Running a business in Singapore necessarily requires adherence to a number of legal requirements.

Following incorporation, businesses in Singapore must comply with the following key legal requirements:

Business Licences: Depending on the nature of the business, certain licenses and permits may be required before it can operate in Singapore. These licenses and permits are available from the appropriate government agencies.

Employment Laws: Businesses in Singapore must follow a number of employment laws, including the Employment Act, the Work Injury Compensation Act, and the Retirement and Re-employment Act.

Taxation: Singapore businesses must register for and comply with various tax laws, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Corporate Income Tax, and Withholding Tax. If your company’s annual revenue is expected to exceed S$1 million, you must register for Goods and Services Tax, or GST (also referred to as value-added tax, VAT, in many countries). You are not required to register for GST if your annual turnover does not exceed S$1 million.

Data Protection: Businesses in Singapore must ensure that the personal data of their customers and employees is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

Immigration: Companies that hire foreign workers in Singapore must follow the Work Pass framework and ensure that their employees have the necessary work permits and visas.

Intellectual Property: Companies should be aware of Singapore’s various intellectual property laws, including such trademarks, patents, and copyrights, and take appropriate measures to protect their intellectual property.