The Singapore Government

Government Departments

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Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore is the government agency supporting enterprise development. They work with companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalise and also support the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and startups. Also acts as the national standards and accreditation body.
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ACRA

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Association is the agency that regulates businesses in Singapore, and is the accounting standards authority. Through ACRA’s BizFile, you can perform various business transactions with the Singapore government, such as purchasing licenses, and registering businesses.
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IRAS

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore is the main tax administrator to the Government. IRAS collects taxes that account for about 70% of the Government's Operating Revenue that supports the Government's economic and social programmes to achieve quality growth and an inclusive society.
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CPF

The Central Provident Fund is Singapore's workfare savings fund which manages social security payments for employees. You do not need to interact with the CPF until you hire your first employee. Once you employ people, be it yourself, or others, your first step is to visit this website. 
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MOM

Among its many duties, but specifically with reference to budding entrepreneurs, the Ministry of Manpower issues work visas, such as Employment Passes, the EntrePass, Work Permits and S Passes.
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URA

The Urban Redevelopment Authority is charged with regulating the uses, and changes of use of property. Hence, to use a home as an office, or change the function of a building from restaurant to factory etc you must apply through the URA.
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IMDA

The Infocomm Media Development Authority develops and regulates the converging infocomm and media sectors in a holistic way, creating a dynamic and exciting sector filled with opportunities for growth, through an emphasis on talent, research, innovation and enterprise. 
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ICA

Among its duties, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority issues visas to foreigners who wish to stay in Singapore. You are likely to apply to the ICA for long stay passes. The ICA is essentially charged with keeping undesirable persons and cargo from entering Singapore. You are likely to visit it purely to submit applications, and collect visas.
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EDB Singapore

Among the Singapore Economic Development Board's support systems for business in Singapore are financial support packages for new and growing businesses that produce innovative products and services, especially those that demonstrate ability to scale internationally, using Singapore as the hub of their operations.

The SingPass

The SingPass (Singapore Personal Access) is your unique identifier as a resident of Singapore to interact with Government services electronically. It acts as a password using your visa ID (FIN number, etc) as a public key. Importantly, you use the SingPass to set up a business, hence only holders of a SingPass can set up a business.

Residents of Singapore who are entitled to a SingPass are:
  • Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
  • Valid Employment, EntrePass, S-Pass, Dependant Pass, Long Term Visit Pass holders
  • Selected Work Permit holders

How To Get A SingPass

https://www.singpass.gov.sg/singpass/register/instructions 
Once you have registered a SingPass you may interact with the Government websites that use the SingPass as a login password.
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