Singapore Company Types
There are many types of business entities in Singapore. Before registering, you should be aware of the kind of business entity that is best for your company.
According to the Singapore Business Registration Act, all individuals or institutions conducting business in Singapore are required to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), and any details about changes in the owner, managers or business partners must be made known to ACRA within the specified time period.
Singapore corporations include private and public limited companies
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Private limited companies can be registered with less than 50 shareholders
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Public companies with more than 50 shareholders must register.
A private limited company is the most common and widely used form of business in Singapore and it is an independent legal entity. Each shareholder has limited liability to the company.
A subsidiary is also a type of limited liability company.
Exempt private company
An exempted private company is a type of private limited company, the number of shareholders of which cannot exceed 20, and the shares cannot be held by the company. Exempted private companies are required to prepare unaudited statements, also known as accountant-edited reports, for submission to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMs) and Singapore Accounting and Enterprise Regulatory Authority (ACRA) for the record.
Branch of an overseas company in Singapore
Overseas companies set up a branch in Singapore, which is an extension of the head office. Legally, the branch office and the head office are integrated. The head office has unlimited liability for the branch. However, in some cases, the branch company can use the qualification or project case of the head office. For example: construction company.
Representative Office of Overseas Company in Singapore
This is a representative office established by an overseas company in Singapore. Representative offices can conduct business market research or coordinate work, but they cannot engage in commercial activities.
Differences between a limited liability company, a representative office and a branch
独资企业 （个体户）
这是一种适用于新加坡公民或者新加坡永久居民的商业实体。 这种商业实体与个人有连带无限责任。
普通合伙
普通合伙企业必须独资企业与普通合伙企业不是法人实体；即独资所有人及合伙企业的合伙人对企业经营过程中出现的债务和义务承担无限责任。
有限合伙
有限合伙企业不是一个独立的法人实体。一个有限合伙企业必须至少有两个合伙人，一个一般合伙人，一个有限合伙人。一般合伙人对有限合伙企业的所有债务和义务承担责任，而有限合伙人仅对其同意出资额范围内的债务和义务承担责任。
有限责任合伙
必须根据2005年新加坡有限责任合伙法，在新加坡会计与企业管制局登记。有限责任合伙企业本质上是承担有限责任的合伙企业。有限责任合伙企业是一个法人实体，具有独立于合作伙伴的法人资格。有限责任合伙企业的合伙人对企业所发生的债务和义务承担有限责任。