Are you thinking of turning your side hustle into something more? Unleash your business beast with our guide on how to start one in Singapore.
I started a business in Singapore over 15 years ago, and I now run four businesses in four markets (Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia). Crazy, I know! But I have to say that Singapore is one of the best and easiest places to start a business – whether you’re a local dreamer or a foreign visionary. It’s well-known as the start-up hub of Southeast Asia. The country’s supportive ecosystem, access to funding, and government initiatives such as grants and incentives have fueled the growth of start-ups across diverse sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Interested in jumping on the bandwagon? Here’s my personal guide on what you need to know before you dive into start-up life in Singapore.
Everything you need to know about starting a business in Singapore
1. Surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs
Joining a business community or networking group like Launchpad is a great way to learn how to set up a business, get employment passes (if you’re an expat), and find contractors to help you with these steps. When you meet other entrepreneurs, you’ll discover what it takes to start and scale your business. Understanding their experiences is invaluable, as you can take advice from them and avoid the mistakes they made along the way.
2. Make sure your business has a good product-market fit
Before you dive into starting a business in Singapore, I recommend researching to ensure there’s demand for your product – and that your product is unique. This process is called determining whether you have a good product-market fit. It’s often overlooked, but it’s a very critical early step to ensure you’ll be successful.
3. Work out the right business structure
From sole proprietorships and partnerships to private limited companies, each entity carries its own set of advantages and implications for taxation, liability, and ownership. The most popular one is a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd), mainly because of its scalability, credibility and tax benefits. The minimum paid-up capital is $1, and you need a registered filing agent to incorporate in Singapore.
4. Expat entrepreneurs in Singapore: Apply for your work visas
If you’re an expat starting a business in Singapore, you’ll need an Employment Pass (EP) so you can work in your company. You can also apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC), but you must hire a local first. There are a lot of policies and procedures around how the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) works, and the rules change frequently, so it’s best to use a consultant to help navigate this. I’ve always found consultants through my personal network or business communities.
5. Get ready to register your company
Navigating the maze of bureaucracy can be daunting for aspiring entrepreneurs, but fear not – registering a company in Singapore is a streamlined process. From choosing a unique business name to obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, adhering to regulatory requirements is essential for a smooth incorporation journey. Engaging the services of a reputable corporate service provider can help expedite the process and ensure compliance with Singapore’s stringent regulations.
6. Appoint a local director and corporate secretary
All companies registered in Singapore must do this. These key personnel play integral roles in ensuring statutory compliance, maintaining corporate governance standards, and safeguarding the interests of the company and its stakeholders. Engaging the services of a reputable corporate services provider can help navigate the nuances of directorship and secretarial duties, allowing you to focus on driving your business forward. I’d suggest asking your network for a recommendation.
7. Open a corporate bank account
With local and international banks vying for your attention, selecting the right banking partner entails consideration of factors such as accessibility, service offerings, and fees. From digital banks to traditional institutions, Singapore offers banking options tailored to the needs of start-ups and established enterprises. Tip: it helps to keep your personal and company finances separate from the get-go (when it comes tax time, you’ll thank me!).
8. Look into legal compliance and licensing
Compliance with legal requirements and licensing obligations is non-negotiable for businesses operating in Singapore. From intellectual property protection and data privacy regulations to industry-specific licenses and permits, ensuring adherence to the law is essential to mitigate risks and foster trust with stakeholders.
Seeking legal counsel and leveraging digital solutions can streamline the process of navigating complex legal frameworks, empowering entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the curve. There are several lovely lawyers and legal experts in the Launchpad community, so you can use this as a starting point.
9. Consider government assistance and incentives
Singapore’s government offers grants, incentives, and support schemes to empower entrepreneurs. From research and development grants to tax incentives and financing schemes, tapping into government assistance can provide start-ups with the financial lifeline and resources to thrive in competitive markets.
By leveraging these initiatives, you can harness the full potential of Singapore’s ecosystem to propel your ventures to new heights. Ask around and use your connections to understand what’s available for your business, which will depend on your size, industry, and your nationality.
10. It’s time to hire
As businesses expand and scale, hiring talent becomes imperative for driving growth and fostering a diverse workforce. Singapore’s employment landscape is governed by robust regulations that protect workers’ rights and ensure fair labour practices. From drafting employment contracts and complying with wage regulations to navigating the intricacies of employment pass applications, familiarise yourself with the nuances of hiring employees to foster a harmonious and productive workplace culture, which is often cross-cultural.
11. Adhere to annual filing requirements and deadlines
From annual returns and financial statements to tax filings and statutory compliance reports, adhering to filing obligations ensures transparency and accountability in corporate governance. I recommend hiring a great accountant who can help steer you on this.
Finally, check your mindset. Starting and scaling a business requires massive resilience, grit and dog-eared determination. Be ready to put in the craziest hours you’ve ever worked, lose your social life, and be single-mindedly focused on one goal. It’s not easy, and it’s not for the fair-hearted. But, if you surround yourself with an epic community of business buddies – and you have passion and drive – you’ll have one heck of a ride. Good luck!
