Sources: MTI (14 Oct 2026); IRAS; China Daily (Nov 2025); ICA. Figures are indicative and can change. Please confirm with the relevant authority.
A practical starting point
Singapore may offer opportunities for business expansion, investment and long-term regional growth. Before deciding how to enter the market, it helps to understand the commercial rationale, the financial implications and the practical considerations.
Amelian Advisory helps business owners assess their financial position, identify important questions and make more informed decisions.
Whether you already run a business in Singapore or are exploring it as a potential base, the starting point is your objectives and what needs to be evaluated.
How we can help
Focused, practical support based on your objectives and circumstances.
Financial and business assessment
Understand the financial position of your business, identify areas needing closer attention and set priorities.
- Financial health analysis
- Key issues identified
- Recommended next actions
Singapore entry exploration
Explore the financial and operational considerations of establishing or expanding a business in Singapore.
- Commercial rationale and operating structure
- Set-up route options
- Financial and tax considerations
Investment and funding considerations
Evaluate the business case, financial implications and key questions before proceeding to detailed analysis.
- Business case and financial implications
- Funding and financing options
- Risk and return considerations
Professional connections
Where specialist services are needed, Amelia can introduce suitable independent professionals for matters outside Amelian Advisory’s direct services.
- Corporate secretarial (by partner firms)
- Legal advice (by independent law firms)
- Passes, remittance and other specialists
Your Singapore roadmap
A simple way to think about the first five years. Many steps run in parallel.
Short term
0–6 months
- Clarify objectives and the funding route
- Choose the structure and incorporate
- Open the corporate bank account
- Plan work passes for those who will be in Singapore
- Check grant eligibility before projects start
Medium term
6–24 months
- Fund and stage the investment
- Hire local staff and set up payroll
- GST and InvoiceNow readiness
- First tax filings and compliance calendar
- Premises, financing and grant claims
Long term
2–5 years
- Grow regionally across ASEAN
- Review the group structure and treasury
- Plan succession and further investment
- Revisit passes and residency options
- Keep reviewing the numbers each year
Which business structure?
| Structure | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | Most investors; 100% foreign ownership allowed | Needs a locally resident director and a company secretary |
| Branch | An existing foreign company starting quickly | Not a separate legal entity |
| Representative office | Market research and liaison | Cannot earn revenue |
| Holding company | Regional HQ, property or IP | Substance matters for treaty benefits |
Your corporate secretary or lawyer will finalise the structure with you.
Which pass do you need?
- Employment Pass: for professionals, managers and executives. Salary and COMPASS requirements apply, and the minimum salary for new applications rises from S$5,600 to S$6,000 on 1 January 2027.
- EntrePass: for founders of innovative or venture-backed companies, with a real business behind it.
- Dependant’s Pass, S Pass and PR: separate applications, each with its own criteria.
Passes are decided by MOM and ICA, and approval is never guaranteed. Incorporating a company does not guarantee a pass. We can introduce a specialist.
Moving funds from China
- PRC rules apply to money leaving China. Individuals have an annual personal foreign-exchange quota, and investment needs the proper approvals.
- Funds already lawfully held outside China follow a simpler route, but still need source-of-funds evidence.
- Banks and licensed providers carry out the payment. Please confirm the PRC side with your PRC counsel and bank.
We prepare the Singapore side and can introduce a licensed remittance provider.
How we work together
From the first conversation to ongoing support, in five clear steps.
Initial discussion
Understand your business background, goals and concerns.
You prepare:Basic company information and main needsIn-depth analysis
Financial and business analysis to clarify the key issues.
We provide:Findings and preliminary advicePlan the approach
Discuss feasible options and the next action plan.
We provide:Proposal and timelineConnect resources
Where specialist services are needed, we help you reach suitable partners.
You prepare:Relevant documents and authorisationOngoing support
Follow-up as your plans progress.
We provide:Regular updates and professional adviceLet’s discuss your plans for Singapore
Share a little about your business and what you are considering. We can explore whether Amelian Advisory is the right starting point for your needs.
Arrange an Initial Discussion
amelia@amelianadvisory.sg
+65 8991 4319
Add Amelia on WeChat
General information only. It is not legal, tax, immigration or investment advice. Amelian Advisory is not a corporate secretary, law firm or immigration agent, and introductions are to independent professionals. Approvals, passes and grants are decided by the relevant authorities, and nothing here is a guarantee. Regulations and figures change, so please confirm with the relevant authority.