Exempt Private Company (EPC) in Singapore — Game Development Studio Formation Guide
Prioritize jurisdictions with strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection and favorable R&D tax credits. If you plan to publish on Steam, Epic, or mobile app stores, consider the withholding tax treaties between your company's jurisdiction and the US to avoid double taxation on royalties.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
17.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$245
Annual Fee
$47
Forming a Exempt Private Company (EPC) in Singapore as a Game Development Studio means a total tax burden of 17.0% and an official formation cost of $245. The minimum capital requirement is 1 USD. Standard formation takes 1-3 business days, or 1 business day expedited. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $2,883
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $2,695
Why Exempt Private Company (EPC) for Game Development Studio?
A business model focused on designing, developing, and monetizing video games for PC, console, mobile, or VR platforms. Revenue typically comes from premium sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or publisher funding.
Ideal for
- Indie game developers
- Mobile app creators
- VR/AR studios
- Esports game developers
Challenges to watch
- Long development cycles with delayed revenue
- High platform fees (e.g., 30% on Steam/Apple)
- Complex international withholding taxes on royalties
- Protecting intellectual property and game assets
Key decision criteria
- US tax treaty network for royalty withholding taxes
- Availability of R&D tax incentives or video game tax reliefs (VGTR)
- Strong IP assignment laws for contractors and employees
- Access to global payment gateways for direct sales
Exempt Private Company (EPC) formation requirements
Minimum capital
1 USD
Standard timeline
1-3 business days
Expedited timeline
1 business day
Local director
Required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
Foreign founders must hire a resident Nominee Director.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $250,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 9%. Registration threshold: 1,000,000 SGD. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 9% as of 2026. Under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime, foreign digital service providers must register and charge GST if their global turnover exceeds S$1 million and B2C sales to Singapore exceed S$100,000.
Banking & payments for Game Development Studio
Opening a traditional bank account (e.g., DBS, OCBC) as a non-resident founder is highly challenging and usually requires an in-person visit to Singapore. However, digital platforms like Aspire, Airwallex, and Wise offer fully remote onboarding for EPCs, provided you pass their strict KYC and compliance checks. Having a clear business model and proof of identity is essential.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Aspire
Top choice for modern startups and non-residents, offering fully remote onboarding, multi-currency accounts, and seamless integration with accounting software.
Airwallex
Great for e-commerce and global businesses needing virtual cards, payment links, and low-cost cross-border transfers.
Wise Business
Ideal for holding multiple currencies and paying international contractors with transparent, mid-market exchange rates.
Singapore incentives & advantages
Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE)
75% exemption on the first S$100,000 of normal chargeable income; 50% exemption on the next S$100,000.
Partial Tax Exemption (PTE)
75% exemption on the first S$10,000 of normal chargeable income; 50% exemption on the next S$190,000.
Exempt Private Company (EPC) formation steps
Step 1: Choose a compliant company name and reserve it via the ACRA BizFile+ portal (S$15 fee).
Step 2: Prepare the incorporation documents, including the company constitution and signed consent forms from the proposed directors and secretary.
Step 3: Appoint at least one resident director (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible Employment Pass holder). Foreigners typically engage a Nominee Director.
Step 4: Secure a local registered office address in Singapore (P.O. boxes are not permitted).
Step 5: Submit the formal incorporation application and pay the S$300 registration fee to ACRA through a registered corporate service provider.
Step 6: Receive the electronic Certificate of Incorporation and Business Profile from ACRA, usually within 1 to 3 business days.
Step 7: Appoint a qualified Company Secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
Step 8: Open a corporate bank account and register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual taxable turnover is expected to exceed S$1 million.
Game Development Studio FAQ
Why does the US tax treaty matter for game developers?
Major platforms like Steam and Apple are US-based. Without a favorable tax treaty, the IRS may withhold up to 30% of your US sales revenue. Incorporating in a jurisdiction with a 0% or low treaty rate for royalties is crucial.
Should I incorporate before starting development?
Yes, incorporating early ensures that all IP created by founders and contractors is legally owned by the company from day one, making it much easier to secure publishers or investors later.
What are R&D tax credits?
Many countries offer tax incentives for software development. Jurisdictions like the UK, Canada, or France provide specific tax reliefs for video game production, which can significantly lower your effective tax rate or provide cash rebates.
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Related guides
Complete Exempt Private Company (EPC) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Exempt Private Company (EPC) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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