What are the post-incorporation issues need to consider before starting business?

After your Singapore company has been setup, you can start your business activities immediately. However, you may need to consider the following:

  • Open corporate bank accounts: You may want to choose a bank that serves your corporate banking needs eg., letter of credit, multi-currencies, physical location of the bank branches, banking hours, and check the banking services they can offer you, etc.
  • Apply for business license: If your business requires one or more licenses to operate, you may need to obtain the relevant licences first before you can commence your business activities.
  • Register for Goods & Services Tax (GST): The registration of GST is not mandatory unless your annual turnover exceeds S$1 million. We can help to register for GST, if you so require.
  • Obtain a Central Registration (CR) number: If your company activities involve import and exports of goods, you will need to register and obtain a Central Registration (CR) number. The CR number is used in all import, export and transhipment permits, certificates and any other documents issued by the Singapore Customs. We can help obtain a CR number for your company if required.
  • Apply for employment pass for your employees and register CPF account for staff payroll: If you plan to hire any foreign employee including yourself, your company will need to apply for employment pass (EP) for that person. We can assist you with EP applications. If you intend to hire local employees (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) you will need to open a CPF account with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board and a percentage of the local employees’ salaries will be contributed to their retirement fund. For more details, please visit www.cpf.gov.sg. We can help you register your Company CPF account and manage your staff payroll, if required.
  • Decide on your company’s financial year end: You need to decide on your company’s financial year end which can be any date within 18 months from the date of incorporation of your company.
  • Ensure that you keep track of your income and expenses (bookkeeping): Depending upon the volume of transactions, we can provide bookkeeping services either on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly accounting basis