schedule and location is a clear demonstration of trust from employers. This trust reflects respect for employees, which has a positive impact on their job performance. Additionally, when employers exhibit trust and respect towards their employees, it creates a mutual feeling of trust and respect, leading to elevated morale, improved teamwork, and increased innovation within the workforce.
Expense Reduction:
Employers can significantly reduce lease costs, as well as the expenditure on office furniture and equipment, by providing flexible workspace solutions. Most flexible workspaces come pre-equipped with all the essential amenities, resulting in cost savings for the employer. Moreover, through discounted global workspace access, employers can enjoy significant savings. These cost savings, along with those attained from using online collaboration tools, can be reinvested in building a better team.
Global Appeal and Talent Retention Through Adaptable Workspace Solutions
Organizations worldwide are recognizing the significance of creating a comfortable and productive workspace for their employees. Including flexible workspaces as part of an employee benefits package can offer a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent internationally. With flexible workspace solutions, employers can reduce lease costs and office equipment expenses, enhance employee productivity, collaboration, and job satisfaction, promote work-life balance, and foster better engagement with the company. By empowering employees with the freedom and flexibility to work in an environment that suits them best, employers demonstrate trust and respect, leading to the creation of a more robust and innovative team.
In summary, a flexible workspace is a win-win situation for both employers and employees in the global economy, promoting a mutually beneficial work culture.
- NEWSLETTER, GLOBAL
- February 28, 2023
International Benefits
Incentives that Drive Hiring and Employee Retention
Successfully recruit and retain exceptional talent amidst fierce competition in the hiring market.
Gain a Competitive Hiring Advantage with Comprehensive Rewards Packages
As an employer, it’s essential to recognize that attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just offering competitive salaries. In today’s highly competitive job market, job seekers are looking for comprehensive benefits packages that meet their unique needs and desires. To become an employer of choice, you need to offer rewards that go above and beyond the standard offerings of most global employers of record.
One way to achieve this is by working with experts who can help you craft comprehensive, market-specific benefits packages that are tailored to your employees’ needs. These experts can help you understand the unique needs of your workforce and design benefits that will excite job seekers and increase workforce loyalty.
Comprehensive Coverage:
Provide your talented employees with everything they need to feel valued, including comprehensive benefits such as full health coverage, robust pension plans, and life insurance, among others
Elite Specialization:
Count on our team of experts to provide you with guidance on the optimal rewards solutions, while also providing quick and localized support to both you and your global workforce.
Global Governance:
Rest assured that your benefits packages comply with local statutory requirements across countries, providing you with peace of mind
Value-Based Pricing:
Access exclusive rates available only to large-scale providers, allowing us to offer you top coverage at competitive prices.
Boost employee satisfaction and retention rates by offering supplemental benefits in addition to mandatory ones
Providing statutory benefits such as medical, life, pensions, and time off is mandatory for employers in a given country. However, we take it a step further by offering your talent additional supplemental benefits that go beyond the legal requirements. By doing so, we aim to make your employees feel appreciated, valued, and motivated, which can give your company a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.
More than just a vendor - we're a dedicated partner invested in your company's success
Just as you work hard to take care of your employees, we at IMC Group are dedicated to providing you and your talent with the highest level of support in the industry. Our team of experts is committed to offering assistance on everything from compliance-related inquiries to rewards strategies and more. With our localized approach, we are here to help at every step, providing the guidance you need to succeed.
- NEWSLETTER, GLOBAL
- February 28, 2023
One of the simplest methods for providing global equity awards and stock options
IMC Group collaborates with top legal advisory firms to assist you in providing globally compliant and customized equity plans and stock options. By delivering consistent packages regardless of location, you can attract qualified candidates and ensure that your talented employees remain loyal to your organization.
Integrated Solutions:
We take care of everything, from researching grant options to providing support with withholding rates, payroll processing, supplemental reporting, and other related tasks.
Global Adherence:
Our in-house experts collaborate closely with globally recognized consultants to guarantee that your equity awards conform to local regulations and standards.
Tailored Compensation Plans:
We simplify the process of granting various types of awards, such as stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, and phantom awards, making it effortless for you to issue them.
Rapid Response Services:
Get access to competitive pricing on top-notch coverage by leveraging rates that are exclusively available to large-scale providers.
Grant Worldwide Equity with Regional Customization:
Offering equity awards and stock options to foreign employees should not be challenging. You can obtain detailed, country-specific recommendations on equity packages through our comprehensive resource center. Moreover, our experts are available to provide fast and localized support whenever you require additional assistance.
- Article, Global
- February 20, 2023
- Article
- February 17, 2023
According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the assets under management in Singapore have seen a substantial increase over the decade from 2012 to 2021, reaching SGD 5.4 trillion. This marks a three-fold growth from SGD 1.6 trillion in 2021 and recorded a 16% increase in assets in the 2021 itself.
Most of this growth came from outside of Singapore, of which about one-third really is from Asia-Pacific countries. Singapore’s reputations as are stable and well-regulated financial centre has earned it the nickname “Switzerland of the East”. The country’s favourable business environment and its position as a hub for wealth management have made it an attractive destination for investors around the world.
In early 2020, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) introduced the Variable Capital Company framework, which was designed to attract investment funds, including Single Family Offices. This piece of legislation has proved to be a crucial step towards enhancing the investment landscape in the country.
What is a Single Family Office?
A Single Family Office (SFO) is a private company that provides comprehensive wealth management services for a single wealthy family. It offers a wide range of services, including investment management, estate planning, tax planning, financial planning, asset protection, philanthropy, and family governance.
How to set up single family office in Singapore?
What are some things that you might need to consider before setting up a Single Family Office?
As the world’s second-largest group of billionaires resides in Mainland China, the high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) sector in Asia has grown by 7.9% despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This growth has presented new challenges for HNWI`s and UHNWI`s in terms of wealth management, estate planning, succession, budgeting, and philanthropy.
Traditional fund management may not be equipped to handle the complex and diverse financial portfolios of HNWI`s and UHNWI`s while meeting their needs. This is where the concept of a Single Family Office comes in as a new solution for wealth management for these individuals.
What attracts ambitious entrepreneurs to set up a Customized Single Family Office solutions in Singapore?
Making it an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors, in addition to its favourable business environment, Singapore is known for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and top-notch educational institutions. The city-state has a multicultural population, making it a melting pot of different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. This contributes to a rich and diverse cultural experience for its residents and visitors.
Furthermore, the government of Singapore has made significant investments in infrastructure and technology, which has helped to make it one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. This has led to the growth of numerous high-tech industries such as IT, biotechnology, and engineering.
What are your Goals for setting up a Single Family Office?
The objective of setting up a Single family office should always be defined and clear, but the primary goal would be is to secure the wealth and legacy of future generations. To achieve this, it requires a comprehensive wealth management strategy that takes into account not just the immediate future but also long-term planning.
Overall, an increasing number of Single Family Offices in Singapore are taking advantage of Singapore’s favourable laws and regulations in setting up their Entity, to build a legacy that goes beyond not just financial growth but accumulation of wealth.
IMC is the trusted Single Family Office advisor and supports services that are available to assist with setting up a strategic office in Singapore. The company’s wealth management services can help you in providing tailored investment management, estate planning, trust and fiduciary services, tax planning, financial planning, asset protection, and philanthropy, all aimed at ensuring the continued prosperity of your family.
Our family governance experts can also assist you in creating a vision and mission statement for your family office, one that outlines your goals and aspirations, whether it’s in finance, technology, property, or environmental protection.
- Article, Global
- February 14, 2023
When expanding globally, it can be overwhelming to navigate the plethora of acronyms and jargon in the world of international employment. But don’t let technical language hinder your progress. In the interest of simplifying things, we will clarify the most perplexing term – Professional Employer Organization.
The definition of PEO?
A PEO is a company that provides comprehensive human resources services to businesses. These services can include recruitment, payroll processing, benefits management, other administrative tasks, and assistance with local employment laws and tax compliance.
PEO shares the HR responsibilities and liabilities. PEO takes over the entire range of HR functions such as employee benefits, compensation and payroll administration, workers’ compensation, and employment taxes.
This is where the Confusion Arises…
The terms “Professional Employer Organization” (PEO), “Employer of Record” (EOR), “Global Employment Organization” (GEO), and “Global PEO” are often used interchangeably, but there are some variations depending on your location.
In the United States, the term PEO is typically used and refers to a co-employment model where both the client company and the PEO have rights and responsibilities as an employer.
The client company manages the employee’s day-to-day duties, while the PEO handles legal employment and personnel-related functions like payroll. One important distinction to keep in mind is that co-employment requires the client company to be a legally registered entity in the country where the employees are based.
Is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) the right choice for my business?
PEOs are essential for companies looking to expand internationally, as the process of global expansion involves navigating various administrative, regulatory, and financial challenges, which can be overwhelming.
Navigating the different employment regulations in various countries, regions, or states for non-resident companies can be a significant challenge for international expansion, especially for those unfamiliar with concepts such as 13th-month or 14th-month payments.
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can handle all the challenges that come with expanding internationally. Businesses are required to have a legal entity while the PEO handles the entire HR responsibilities, manage benefits such as health insurance, help with recruitment and stay up to date on local regulations, allowing companies to focus on their core business operations.
In addition, companies that work with a PEO tend to experience faster growth, lower employee turnover rates and have a decreased risk of failure in the international business world.
If you want to accelerate your growth plans and hire employees in a different state or country, partnering with a PEO will be a beneficial decision for your global expansion journey. To learn more about our international PEO services, contact us today.
- NEWSLETTER,U.A.E
- February 8, 2023
New visa reforms and ease and simplicity of doing business are attracting a growing number of foreign investors for new business setup in Dubai UAE.
As per a report, the UAE government has initiated several measures to make it easy for overseas investors to relocate their business into the country and this will, in all likelihood, result in higher FDI inflow into its economy.
A PRO Services in Dubai UAE recently reported about rising inquiries relating to new visa options for setting up a business in the emirates duly suggesting that the country is all set to witness more HNIs and millionaires this year.
Another UAE-based business consultancy firm reported receiving an increasing number of inquiries and clarification about new visa options including golden visa, investor visa, and freelance visa as many overseas investors are showing interest in joining the UAE’s tempting business community.
Besides new visa options, the UAE government’s business-friendly and forward-looking policies, a stable economy and incentivized tax systems are also becoming major factors in attracting global investors to the country’s soil.
There are reports that the UAE government is seriously considering rolling out a series of new policies to make the country’s business landscape far more attractive for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. It is learned that the government is committed to further simplifying the process of business licensing by removing other bureaucratic procedures that are still in existence.
Building Special Economic Zones (SEZ) is another new policy that the government is expected to introduce during 2023. These SEZs would likely be designed to cater to sector-specific industries and businesses including financial services, technology, and manufacturing.
Newly planned SEZs would also offer sector-specific incentives to further attract foreign investors for new company formation in Dubai UAE.
As per reports, even Covid pandemic couldn’t destabilize the country’s growing trend of new business setups that further display the strong resilience of UAE’s economy. There are also government pushes to enhance the SMEs’ participation in the economy as evidenced by increased disbursement of funds from the Emirates Development bank for the SMEs. Furthermore, the Dubai SME initiative is also providing increased networking opportunities for sustainable growth in the SME space.
Today, several sectors including real estate, e-commerce, hospitality and tourism, transportation, and logistics are booming in the UAE and industry and investment experts believe that more foreign investments are going to be poured into these sectors in the years to come. Experts are also confident that the government’s relentless push to drive technology and sustainable finance would open the doors for tremendous business growth opportunities in the coming years.
Amongst all Arabian nations, the UAE has been ranked first and 19th worldwide in attracting FDI inflows during 2022 as the World Investment Report issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) suggests.
Industry experts forecast that FDI inflow in the UAE during 2023 could be huge, attracting a major share of USD 66 billion in potential FDI inflows into the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (Menap) as the country is considered the most favored destination for investment by global investors and entrepreneurs.
The Institute of International Finance also reported that UAE had attracted an estimated $22 billion in FDI inflows during 2022 due to its business and visa reforms.
- NEWSLETTER,SINGAPORE
- February 8, 2023
Introduction
Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation on fintech and sustainable finance to optimize the regulation of finance in today’s digital era. The MoU was signed on November 25, 2022, at the seventh UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue held in Singapore.
Singapore is the leading fintech hub and sustainable finance power in Asia today and beginning in 2021, more than 40 percent of fintech companies in Southeast Asia were based in Singapore, underscoring its role as ASEAN’s financial center with a growing number of Singapore Company Incorporation from the foreign investors.
The recent MoU has been built upon the UK-Singapore FinTech Bridge which was launched in May 2016 in London during the sixth UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue by HM Treasury and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The Bridge is structured by a regulatory cooperation agreement signed between the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the MAS and enables the regulators to refer fintech firms that meet set eligibility criteria to their counterparts and sets out the process of sharing and using the information on financial services innovation by the regulators.
Key Features
Sustainable Finance
Collaboration on Sustainable finance was discussed between the two countries within the context of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.
The two countries agreed to work together on transition finance such as boosting international consistency in the design and disclosure of transition plans.
The two countries agreed to continue working with international organizations to implement a global reference for sustainability-related disclosure standards including climate-related financial disclosures.
The requirement for a globally consistent framework for nature-based disclosures was also agreed upon, including collaboration on enhanced comprehension of the potential for natural degradation to create financial risks.
Fintech
Opportunities and challenges in the crypto and blockchain markets were also discussed and besides sustainable finance, the two countries agreed to collaborate on the fintech space.
An immediate need for a safe digital ecosystem of assets was agreed upon by both countries. The risks associated with volatile crypto assets and financial stability were discussed including the progress made on strengthening consumer protection and regulating stablecoins. Both agreed to work in association with international bodies to help stabilize digital assets.
Other fintech developments in recent times were also discussed including e-wallet caps and digital banking in Singapore.
At the beginning of 2022, Singapore and the UK signed the Digital Economy Agreement aiming at advancing digital trade by standardizing e-payments and e-invoicing systems and encouraging enhanced participation from the UK-based SMEs with foreign company registration in Singapore. Moreover, in late 2020, Singapore and the UK also signed a Free Trade Agreement, as the UK’s first FTA with a Southeast Asian country. The free trade agreement reduced non-tariff barriers, reduced tariffs, and provided improved market access in the financial services sector.
The Takeaway
In all likelihood, the UK-Singapore FinTech Bridge will build the stage for increased cooperation on fintech and sustainable finance over the coming years. The Singapore-UK partnership is likely to strengthen more with Singapore leading the fintech and sustainable finance in South East Asia.
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