WhatsApp quoteMany of our clients add a Singapore entity to their UAE structure because a Singapore holding company above a UAE operating entity is a classic structure for Asia-Gulf groups. The tax position in Singapore is clear: 17% headline corporate tax with partial exemptions for new companies, no capital gains tax and no dividend withholding tax. GoldenKey has licensed import-export business businesses for clients in Singapore and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Typical examples of this activity include food re-export, auto parts, textiles and machinery, which can usually sit together on one Singapore licence.
Why Singapore
In practice, documents for Singapore are collected and attested in the UAE where required, so you do not need to travel for incorporation. Day to day, reasons business owners choose Singapore include asia's most trusted jurisdiction, strong banks and fintech ecosystem, 80+ double tax treaties and english-language common law. Singapore is a sensible home for import & export because importing goods into the UAE and exporting or re-exporting them to regional and global markets is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Singapore works with GoldenKey
Step 1Structure and name check
In practice, we confirm the activity, shareholders and name availability with the ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to import & export in Singapore.
Step 2KYC and documents
You provide passports, address proof and the information the Singapore registrar requires; GoldenKey prepares the forms.
Step 3Incorporation
Just as important, our Singapore partner files the incorporation and the registrar issues the certificate, typically within 1 to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) once supporting documents are in order. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for import & export in Singapore.
Step 4Banking and compliance
In practice, we introduce banks that accept Singapore companies and set up the annual filing calendar.
Documents required
The document list for import & export in Singapore is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Passport copies
- Business description
- Proof of address
- Customs code request
- Bank reference
Pricing
Put simply, all prices for import & export in Singapore are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. To be clear, pricing for import & export in Singapore depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 8,000 |
|---|---|
| Official fees (approx.) | AED 1,500 |
| Approximate total | AED 9,500 |
Fees in AED; official Singapore fees collected in SGD at prevailing rate
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of import & export in Singapore predictable. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, and for that reason so many founders choose it as a base for import & export in Singapore.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for import & export in Singapore. Day to day, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Singapore file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with import & export in Singapore, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for import & export in Singapore, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How does Singapore compare with a UAE free zone?
On the ground, each serves different markets. GoldenKey usually recommends the UAE as the operating base and Singapore where you have customers, suppliers or treaty benefits there.
Do I need to travel to Singapore to incorporate?
In most cases no. Incorporation is handled by our local partner under a power of attorney. Some banks in Singapore require a video or in-person meeting.
Can my UAE company own the Singapore company?
Yes. A UAE free zone or mainland company can be the shareholder, which is a common structure for groups operating in both markets.
Is import & export allowed in Singapore?
Import & Export can be carried out through a Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.) in Singapore, subject to any sector licensing there. {brand} confirms the activity classification with our Singapore partner before incorporation.
Which licence type covers import & export?
Import & Export is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
