By Vlad Cuc, specialist in company formation matters
Not long ago, Singapore secured its position among the preferred fintech destinations for foreign investors all over the world thanks to the favorable taxation system and the modern regulatory framework which covers a wide range of activities connected to the financial industry. One of the newest and most sought types of businesses to be set up in the fintech sector is related to the cryptocurrency field in Singapore.
Those who want to open cryptocurrency companies in Singapore are not required to apply for any special licenses as long as they do not carry out any other type of activities related to the financial sector. Our Singapore company formation agents can explain the requirements related to establishing a cryptocurrency company in the city-state and details on how to obtain a crypto license in Singapore.
Quick Facts | |
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Special legislation available (YES/NO) | YES, the Guide to Digital Token Offerings, the Guidelines on the Regulation of Markets, the Futures and Securities Law |
Regulatory authority | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
Types of entites used to register the company | Most legal entities can be used, however the LLC is preferred to open a cryptocurrency company in Singapore |
Local manager required (YES/NO) | YES |
Minimum capital requisites (YES/NO) | NO |
License required (YES/NO) | YES, cryptocurrency exchange license must be obtained |
Licensing exceptions (YES/NO) | YES, companies that do no trade digital coins are not required to obtain a license |
Timeframe to register the company (approx.) | It takes approximately one week to open a cryptocurrency company in Singapore |
Anti-money laundering regulations applicable (YES/NO) | YES, all crypto companies must respect such regulations |
Specific requirements for foreign investors (YES/NO) | NO |
Activities permitted for crypto companies | ATM setup, crypto mining, e-wallet creation, etc. |
Other special requirements applicable (YES/NO) | YES, cryptocurrency companies must create offers for a minimum number of 50 investors per year; the offer cannot exceed SGD 55 million for the respective year |
Taxation of cyrpto companies in Singapore | Corporate tax of 17% must be paid by cryptocurrency companies in Singapore |
Why choose Singapore | Regulated sector, the existence of the Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Association for small companies, low corporate tax with the possibility of obtaining various tax reductions |
Support in launching a cryptocurrency business (YES/NO) | YES, we can help you open a cryptocurrency company in Singapore |
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is the main regulator of the financial field in the city-state and it also provides for the creation of cryptocurrency businesses. 2017 was an important year for the Singapore cryptocurrency sector as the MAS has begun considering enabling legislation which regulates the issuance and the use of virtual coins. The MAS is also considering creating a legal framework for those interested in setting up cryptocurrency funds for the coin offerings (ICOs).
Foreign investors should also know that Singapore is among the few countries in the world to have a Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Association dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in this field.
Our company formation experts in Singapore can assist foreign investors who want to start cryptocurrency companies here.
An investor who plans to open a company in Singapore in the cryptocurrency sector should know that he or she will be subject to the regulations recently enabled by the Monetary Authority. Among these regulations we mention the following:
You can ask our Singapore company formation specialists about the regulations imposed when setting up a cryptocurrency business. It is important to notice, that cryptocurrency exchanges must now obtain a crypto exchange license with the MAS before starting the trading activities.
We also invite you to watch our video on how to open a company in Singapore as a cryptocurrency business:
We mentioned earlier the possibility of establishing cryptocurrency exchanges, however, a business person who wants to open a company in Singapore as a crypto business have various options. Among these, the most popular are:
While for some of these business ideas there is no need for a license, there are others which are subject to certain licensing criteria. The most important aspect to consider is that all cryptocurrency companies in Singapore must comply with the anti-money laundering regulations.
Cryptocurrency companies registered in other countries can expand their operations by setting up a subsidiary in Singapore.
Those who want to open a company in Singapore in the cryptocurrency sector must first register one of the types of structures acknowledged by the Commercial Law. Following that, a special license will be required for financial companies interested in exploring the cryptocurrency field. IT companies can also issue cryptocurrency without applying for any special permits with the MAS.
All types of companies must comply with the anti-money laundering regulations imposed by the MAS in order to protect the clients and investors in the case of cryptocurrency funds.
The most common type of cryptocurrency company which requires a license to operate in Singapore is the cryptocurrency exchange. This type of company is usually treated as a trading platform and is required to obtain a crypto exchange license from the MAS. The good news is that Singapore already has a few crypto trading platforms.
The MAS imposes a few conditions for those interested in setting up a company in Singapore in the crypto field and intend to trade virtual money on the Singapore market. Among these are:
Apart from these, the MAS will also consider specific conditions which must be met the company applying for the crypto exchange license. The offer will usually take the form of an initial coin offering, shortly known as ICO. Our local advisors can offer more information about the creation and launch of an ICO in Singapore. With a vast experience in company formation matters, our consultants can help you open a company and obtain a crypto license in Singapore.
All companies applying for a cryptocurrency exchange license in Singapore must comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Futures Act which provide for the transparency conditions related to trading virtual tokens, respectively the conditions imposed for a digital coin to be considered security which can be traded.
Singapore cryptocurrency companies must also ensure the minimum management conditions imposed by the MAS.
For full information on the conditions related to obtaining a crypto license in Singapore, you can rely on our team. We remind investors that we can help them open a company in Singapore.
Singapore is one of the most open countries in Southeast Asia when it comes to setting up cryptocurrency companies. One of the main reasons is that it allows for various virtual tokens to be trader here. Among these Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum are the most traded ones. However, it is also possible for those operating cryptocurrency businesses here to trade less popular digital tokens such as Ripple, EOS, NEO and Dash.
We are also at your service if you want to open a subsidiary in Singapore.
Singapore is at the forefront of countries accepting cryptocurrency payments and the legislation in this sense allows for the opening of various types of fintech businesses which deal with the promotion of various types of virtual money. Also, setting up a company in Singapore in the cryptocurrency sector is cheaper than other known destinations, such as Liechtenstein or Switzerland in Europe.
Starting a Singapore cryptocurrency business also has various tax advantages, among which a corporate tax rate which applies progressively, and which implies a partial exemption from payment for specific amounts of profits. Also, virtual money treated as commodities and sold to non-residents will not be subject to VAT payments in Singapore. When adding that to the fact that cryptocurrency companies can be set up as startups, Singapore becomes a great country for this type of business.
If you want to open a cryptocurrency company in Singapore and need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our specialists in company formation in Singapore. You can rely on us if you want to obtain a crypto license in Singapore or open any type of company in the city-state.
Roger Pay is the Managing Director of Bestar and an experienced company formation consultant. He will help you open your company in Singapore as fast as possible.
As a Bestar client, you will benefit from the joint expertise of local lawyers and consultants for opening an offshore company in Singapore.
Call us now at +65 97236684 in order to set up an appointment with our consultants in Singapore.