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Recently, Google and Kantar BrandZ released the “Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders 2025” list. ByteDance (Douyin Group) topped the ranking, followed by Xiaomi and SHEIN.

Over the past two years, Chinese companies have accelerated their global expansion, and one notable trend has emerged: Singapore is increasingly becoming the preferred location for many Chinese enterprises to set up their global headquarters.

From manufacturing giants to consumer brand founders, and from internet and SaaS companies to investment management firms, many Chinese enterprises are relocating their global or regional headquarters to Singapore, leveraging its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and robust financial ecosystem to drive their internationalization strategies.

 

Who’s Making the Move?

Major companies such as ByteDance, SHEIN, Alibaba, Tencent, Huawei, and JD International have all designated Singapore as their international business settlement center or regional headquarters hub.

 

 

 

Several A-share listed companies have established subsidiaries in Singapore to focus on Southeast Asian market expansion, tax optimization, and cross-border capital operations.

Emerging Chinese new consumer brands are also leveraging Singapore-based holding companies to streamline their supply chains, enable regional distribution across Southeast Asia, and facilitate cross-border financing.

 

Why Singapore?

 

Why Singapore Has Become the Top Choice for Chinese Companies Setting Up Global Headquarters

Chinese enterprises are increasingly choosing Singapore as their global or regional headquarters for the following key reasons:

1. Policy-Friendly and a Strategic Gateway to ASEAN
   As ASEAN’s financial and trade hub, Singapore offers extensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)—including RCEP and a bilateral FTA with China—greatly facilitating regional trade and capital flows.

 

2. Tax Compliance Amid Global Tax Reform
   In the face of global tax initiatives such as the Global Minimum Tax (GloBE rules) and BEPS 2.0, Singapore’s transparent and competitive tax regime makes it an ideal platform for compliant holding structures and profit distribution.

 

3. Free Capital Flow and a Robust Financial System
   Singapore’s mature banking sector supports free currency conversion and imposes no capital controls, making it easier for companies to build cross-border cash pools, obtain financing, and manage international settlements.

 

4. Talent Pool and International Ecosystem
   With a high concentration of professionals in finance, law, tech, and management, combined with a bilingual (English and Chinese) environment, Singapore provides strong support for cross-cultural operations and leadership.

 

5. Global Reputation and Enhanced Brand Credibility
   A Singapore-based headquarters boosts corporate image, facilitates engagement with Western capital markets and clients, and serves as a stamp of credibility for brands going global.

 

How Can Chinese Enterprises Establish Their Headquarters in Singapore?

The headquarters setup for Chinese enterprises typically involves three steps:

1. Establish Holding or Regional Headquarters Company
   Register a holding or operating company in Singapore to serve as an international settlement and management hub.

 

2. Optimize Tax and Capital Structure
   Leverage Singapore’s tax advantages to design profit reinvestment, cross-border financing, and internal fund allocation schemes, ensuring compliant and efficient capital operations.

 

3. Build Local Teams and Compliance Systems
   Set up finance, legal, and operations teams and establish management systems in line with local regulations to ensure stable and sustainable operations.

 

Seize the pulse of the times and plan ahead for the future.

 

The success of Chinese enterprises’ globalization relies heavily on proper headquarters setup and aligned financial systems. SIG global recommends:

• Paying close attention to support and incentives from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), making full use of various funding subsidies and development programs;
• Strategically planning corporate structures and regional layouts to provide flexibility for future business expansion, capital allocation, and compliant operations;
• Building local compliance teams to ensure smooth and stable daily operations;
• Partnering with officially licensed Corporate Service Providers (CSPs) in Singapore to assist with company registration, tax planning, financial auditing, and compliance management, ensuring efficient and compliant headquarters establishment and worry-free ongoing operations.

 

Conclusion

As an ACRA-registered licensed CSP in Singapore, SIG global specializes in assisting Chinese enterprises with their establishment and operations in Singapore. With deep knowledge of local regulatory requirements and practical experience, SIG is dedicated to helping companies achieve compliant international expansion and stable establishment.