Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in Singapore — Import / Export & Trading Formation Guide
Choose a jurisdiction with strong logistics infrastructure, favorable customs agreements, and access to major trade blocs (like the EU or US). Consider VAT deferral schemes and free trade zones.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
0.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$90
Annual Fee
$23
Forming a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in Singapore as a Import / Export & Trading means a total tax burden of 0.0% and an official formation cost of $90. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 1-3 business days, or 1 day expedited. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $2,267
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $1,672
Why Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) for Import / Export & Trading?
A business model focused on sourcing goods from one country and selling them in another. Success relies heavily on supply chain efficiency, customs compliance, and navigating international trade tariffs.
Ideal for
- Physical product brands
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Dropshippers scaling to bulk inventory
- Cross-border B2B traders
Challenges to watch
- Complex customs and import duties
- High shipping and logistics costs
- Cash flow management due to inventory delays
- Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
Key decision criteria
- Proximity to major ports or logistics hubs
- Availability of Free Trade Zones (FTZs)
- VAT and sales tax registration requirements (e.g., EORI in the EU)
- Double taxation treaties between sourcing and selling countries
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
1-3 business days
Expedited timeline
1 day
Local director
Required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
An LLP must appoint at least one manager who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible Employment Pass holder).
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $1,000,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 9%. Registration threshold: 1,000,000 SGD. Foreign digital service providers must register for GST under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime if their global turnover exceeds SGD 1 million and B2C digital services to Singapore exceed SGD 100,000.
Banking & payments for Import / Export & Trading
Opening a traditional bank account in Singapore can be challenging for non-resident founders due to strict KYC and AML regulations, often requiring an in-person visit. However, digital platforms like Aspire and Wise offer fully remote account opening with much higher approval rates for LLPs.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Aspire
A leading all-in-one finance operating system for businesses in Southeast Asia, offering fully remote account opening.
Wise
Excellent for multi-currency accounts and international transfers with low fees.
Revolut Business
Provides corporate cards, multi-currency accounts, and expense management tools for modern startups.
Singapore incentives & advantages
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Funds up to 50% of qualifying project costs, including third-party consultancy fees, software, and internal manpower.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) formation steps
Choose and reserve an approved business name with ACRA via the BizFile+ portal (reservation is valid for 120 days).
Appoint a minimum of two partners (individuals or corporations) and at least one local resident manager.
Secure a local registered office address in Singapore (P.O. Boxes are strictly prohibited).
Draft a formal Partnership Agreement to clearly define profit sharing, management responsibilities, and partner exit strategies.
Submit the registration application and pay the S$115 registration fee and S$15 name fee to ACRA.
Set up the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) within 7 days of successful registration.
Open a corporate bank account in Singapore using the newly issued Unique Entity Number (UEN) and business profile.
Import / Export & Trading FAQ
Do I need a company in the country I am importing to?
Not always. You can often act as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), but having a local entity can simplify customs, VAT registration, and local banking.
What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for businesses importing or exporting goods into or out of the European Union.
Should I incorporate in a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
FTZs offer tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures, making them ideal if you plan to re-export goods without them entering the local domestic market.
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Related guides
Complete Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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