Setting up a Representative Office in Singapore with Employment Pass for Foreigners

Expand your global reach through a Singapore rep office.

Start the process today with step-by-step support.

Featured in

Get Your Quote

Our Clients

What is a Singapore Representative Office?

A Singapore Representative Office gives overseas companies looking to set up shop in Singapore a way to evaluate the market’s commercial potential before adopting any protracted or significant commitments. A Representative Agency is not permitted to conduct business operations that generate income.

Requirements for Singapore Representative Office

  • The foreign company must have been established for more than three years.
  • Annual turnover of the parent company must exceed USD 250,000.
  • The representative office may employ up to five staff members.
  • It cannot engage in profit-generating activities and is not required to file annual accounts.
  • A local registered office address is required; IMC can provide assistance if needed.
  • A Chief Representative from the parent company must apply for a Work Permit to relocate.
  • Applications for both registration and work permits can be submitted without visiting Singapore.

Documents Required for Setting up a Representative Office in Singapore

The application must be submitted to Enterprise Singapore, and it usually takes about five business days to process. All submitted documents should be in English or include certified translations. Additional details may be requested during the review if needed.

How to Apply for a Representative Office in Singapore with Employment Pass

Stage 1 – Submit Application and Integration Details

Once we receive your firm’s registration information, we check the availability of the proposed name. We also clarify any pending matters and provide guidance. This helps prepare your application for smooth processing.

Stage 2 – Make Payment for Services

After payment is received, we begin drafting the necessary documents. Accepted methods include credit cards, Corporate PayNow, and bank transfers. Cash and cheque payments are not accepted.

Stage 3 – Apply for Employment Pass (EP)

We file the Employment Pass application with the Ministry of Manpower after office setup is confirmed. Processing typically takes three to four weeks. Enterprise Singapore may request further clarification during review.

Singapore Representative Office Setup with Director Work Pass Support

IMC handles the full registration process with Enterprise Singapore, including document filing and any follow-up queries from the authorities. The registration is tracked, and updates are provided to keep the process clear and on time.

Singapore Representative Office Setup with Director Work Pass Support

Precise & Efficient
Global payments
for Expanding Business
Learn More

Compliance Rules for Representative Office in Singapore

To maintain your registration and avoid regulatory issues, take note of these obligations:

Name Consistency

Your office name must be the same as your parent company’s. If there’s a name change, inform IE Singapore within 1 month and submit the official certificate reflecting the change.

Clear Identification

All marketing and business materials must state:

“Representative Office Registered in Singapore” — this must be visibly printed on documents, websites, and communications.

Update Contact Details Promptly

If your office address, phone number, or fax number changes, notify IE Singapore within 30 days.

Report Changes in Status

In case of closure or conversion into a branch or subsidiary, you must inform IE Singapore within 1 month of the change.

No Filing Obligations with ACRA or IRAS

Since a representative office is not a separate legal entity, it is exempt from filing annual financial statements and tax returns in Singapore.

Annual Renewal Procedures for a Representative Office

A Representative Office in Singapore is valid for one year and must be renewed annually through Enterprise Singapore’s website. Renewal reminders are sent two months in advance, and the process must be completed within seven days of the due date. While audited financials are usually not required, they may be requested. The office can operate for up to three years, after which it must convert to a branch or subsidiary to continue.

IMC Group Singapore:
A Client's Testimony of Exceptional Results

More Videos

FAQs

You’ll need the parent company’s incorporation documents, audited financial statements, a completed application form, and a signed compliance declaration. All documents must be in English or officially translated.
It can be converted into a subsidiary company or a branch office. Registration with ACRA allows it to legally carry out business operations in Singapore.
The office must register as a branch or incorporate a subsidiary. This grants full legal standing to conduct commercial activities in Singapore.
It generally takes around one week after submission. If authorities request clarification, the process may be extended by 1–2 weeks.
A Representative Office allows foreign companies to assess Singapore’s market before making long-term plans. It is limited to non-commercial activities like research and evaluation.
No, the name must match the parent company’s official registered name. Name changes are not allowed during registration.

Yes, after registration, a Representative Office can open a corporate bank account with local or international banks in Singapore, subject to standard bank procedures.

The official registration fee is S$200, payable to Enterprise Singapore, and valid for one year.
Yes, a local address in Singapore is required, and most firms use a registered office service.
Read More FAQ

Your vision, our mission.
Let's discuss

Contact Us
mergers and acquisitions advisory services header
A Member Firm of Andersen Global
line
  • 175+ Countries
  • 525+ Locations
  • 17,500+ Professionals
  • 2350+ Global Partners
Contact Us
Global presence
Need Assistance?
Get In Touch

We appreciate your interest in IMC and are eager to address your needs.

To ensure we address your needs accurately and promptly, please fill out this form. This will help us in identifying and connecting you with the appropriate team of experts in our organization.

We take pride in our responsiveness and aim to get back to you within a span of 1-2 business days. Your journey towards solutions starts here.

Chat with Us in WhatsApp

Companies we have worked with

Relevant Articles
Unlocking Key Perspectives

View all

Key Tax Changes in Singapore’s Budget 2025 to Drive Growth Header

Key Tax Changes in Singapore’s Budget 2025 to Drive Growth

Read More

How To Incorporate a Company in Singapore Head

How To Incorporate a Company in Singapore – Your 2025 Guide

Read More