Limited Partnership (LP) in Singapore — Mobile App Developer Formation Guide
When choosing a jurisdiction, consider where Apple and Google will send your payouts. Ensure your chosen country has favorable double taxation treaties with the US to minimize the default 30% withholding tax on your US app sales.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
0.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$85
Annual Fee
$22
Forming a Limited Partnership (LP) in Singapore as a Mobile App Developer means a total tax burden of 0.0% and an official formation cost of $85. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 3-5 business days, or 1-2 business days expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $3,057
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $2,622
Why Limited Partnership (LP) for Mobile App Developer?
Independent developers or small studios creating and monetizing applications on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play. Revenue streams typically include paid downloads, in-app purchases (IAPs), subscriptions, and in-app advertising.
Ideal for
- Indie developers
- Small gaming studios
- SaaS mobile app creators
- Freelance developers transitioning to product owners
Challenges to watch
- High platform fees (15-30% from Apple/Google)
- US withholding tax on royalties if no tax treaty exists
- Managing global VAT/GST compliance for digital services
- Protecting intellectual property across borders
Key decision criteria
- Double taxation treaties with the US
- Corporate tax rates on digital income
- Ease of opening a business bank account compatible with App Store payouts
- IP protection laws in the jurisdiction
Limited Partnership (LP) formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
3-5 business days
Expedited timeline
1-2 business days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
A local manager (ordinarily resident in Singapore) must be appointed only if all General Partners are non-resident.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $85,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 9%. Registration threshold: 1,000,000 SGD. Foreign suppliers of digital services 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 Mobile App Developer
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, Wise, and Airwallex offer fully remote onboarding and are highly recommended for foreign-owned LPs.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Aspire
Top choice for Singapore startups. Offers multi-currency accounts, corporate cards, and fully remote onboarding.
Wise Business
Excellent for multi-currency transactions and international payments with low conversion fees.
Airwallex
Great alternative for cross-border businesses needing global accounts and payment gateway integration.
Singapore incentives & advantages
Section 13OA Tax Exemption
Tax exemption on specified income from designated investments.
Section 13H Venture Capital Fund Tax Incentive
Zero tax on capital gains and dividend income from qualifying investments.
Limited Partnership (LP) formation steps
Choose an approved business name and reserve it via ACRA's BizFile+ portal.
Appoint at least one General Partner and one Limited Partner.
Engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) if all partners are foreigners without Singpass.
Appoint a local manager (ordinarily resident in Singapore) if all General Partners are non-residents.
Draft and sign the Limited Partnership Agreement (LPA) outlining profit distribution and liabilities.
Register the LP via BizFile+ and pay the ACRA registration fees.
Obtain the Unique Entity Number (UEN) and Business Profile from ACRA.
Open a corporate bank account (e.g., Aspire, Wise) using the UEN and Business Profile.
Mobile App Developer FAQ
Do I need a US company to publish on the App Store?
No, you can publish from almost any country. However, having a US LLC or a company in a country with a US tax treaty can significantly reduce the 30% withholding tax on US sales.
How does VAT work for app sales?
Apple and Google generally act as the 'Merchant of Record' and handle VAT/GST collection and remittance for consumers in most countries, simplifying your tax compliance.
Where is the best place to incorporate an app studio?
Popular choices include the US (Wyoming/Delaware LLCs for low maintenance), UK (favorable tax treaties and IP laws), and Estonia (0% tax on reinvested profits, great for growing studios).
Ready to form your Limited Partnership (LP)?
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Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a Mobile App Developer
Related guides
Complete Limited Partnership (LP) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Limited Partnership (LP) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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