Singapore Representative Office (RO)

An RO is a temporary facility with no statutory obligations to file financial accounts and tax returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Singapore and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). It is therefore the ideal entry mode for doing business in Singapore for foreigners before deciding to set up a permanent establishment. An RO may only engage in market research and feasibility studies and may not provide services or render any direct or indirect revenue generation activities on behalf of its parent company. An RO may only operate in Singapore for a maximum of three years from the date of its inception. When you are ready to establish a more permanent presence in Singapore, an RO can be converted into a subsidiary company or a branch office.