🇸🇬 Singapore · reviewed 2026-10-09
Can foreigners own a business or franchise in Singapore?
Ownership is not the constraint in Singapore: a foreign brand can own its company outright from S$1 of capital. The practical limits are a resident director, the food licence and how many foreign staff a food business may employ.
The company
- A foreign individual or company can own 100% of a Singapore private limited company, including one running food service. The company needs at least one shareholder and at least S$1 of share capital. Official · ACRA, share capital
- Every Singapore company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore: a citizen, permanent resident or someone meeting the residency rules, aged 18 or over. Official · ACRA, company directors
Opening an outlet
- Restaurants, cafés, caterers, food courts and takeaway kiosks need a Food Shop Licence from the Singapore Food Agency before opening. The Agency reviews the layout and inspects the premises; the licence costs S$195 for one year. Official · Singapore Food Agency, food retail licences
- Services-sector firms, food service included, may have Work Permit and S Pass holders make up at most 35% of their workforce, with S Pass holders capped at 10%. Official · Ministry of Manpower, foreign worker quota
Structures franchisors use
- Master franchise to a Singapore operator, for Singapore alone or with regional rights if the partner can show a regional track record.
- Wholly owned Singapore company running flagship outlets, with a resident director appointed locally.
- Joint venture with a Singapore food-service group that already holds licences and staff quota.
More on Singapore
Franchising in Singapore: the 2027 guide for foreign franchisorsFranchising into Singapore: no franchise law, 100% foreign ownership with a resident director, SFA food licences, trade mark licences and 10% royalty tax.Franchise law and registration in SingaporeSingapore has no franchise statute: which laws apply, the pyramid-selling exclusion for master franchises, competition law and restraint-of-trade rules.Trademarks and IP for franchisors in SingaporeProtecting a franchise brand in Singapore: IPOS registration on intent to use, optional licence registration and its effect, and licensee rights.Tax on royalties and franchise fees in SingaporeSingapore tax on franchise royalties paid abroad: 10% withholding, filing deadline and late penalties, treaty relief, and when GST reverse charge applies.Finding a master franchisee in SingaporeHow to find and vet a master franchisee in Singapore: FLAsia, the pyramid-selling exclusion for sub-franchising, and a vetting checklist.ASEAN franchise law comparatorSeven ASEAN markets side by side, from Vietnam to Singapore, with sources.