Starting a Singapore Company from Switzerland

Introduction: Why Swiss Entrepreneurs Are Turning Toward Singapore

Singapore and Switzerland share many common traits — both are small, well-governed nations with strong economies, excellent infrastructure, and a global reputation for financial integrity. It’s no surprise that Swiss entrepreneurs and investors see Singapore as the perfect gateway to Asia.

With Asia’s rapid economic growth, many Swiss companies are establishing regional headquarters in Singapore to reach fast-growing markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. The country’s low taxes, political stability, and ease of doing business make it one of the best destinations for Swiss businesses seeking international expansion.

This comprehensive guide explains why and how Swiss entrepreneurs can set up a company in Singapore, what benefits they can expect, and the steps required for successful incorporation.

Why Singapore Appeals to Swiss Businesses

1. Shared Values of Efficiency and Transparency

Switzerland and Singapore share a similar national ethos — both value precision, discipline, and good governance. For Swiss businesses accustomed to a well-regulated environment, Singapore’s transparency and reliability provide a familiar setting for expansion.

2. Strategic Location in Asia

Singapore is geographically positioned at the crossroads of major global trade routes. This gives Swiss companies direct access to Southeast Asia’s 650 million consumers and proximity to India and China. From Singapore, Swiss exporters can manage logistics, supply chains, and partnerships across Asia with ease.

3. Attractive Tax Regime

Singapore’s corporate tax rate of 17% is among the lowest globally, compared to Switzerland’s average of around 19–21%. Additionally, Singapore offers tax exemptions for startups and does not impose capital gains or dividend taxes.

Importantly, Switzerland and Singapore have a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA), which prevents income from being taxed in both countries. This gives Swiss companies an efficient way to structure their international business.

4. Political and Economic Stability

Both Switzerland and Singapore enjoy world-class credit ratings, low corruption levels, and political neutrality. This makes Singapore one of the safest places in Asia for foreign investment and business operations.

5. Access to Skilled Talent

Singapore’s workforce is highly educated, multilingual, and accustomed to working in international environments. This aligns well with Swiss companies that prioritize quality and professionalism in their operations.

Advantages of Incorporating a Company in Singapore from Switzerland

1. Regional Headquarters for Asia-Pacific Operations

Many Swiss multinational corporations — including Nestlé, UBS, and Novartis — have regional offices in Singapore. Smaller Swiss firms and startups can benefit from the same ecosystem by incorporating their regional entity here.

2. Strong Banking and Financial Hub

Singapore’s financial infrastructure rivals Zurich and Geneva. It provides seamless access to multi-currency corporate accounts, global banking services, and investment options, making it ideal for cross-border transactions.

3. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Open Economy

Singapore’s numerous trade agreements with ASEAN, the EU, China, and other countries make it a powerful hub for Swiss exporters. Products manufactured or distributed from Singapore often benefit from reduced tariffs and simplified customs procedures.

4. Reputation and Credibility

A Singapore-registered company carries global prestige and signals professionalism and trustworthiness to partners and clients — particularly in Asia.

5. Startup-Friendly Environment

Singapore offers numerous grants and incentives for startups and SMEs, such as:

Startup SG Founder Grant
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant

These programs can significantly reduce the cost of expansion for Swiss entrepreneurs.

Step-by-Step Process to Start a Singapore Company from Switzerland

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

The most popular and efficient structure is the Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). It provides limited liability protection, tax efficiency, and credibility in the market.

Step 2: Understand Key Incorporation Requirements

To register a Pte Ltd company in Singapore, you’ll need:

At least one shareholder (individual or corporate entity)
One resident director (Singapore citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder)
A company secretary (must be a resident of Singapore)
A local registered address
Minimum paid-up capital of S$1

If you are based in Switzerland and do not have a local director, you can appoint a nominee director through a professional corporate services provider.

Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name

The company name must be approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). It should not be identical to existing entities or contain prohibited words. Once approved, it is reserved for 120 days.

Step 4: Prepare Incorporation Documents

For Swiss nationals or companies, the following documents are required:

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

If the shareholder is a Swiss company, certified copies of incorporation documents and resolutions are also required.

Step 5: Register with ACRA

Once all documents are ready, your corporate service provider will submit them online through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Incorporation is typically completed within 1 working day if everything is in order.

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

After successful registration, open a corporate bank account in Singapore. Major banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, or Credit Suisse Singapore are available. Some banks may allow remote account opening if all identification documents are verified.

Step 7: Apply for Work Passes (if relocating)

If you intend to relocate and manage your company in Singapore, you’ll need to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass. These visas allow business owners to reside and work in Singapore legally.

Post-Incorporation Compliance

Swiss entrepreneurs must maintain ongoing compliance after incorporation. The main requirements are:

Appoint a company secretary within 6 months
File annual returns and financial statements to ACRA
Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) every year
Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if annual turnover exceeds S$1 million
Maintain proper accounting records in Singapore

Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification, so many Swiss business owners engage a local firm to handle accounting, tax, and compliance tasks.

Key Tax Benefits for Swiss Entrepreneurs in Singapore

Low Corporate Tax – Only 17% flat rate, with significant startup exemptions.
No Capital Gains Tax – Ideal for holding companies and investment structures.
No Dividend Withholding Tax – Profits can be repatriated to Switzerland without additional taxation.
Tax Incentives – Companies in innovation, technology, or manufacturing can qualify for additional tax deductions under various government schemes.
Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) – Singapore and Switzerland’s DTA ensures profits are not taxed twice, optimizing cross-border efficiency.

Common Business Sectors for Swiss Companies in Singapore

Finance and Wealth Management – Singapore is Asia’s wealth hub, ideal for Swiss financial firms.
Precision Engineering and Manufacturing – Swiss firms are renowned for their quality; Singapore offers manufacturing excellence and regional supply chain links.
Life Sciences and MedTech – Singapore’s biomedical hub aligns with Switzerland’s strong pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Technology and Innovation – Startups and tech companies can access Singapore’s innovation grants and venture capital ecosystem.
Trading and Logistics – Many Swiss commodity and trading firms use Singapore as their Asian headquarters due to its free trade agreements and logistics strength.

The Swiss–Singapore Economic Relationship

Switzerland and Singapore enjoy strong diplomatic and trade relations. The Singapore–EFTA Free Trade Agreement (which includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) further strengthens economic cooperation.

Swiss companies benefit from tariff reductions, simplified customs, and stronger IP protections when operating from Singapore. The Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Singapore (SwissCham) also provides valuable networking opportunities and business support for newcomers.

Practical Tips for Swiss Entrepreneurs

Engage a Professional Corporate Services Provider – They can assist with incorporation, nominee directorship, secretarial services, and accounting.
Leverage the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) – Consult a tax advisor to optimize your cross-border tax structure.
Plan for Employment Pass Applications Early – If you plan to relocate, start your visa application process in advance.
Use Multi-Currency Accounts – Singapore’s banking system supports CHF, EUR, USD, and SGD, making it convenient for Swiss trade transactions.
Apply for Singapore Grants – The MRA Grant can subsidize your expansion into new markets, while EDG supports business development.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the setup process is straightforward, Swiss entrepreneurs might encounter:

Difficulty opening corporate bank accounts (banks require due diligence and KYC verification)
Navigating Singapore’s compliance deadlines
Cultural differences in marketing and business negotiation styles

Partnering with a trusted local firm or consultant ensures all regulatory, tax, and administrative obligations are handled smoothly.

Why Singapore Is Perfect for Swiss Entrepreneurs

Both Switzerland and Singapore are global symbols of stability and trust. For Swiss entrepreneurs, expanding to Singapore is not just about entering Asia — it’s about aligning with a country that shares similar values of precision, reliability, and innovation.

With its robust legal system, competitive taxation, global connectivity, and openness to foreign investment, Singapore provides the ideal platform for Swiss businesses to grow internationally.

Whether you are an established company or an emerging startup, starting a Singapore company from Switzerland positions you strategically for long-term success across Asia and beyond.

If you are a Swiss entrepreneur looking to expand your business to Singapore, contact a professional corporate services provider today to assist with incorporation, tax planning, and compliance so you can focus on growth.