The benefits of doing business in Singapore
Pro-business environment
Singapore was listed by The World Bank as the second-best country for ease of doing business. It has low barriers to trade and a pro-business, pro-enterprise outlook. For instance, organizations are typically able to provide input for major business-related policies before they pass. There is minimal red tape, plenty of tax incentives, and other types of assistance available to organizations.
Stability and growth
Singapore is an economic tiger, marrying powerhouse growth with business-friendly policies. The country places no tax on capital gains while offering close diplomatic ties and extremely favorable operating conditions. Given this combination of political and economic stability and growth, Singapore offers fertile ground for investment.
Transparency
As one of the most transparent governments in Asia, Singapore is on constant guard against corruption. It was ranked the third least corrupt nation in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. It’s a country with strict laws and regulations governing business transactions.
Progressive economy
Considered a technology hub, Singapore’s economy promotes knowledge-based and research-intensive industries. By 2025 Singapore is expected to reach $714 million in revenue related to the Internet-of-Things (IoT).
And the workforce is prime to support it. Singaporeans in their 40s benefit from an educational shift that focuses on technological literacy, skills development, innovation, and enterprise.
Business challenges in Singapore
Registering your business and property
New business ventures in Singapore must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. You will need to use a registered agent to submit the online application and, in certain situations, may need to employ a director who resides in Singapore.
Registering property in Singapore isn't always easy either, particularly with regard to payable fees. Most new companies spend days sorting through a long list of relevant governmental agencies. These include the Inland Revenue Authority, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the national water agency (PUB), the Land Transport Authority and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Cultural differences
In order to successfully do business in any foreign country, it is important to consider cultural differences. For those doing business in Singapore, keep in mind that there are certain gestures and topics to avoid. For instance, pointing is considered rude. Avoid conversation topics about personal life, politics, and religion. Instead try discussing safer topics like travel, architecture or local cuisine.
Another important cultural difference to consider is punctuality. While it may not be an issue to start a meeting a few minutes late in the U.S., it is considered rude in Singapore to keep an executive waiting. Age and seniority are revered as well. Avoid publicly correcting or disagreeing with an older person or a superior as this is considered disrespectful. Be sure to look into additional cultural nuances for a smooth transition while doing business in Singapore.
Services and trade barriers
Companies expanding to Singapore can face barriers if they are importing beef, pork or poultry products. There are also some hurdles to overcome regarding service barriers, including restrictions on using satellite dishes, direct-to-home satellite TV services, paid television subscriptions, legal, banking, and healthcare services.
IP protection rights
Businesses expanding to Singapore may face challenges in regard to IP protection and enforcement. U.S.-based companies have raised concerns about limitations of trade secrets protection, a need for stronger enforcement against infringing goods transshipped through Singapore, and inadequate deterrent penalties for end-user software piracy.
Cost of doing business
Finally, Singapore is an expensive place to do business. The cost of living in this country is high. Inflation pressure, elevated property prices and a tight labor market have raised the cost of doing business as well.
Conclusion
The challenges of operating in a new country can be daunting. Regulations are constantly evolving and no business landscape remains static. Without a solid grasp of the issues at hand, businesses are exposed to tax penalties, and even the prospect of civil or criminal litigation.
With our experience and global footprint, CT Corporation delivers the products and services you need to keep you compliant as you do business in Singapore.
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