Foreign Investment Approvals

For a multinational or foreign corporation planning to operate in Singapore, it is important to select the most appropriate form of business entity that matches the intended business objectives. To this end, we provide our clients with advice in making such a selection, advising on applicable tax incentives, providing manpower advice including on visa programs designed specifically for foreign entrepreneurs and innovators, preparing all necessary documentation for any government approvals, and assisting in obtaining such approvals on a timely basis.

How We Can Assist

Our team of dedicated lawyers is well versed in working across industries and navigating the regulations associated with foreign direct investment (FDI) frameworks. We have extensive experience in advising on joint ventures and foreign investments for both domestic and international clients, including structuring investments, advising on inter-shareholder rights, carrying out due diligence, advising on transfers of assets (including stamp duty issues and exemptions), taxation and employment advice, drafting, reviewing and negotiating joint venture documents, advising on trademarks, patents, copyright and data protection issues, and advising on compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition to strategic advice, we have been involved in applications to regulatory and governmental authorities for incentive schemes, advise on regulatory and compliance issues, and providing corporate secretarial services (through our corporate secretarial team) which includes company incorporation, provision of registered office and business address, and immigration services.

Once a business entity is established, we provide a full range of post-establishment and related services, including advising on additional capitalisation, debt issuances, change of business entity, public offerings, office or factory site location and leasing, and commercial agreements relating to outsourcing, licensing arrangements, manufacturing, distribution and franchising.

We have extensive experience in advising on joint ventures and strategic alliances, and have advised on numerous headline-making cross-border joint ventures across Southeast Asia. In addition, we have handled many partnerships of various sizes, advising foreign investors as well as domestic companies.

Our deep understanding of the law, sound commercial mindedness and comprehensive experience in establishing and providing on-going services to joint ventures allows us to provide special insights into problems and issues that arise frequently and that the foreign investor or the domestic company should take into account, including amongst others, issues relating to corporate governance and dispute resolution.