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Law Firm in Singapore
Updated on Monday 28th November 2022 Rate this article
based on 8 reviews.
based on 8 reviews.
Our law firm in Singapore provides corporate, accounting, financial and civil matter legal services which are extremely reliable and accurate. We have a thorough experience when it comes to meeting our clients’ requirements. Our attorneys in Singapore have the necessary knowledge for various legal branches that can be of interest for natural persons and companies.
Our client portfolio includes, among small and medium-sized companies, some of the most successful and tenacious companies and company leaders in the world. We are always up-to-date with the latest legal perspectives and we take great pride in being updated on the newest problems faced by businesses in Singapore. If you need a lawyer in Singapore, you can rely on our legal team. Also, our team can help you in matters related to Singapore PR.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal services offered by our law firm in Singapore | Our lawyers in Singapore can provide legal services in accordance with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. Thus, there are legal services for individuals and companies resident of Singapore, and legal services for foreign companies |
| Types of clients our team can serve | Natural persons, companies and non-profit organizations, both local and foreign. |
| Reasons to choose | Our team offers professional legal services that cover numerous areas, such as accounting, taxation, management and others. Our lawyers have an in-depth experience in their respective field of expertise and our legal services are affordable to both local and international clients. |
| Legal services for company formation in Singapore | Assisting in choosing a legal entity, registering with the local institutions, such as the Inland Revenue Authority and the Singapore Trade Register, obtain permits and business licenses, preparing the company's statutory documents, etc. |
| Legal services for opening a representative office | Our lawyers in Singapore can present the activities that can be developed, help in preparing the documentation for registration, address to the institutions of interest based on the selected field (such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore for banking related activities). |
| Accounting services (yes/no) | Yes |
| Tax advice and assistance (yes/no) | Yes |
| Tax registration services | Our law firm can help companies register with the Inland Revenue Authority for the payment of due taxes, including for GST. |
| Common legal services for foreigners | Obtaining the S-Pass and the Employment Pass and other common work visas, helping clients in visa refusals and visa appeals, preparing the visa application. |
| Assistance in setting up a bank account | Tailored assistance for individuals (gathering documents such as identity papers, residential information, the S Pass, Student Visa, etc), or for corporate clients. Our lawyers in Singapore can arrange the meeting with the bank representatives or represent clients in this procedure. |
| Basic taxes for companies in Singapore | The corporate income tax (17%), withholding taxes on interest, royalties (charged at a rate of 10%), management fees. |
| Basic taxes for individuals in Singapore | The personal income tax is charged progressively from 0% to 22% (the latter applies for income above SGD320,000.) |
| When can a foreigner apply for a residence permit | For work, study, business (for example, the Singapore Entrepreneur Pass) or family reunification. |
| Reasons to invest in Singapore | Main financial hub in Asia, top location for wealth management, good taxation system for companies and individuals, strategic location, numerous attractive industries (ICT, tourism, energy, biotechnology), business incentives. |
| Debt collection services | Assist in amicable procedures, addressing to the debtor, offering legal couselling, advice on repayment plans, etc. |
Why choose our law firm in Singapore?
You can rely on our team of lawyers in Singapore if you need legal services for company formation, starting from the incorporation of the legal entity to the dissolution of a company. Our team is comprised of professionals in the legal, accounting and financial domains in order to provide clients with solutions to any problem that may occur. With a vast experience in the Corporate Law, our lawyers in Singapore will provide foreign investors with customized services always keeping in mind the client’s interest.
Requesting the legal services of a Singapore law firm is always advisable and our attorneys are always up-to-date with the latest provisions of the law and best corporate practices in order to sustain clients in their endeavors. Our clients can rest assured that while concentrating on their business in Singapore, our staff will make sure they have all the legal support they need.
Our Singapore law firm is well recognized for our commitment to representing our clients’ best interests and finding the appropriate outcomes for their legal problems. Our clients choose us to help them with their legal matters with confidence and trust.
We possess a deep understanding of the developing environments and we position ourselves to defend our clients’ best interests. We also have a crucial perspective and an experience proven by our track record. If you need a lawyer in Singapore, you can definitely rely on our law firm.
Among the reasons why our clients choose us, we mention: affordable services combined with payment plans, important experience, fantastic referrals and testimonials, efficient availability and effective consultations. We invite you to watch this concise video created by our lawyer in Singapore which describes the main legal services offered by our team:
Open a company in Singapore
Singapore is one of the most stable economies in the world and in Asia also, which is why many foreign investors are interested in entering this market. The usual step when opening a company in Singapore or in any other country, such as Thailand, is to request the help of a law firm. Our lawyer in Singapore will represent clients through the whole company registration procedure, especially since foreign businessmen are required to ask for a professional agency’s services when registering a business in the city.
Among the requirements for establishing a company in Singapore, clients must know the minimum number of shareholders is one while the maximum number allowed is fifty. In order to set up a company in Singapore, it is required to appoint a manager who is a resident of Singapore, and the same requirement is applicable for the company’s secretary as well. When it comes to the share capital of the company, one of the greatest benefits is that companies in Singapore do not require a minimum share capital.
Once all requirements have been met, our attorneys in Singapore will assist clients in drafting the Memorandum or Articles of Association of their company. The Articles together with passport copies of all shareholders and managers must be submitted with the Singapore Trade Register. Once the name is approved, the Trade Register will issue the Incorporation Certificate.
The last two steps for the company to start operating in Singapore will be the opening of a corporate bank account and tax registration with the Inland Revenue Authorities (IRAS). Depending on the type of activity to be undertaken, certain business licenses must be obtained and our lawyers in Singapore will make sure our clients obtain them. Our lawyers can also help you in matters related to immigration in Singapore.
Immigration to Singapore is done in accordance with the rules and the regulations of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. This is the institution that handles the issuance of visitor visas or visa that grant the right to temporary or permanent residency.
The same institution is in charge with the applications for citizenship and for the Singaporean passport.
If you need assistance on immigration, you are invited to contact our immigration lawyers in Singapore, who can help you in the process of applying for a visa. The visa application process can differ depending on the type of visa you need for your particular situation.
You can rely on our team in the case you want to become a permanent resident and you want to know more on the conditions you must fulfill.
Assistance in selecting a legal entity in Singapore
As a foreign investor, one of the main concerns when you decide to invest on new market is the legal entity under which the business will carry its operations. As a general rule, all countries provide the same types of entities, more or less. A very common option for a business form is the limited liability company, which can be found in all jurisdictions under various names.
This company is designed for small and medium sized companies and it provides limited liability against corporate debts to its founders, given that the founders and the company are two separate entities, from a legal point of view.
Different characteristics can appear in different countries for this type of company, and they can refer to the number of shareholders, the capital requirements, the ownership structure (100% foreign ownership or mixed ownership), various restrictions that can apply and many others. Given all these, we highly recommend you to address to our Singapore lawyers for in-depth legal advice on the particularities of this entity, if you want to operate through this business form.
Of course, foreign investors’ options are not limited to this company type. Foreign businessmen can establish a holding company in Singapore, which is specially created for the purpose of holding interest in other companies and providing management strategies for such companies; this entity can’t be used for developing commercial activities.
A holding can take place not only between companies set up in Singapore, but also between foreign companies and businesses operating in Singapore or registered here. Foreign businesses also have the possibility to expand their operations through a branch office or a subsidiary.
Both structures offer a set of advantages and limitations and the decision between the two must be based solely on the investment plans of the foreign businessmen or on the capital they have available to invest in these entities, as well as the management system that the foreign company wants to use for its foreign offices.
These are common ways to set up a business in this country, but investors also have the possibility of operating through other structures, such as investment funds. Investment funds are not regulated by the law applicable to commercial companies and they require a larger capital investment compared to setting up a commercial activity.
The investors have to comply with more strict regulations, and our team of Singapore lawyers can provide legal advice regarding to the minimum criteria to be respected by investors (this can vary depending on the selected investment fund). Businessmen who are not looking to currently invest in Singapore by starting a business or an investment fund have the possibility of setting up a representative office.
The representative office is suitable for those who simply want to learn more about the consumer market in Singapore and possible business partnerships that can be established here in their field; our law firm in Singapore can help you register this structure, as well as any other business form that was presented in this section. Our lawyers remain at your disposal for advice on other entities that are available for registration.
Accounting services in Singapore
Accounting is a key component when running a business in Singapore. Our professional team is prepared to support clients by providing bookkeeping and audit services, and even tax minimization solutions. The same accounting services can be offered to our clients who will register their first company in Singapore or who will expand an overseas business in Singapore through a branch office.
All necessary information about double taxation agreements and the taxes applied to companies in Singapore will be provided by our accounting team in Singapore. Moreover, clients will find out in due time when tax returns or annual financial statements must be submitted with the IRAS and our accountants in Singapore will also make sure they are prepared.
Other services in Singapore
In case you are looking for a lawyer in Singapore, our team of attorneys is at our disposal no matter the legal issue you are dealing with. Not only does our law firm provide legal assistance in corporate matters, but we also assist clients in any civil issue they might encounter.
Clients requesting information about hiring personnel procedures will also benefit from our Singapore lawyers’ expertise in employment legislation. For those requesting representation in civil lawsuits, our attorneys will provide the best legal counsel. Our lawyer in Singapore will also provide consulting in debt collection procedures. International clients looking for these legal services in another country, for example in Thailand, can contact our partner Thai law firm. If you need reliable company registration services in Thailand, our partners from ThaiCompanyFormation.com can help you.
Our strategy in Singapore
Despite our achievements, our law firm in Singapore does not take things lightly. In the last few years, our most important objective has been to widen our services in a manner in which they allow us to answer our clients' exact requests, in a timely and efficient manner which guarantees their legal problems are represented in the most appropriate manner.
Our strategy in Singapore comprises, among others, the following key aspects: a wide variety of legal services, specialized skills which can be rapidly deployable, team work based on the type of project we get; we have a thorough initial discussion with each of our clients to ensure we fully understand their needs and requirements.
Frequently asked questions received by our law firm in Singapore
1. Can foreign citizens start a company in Singapore?
According to the Singapore legislation, foreign citizens have the same right to open a company as any Singapore citizen. Moreover, significant benefits are granted to foreign investors setting up companies in Singapore. Other benefits can apply based on the business sector of interest.
2. Can foreign citizens work in Singapore?
The Employment Law allows foreign citizens to come and work in Singapore, provided that they have secured a work contract with a local company. As a foreigner, it is necessary to apply for a visa and obtain a residence permit issued for employment purposes and you can request information on the immigration procedures from our team.
3. How can I open a bank account in Singapore?
Foreign citizens can open bank accounts prior to their arrival in Singapore. However, is best to verify first the requirements for opening a bank account with Singapore lawyers. The bank account can be set up by foreigners for both personal and corporate usage. The procedure will differ, as for a corporate bank account, more regulations will apply.
4. What are the steps for company incorporation in Singapore?
It is quite simple to open a company in Singapore. The first step is to establish the type of company you want to open, select a trade name and reserve it with the Singapore Trade Register and then submit the other required documents. For details about the complete company setup procedure you can ask our lawyers in Singapore.
5. Is there a minimum share capital in Singapore?
The Singapore Commercial Law no longer requires a company to have a minimum share capital. The shareholders can deposit the amount they consider necessary. Our team of lawyers in Singapore can offer more details on other obligations that have to be concluded when starting a business here.
6. What are the documents required for company registration in Singapore?
The most important documents to register a company in Singapore are the Articles of Association. The founders will also be required to submit information about the shareholders, managers and company secretary. Other documents can be required as well depending on the company type – for instance, there are different documents to submit for the registration of a branch compared to the registration of a Singapore company.
7. Who can apply for a residence permit in Singapore?
Foreign citizens are entitled to apply for Singapore residence permits which are usually related to employment passes. Our Singapore attorneys can provide you with more information about the Immigration Law. In Singapore, most of the residence permits are issued on account of an employment relation established with a local employer, but residence permits issued for family reunification purposes are also available.
A residency permit in Singapore can also be issued to the aged parent of a person who is a Singapore citizen, to a student who is enrolled in a local university or to the spouse of a person who is a citizen or a permanent resident of Singapore.
It can also be issued for foreign investors or to children with an age below 21 years old of a permanent resident or citizen of Singapore.
8. Do I need special permits and licenses in Singapore?
There are certain activities requiring special permits for operating in Singapore. Among these, educational companies, telecom companies and retail companies are required to apply for special licenses with the relevant authorities. The need to apply for a business permit and license will generally depend on the operations of the company.
9. What are the taxes that I have to pay in Singapore?
The Singapore taxation system is based on tax residency. Foreign citizens with a Singapore residence permit will be taxed as the locals. The Singapore authorities will apply different tax rates for foreign citizens without a residence or employment pass. As an individual, one will need to pay the income tax if the persons’ residence is registered in this country.
10. Why should I invest in Singapore?
Singapore offers many advantages to both foreign investors and citizens. From investment incentives to high wages, Singapore has a diversified economy in which everyone could fit in. The legal services provided by our law firm in Singapore extend to many areas which is why we invite you to contact us in order to find out the information that interests you the most.
Testimonials
I had a excellent collaboration with colleagues at Lawyers-Singapore.com. I would definitely recommend them to all investors interested in commercial law consultancy and representation in Singapore.
Francesco Dagnino, Partner of
Lexia Avvocati
www.LawyersItaly.eu
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Francesco Dagnino, Partner of
Lexia Avvocati
www.LawyersItaly.eu
Read more testimonials
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