Starting a Singapore Company from the Netherlands

Introduction: Why Dutch Entrepreneurs Are Expanding into Singapore

The Netherlands has long been recognized as a nation of traders, innovators, and global entrepreneurs. With a strong history of international commerce and open-market economics, Dutch businesses have built successful ventures across the world. In today’s dynamic global environment, many Dutch companies are looking to Asia — and Singapore stands out as the gateway of choice.

As one of the world’s leading business hubs, Singapore offers low taxes, ease of doing business, political stability, and unparalleled access to Asia-Pacific markets. For Dutch entrepreneurs looking to expand internationally, incorporating a company in Singapore is a strategic move that provides a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing ASEAN region.

This guide explains everything Dutch investors and entrepreneurs need to know about starting a Singapore company from the Netherlands, including its benefits, requirements, and the incorporation process.

Why Singapore Appeals to Dutch Businesses

1. Strategic Gateway to Asia

Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a natural hub for logistics, trade, and finance. From Singapore, Dutch companies can easily reach major markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and India.

Many Dutch businesses use Singapore as a regional headquarters (RHQ) to manage operations across Asia. Its excellent infrastructure and connectivity make it the perfect location for managing regional supply chains, distribution, and investment portfolios.

2. Favorable Tax Environment

Singapore offers one of the most competitive tax systems globally, with a flat corporate tax rate of 17% and numerous tax exemptions for startups. There are no taxes on dividends, capital gains, or foreign-sourced income (subject to conditions).

Additionally, the Singapore–Netherlands Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) ensures that businesses and individuals are not taxed twice on the same income. This allows Dutch companies to legally minimize their tax liabilities while operating efficiently across borders.

3. Political and Economic Stability

Both the Netherlands and Singapore are renowned for political neutrality, low corruption, and strong governance. Singapore’s transparent legal system and consistent economic policies give Dutch investors the confidence to plan long-term operations.

4. Ease of Doing Business

Incorporating a company in Singapore is simple, fast, and cost-effective. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) handles all company registrations online, and most companies can be incorporated within one business day.

5. English as the Official Business Language

All business, legal, and government documentation in Singapore is conducted in English, making it seamless for Dutch entrepreneurs to communicate, negotiate contracts, and comply with regulations.

6. Shared Values and Economic Mindset

Both Singapore and the Netherlands share similar business cultures — emphasizing efficiency, innovation, trade openness, and global outlook. This alignment makes it easy for Dutch businesses to integrate and thrive in Singapore’s ecosystem.

Benefits of Incorporating a Company in Singapore from the Netherlands

1. 100% Foreign Ownership

Singapore allows full foreign ownership of companies, giving Dutch investors total control over management and profit distribution without requiring a local partner.

2. International Banking Hub

Singapore’s financial system is one of the strongest in Asia. Major Dutch and international banks such as ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, HSBC, and DBS offer corporate accounts with multi-currency facilities — ideal for international trade and finance operations.

3. Credibility and Global Reputation

A Singapore-registered company signals trust, professionalism, and compliance. This reputation helps Dutch businesses gain credibility with Asian clients, investors, and partners.

4. Access to ASEAN and Beyond

Singapore is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), giving businesses based there preferential access to a market of over 650 million people and trade agreements with major economies like China, India, Japan, and Australia.

5. Government Support and Incentives

The Singapore government offers various grants and funding programs such as:

Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) – Supports business transformation and expansion.
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant – Helps SMEs expand overseas.
Startup SG Founder – Provides seed funding and mentorship for startups.

These programs make it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to establish and grow their presence in Singapore.

Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating a Singapore Company from the Netherlands

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

For most Dutch entrepreneurs, the Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.) is the preferred structure. It offers:

Limited liability protection
Separate legal identity
Tax advantages
Flexibility for future investment and expansion

Step 2: Meet Incorporation Requirements

To set up a Private Limited Company, you’ll need:

At least one shareholder (individual or corporate)
One local resident director (Singapore Citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder)
One company secretary (must be a Singapore resident)
A local registered office address (cannot be a P.O. box)
Minimum paid-up capital of S$1

If you don’t have a local director, you can appoint a nominee director through a corporate services provider.

Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name

Submit your proposed company name to ACRA via the BizFile+ portal. The name must be unique and not infringe on existing trademarks. Once approved, it will be reserved for 120 days.

Step 4: Prepare Incorporation Documents

Dutch entrepreneurs must provide:

Passport copies of all directors and shareholders
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
Business activity description
Company Constitution (Articles of Association)

If the shareholder is a Dutch corporate entity, certified corporate documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Business Profile, and Board Resolution) are also required.

Step 5: File for Incorporation

Once all documents are ready, your corporate services provider will submit them online to ACRA. If there are no complications, incorporation is typically approved within one working day.

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

After incorporation, open a corporate bank account in Singapore. Banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and European banks like ING and BNP Paribas provide corporate banking solutions. Many banks also support remote onboarding.

Step 7: Apply for Work Pass (if relocating)

If you plan to relocate to Singapore to manage your company, you can apply for an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass. These passes allow you to live and work in Singapore while running your business.

Post-Incorporation Compliance

Once your company is registered, you must comply with Singapore’s statutory obligations:

Appoint a company secretary within 6 months of incorporation
Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 6 months of the financial year-end
File annual returns with ACRA
Maintain proper accounting records
Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if annual revenue exceeds S$1 million

Most foreign-owned companies engage a corporate services provider to handle accounting, payroll, and compliance efficiently.

Tax Benefits for Dutch Entrepreneurs

Singapore’s tax system is a major draw for foreign investors. Key highlights include:

17% corporate tax rate
75% exemption on the first S$100,000 of income for the first 3 years
50% exemption on the next S$100,000
No capital gains or dividend tax
No withholding tax on foreign shareholders

Under the Singapore–Netherlands DTA, businesses enjoy reduced withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties, as well as exemptions on certain cross-border income streams.

Popular Business Sectors for Dutch Companies in Singapore

Maritime and Logistics – Both countries have strong maritime industries, and Singapore’s port facilities make it an ideal base for shipping and logistics operations.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability – Dutch expertise in sustainable technologies aligns with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 initiatives.
Agriculture and Food Technology – Singapore’s focus on food security creates opportunities for Dutch agri-tech companies.
Technology and Innovation – Dutch startups in fintech, AI, and digital solutions can tap into Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.
Engineering and Construction – The Netherlands’ technical expertise complements Singapore’s world-class infrastructure projects.
Trading and Commodities – Singapore’s role as a trading hub allows Dutch trading firms to manage regional commodity flows efficiently.

The Singapore–Netherlands Economic Relationship

Singapore and the Netherlands enjoy strong bilateral relations and mutual investments. The Netherlands is one of the largest EU investors in Singapore, while Singapore is a key Asian investor in the Netherlands.

The Singapore–EU Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA), effective since 2019, enhances these ties by eliminating tariffs, simplifying customs procedures, and improving intellectual property protection for EU companies.

Dutch companies can also benefit from the support of organizations such as:

DutchCham Singapore (Dutch Chamber of Commerce)
Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore

These organizations help Dutch entrepreneurs connect with partners, understand local regulations, and expand into regional markets.

Cultural and Business Synergy Between the Netherlands and Singapore

The Netherlands and Singapore share a pragmatic, forward-looking business culture. Both value punctuality, transparency, and innovation. Decision-making is efficient, and collaboration across industries is common.

Singapore’s international outlook also resonates with Dutch entrepreneurs who thrive in multicultural environments. The city-state’s safety, education system, and quality of life make it an excellent relocation option for expatriate families.

Practical Tips for Dutch Entrepreneurs

Work with a Local Corporate Services Provider – They will handle incorporation, nominee directorship, and compliance efficiently.
Leverage Free Trade Agreements – Use EUSFTA benefits to optimize trade and lower tariffs.
Plan for Banking Early – Each bank has different requirements; start the account-opening process soon after incorporation.
Apply for Singapore Grants – Programs like the EDG and MRA Grant can offset setup and expansion costs.
Network Within the Dutch Business Community – Join DutchCham Singapore to connect with other Dutch entrepreneurs and corporates in Asia.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While Singapore is highly business-friendly, Dutch entrepreneurs may face some challenges such as:

Strict banking compliance (KYC) for international clients
Higher living and rental costs compared to other Southeast Asian nations
Understanding local employment and tax laws

These can be managed with the help of experienced local consultants and proper financial planning.

Why Singapore Is the Ideal Destination for Dutch Entrepreneurs

Singapore offers the perfect mix of European-style governance and Asian opportunity. Its pro-business policies, low taxes, strategic trade location, and legal transparency make it an ideal destination for Dutch entrepreneurs looking to expand globally.

By starting a Singapore company from the Netherlands, you gain not just a presence in Asia, but a platform for international growth — with access to the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Whether you are a startup founder, logistics operator, or established enterprise, Singapore provides the infrastructure, stability, and opportunities to help your business flourish.

If you are a Dutch entrepreneur planning to expand to Singapore, connect with a trusted corporate services provider today to handle your incorporation, accounting, and compliance — and take your first step toward success in Asia’s most dynamic business hub.