Doing Business in Singapore

Anke Corbin

Business Government Resources in Singapore

The information on this page was current at the time it was published. Regulations, trends, statistics, and other information are constantly changing. While we strive to update our Knowledge Base, we strongly suggest you use these pages as a general guide and be sure to verify any regulations, statistics, guidelines, or other information that are important to your efforts.

Singapore Government Resources

Singapore is a well-established business hub known for its transparent and efficient regulatory environment. Leveraging Singapore’s government resources can significantly smoothen your business expansion journey. This guide explores various government resources offered by Singapore to simplify the process of setting up and operating your business.

Official Singapore Government Resources

Singapore – gov.sg : The official website of the Singapore government, offering a one-stop portal for information on government services, policies, and announcements. You can find links to different government agencies, information on applying for permits and licenses, news updates, and e-government services.

Official Singapore Government Statistics Resources

Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS): The official government agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistical data on Singapore.You can find: Economic and social data on various topics like population, trade, prices, and more. They offer access to the data through various formats including tables, infographics, and interactive dashboards.
New Singapore Infomap (Singapore National Archives):
Build Singapore Together Through Your Passions, Ideas and Actions – Our SG : This provides information on government initiatives, volunteering opportunities, and platforms to share ideas and feedback.

Official Singapore Government Trade Resources

Singapore Trade & Industry Association (ST&I) : The ST&I spearheads Singapore’s trade and industry development. They offer resources and assistance for businesses looking to export or import from Singapore.
Enterprise Singapore : A government agency that champions enterprise development in Singapore. They provide a wide range of programs and grants to support businesses at all stages of growth.
Singapore Business Federation (SBF) : The SBF is the leading business association in Singapore. Their website provides resources and connections to help businesses navigate the trade environment.

Singapore Tax Authority Resources

Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) : The IRAS is responsible for administering taxes in Singapore. Their website provides comprehensive information on tax rates, filing procedures, and tax incentives.
Singapore Ministry of Finance The Ministry of Finance provides an overview of Singapore’s tax system and fiscal policies.

Singapore Labor and Employment Resources

Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM): The MOM oversees labor-related matters in Singapore. Their website provides information on employment regulations, work permits, and foreign worker policies.
Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices Singapore : Provides guidelines for promoting fair hiring practices in Singapore.

Singapore Export Agencies Resources

Singapore Economic Development board: Singapore’s economic development is a fascinating story of transformation from a resource-poor island nation to a global economic powerhouse.
Singapore Customs: The Singapore Customs website provides information on for those who wish to export goods from Singapore, customs clearance procedures, and trade compliance requirements.
Enterprise Singapore: Enterprise Singapore (ESG) stands as a vital resource for businesses aiming to establish or expand their presence in Singapore. As a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), ESG champions enterprise development by offering a comprehensive suite of programs, grants, and support services.
Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC): Offers resources and support for businesses involved in international trade.

Singapore Import Agencies Resources

Singapore Trade & Industry Association (ST&I): Building Connections and Business Support. The Singapore Trade & Industry Association (ST&I) is a non-profit business association that focuses on supporting and connecting businesses in Singapore. While not a government agency, it plays a valuable role in the business ecosystem. pen_spark
Enterprise Singapore: Enterprise Singapore (ESG) is a statutory board under the Singapore government’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. It plays a crucial role in supporting businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in their endeavors to establish and grow in Singapore.
Singapore Customs: The Singapore Customs website provides information on import duties, customs clearance procedures, and trade compliance requirements.

Industry Associations Resources in Singapore

Singapore has a vibrant network of industry associations representing various sectors. These associations offer valuable resources and support to their members, including networking opportunities, industry updates, and business development assistance. Here are some resources to find relevant industry associations:

Singapore Business Federation (SBF) : The SBF is the leading business association in Singapore. Their website provides a directory of industry associations in Singapore.
Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) : An umbrella organization for trade associations and chambers of commerce in Singapore.

Singapore Licensing Authorities Resources

Depending on your industry, you may require a license to operate in Singapore. The relevant licensing authority will vary depending on your business activity. You can find a list of licensing authorities on the Singapore Government website.

Intellectual Property Authority Resources in Singapore

Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS): The IPOS is responsible for administering intellectual property rights in Singapore. Their website provides information on registering patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): A global organization that promotes the protection of intellectual property. They offer resources and information on international IP treaties and procedures.

Singapore Immigration Office Resources

Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA): The ICA manages immigration and border control in Singapore. Their website provides information on applying for work visas, employment passes, and dependent passes for your foreign employees.
Singapore Ministry of Man Power Online Work Permit : An online portal for submitting work pass applications and managing foreign workforce matters.

Singapore Finance or Economy Resources

Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): The MAS is the central bank of Singapore. Their website provides information on Singapore’s monetary policy and financial regulations.
Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI): The MTI oversees Singapore’s trade and industry development. Their website provides insights into Singapore’s economic policies and trends.

Singapore Foreign Investment Resources

Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB): The EDB is the lead agency for attracting foreign direct investment. Their website provides information on the benefits of investing in Singapore, available grants and incentives, and assistance programs for foreign investors.

International Organizations in Singapore

World Bank: The World Bank provides data and reports on Singapore’s economy, doing business environment, and development indicators.
International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF offers regular assessments of Singapore’s economy and financial stability.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): The OECD provides comparative data and analysis on Singapore’s economic and social policies.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat : APEC is a forum for 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific region promoting free trade and investment with its headquarters in Singapore.

Singapore Business Grant Organizations

Singapore offers a wide range of grants and schemes to support businesses at various stages of development. Here are some key resources:

Enterprise Singapore Grants: Enterprise Singapore provides a comprehensive suite of grants to support business innovation, capability development, and market access.
Singapore Budget Website: The Singapore Budget website announces new government grants and initiatives each year.

References

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