Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (IHQ)

The Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (International Headquarters, IHQ) aims to attract multinational companies to establish their global or regional headquarters in Singapore, leveraging Singapore's strategic location and business environment to manage and coordinate their Asia-Pacific or global business operations. The programme is managed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore and provides tax incentives to support eligible companies in establishing and expanding headquarters functions in Singapore.

Key Features of the Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (IHQ)

The IHQ programme encourages companies to establish headquarters in Singapore by providing preferential corporate income tax rates or other tax incentives for the following activities:

1. Business Management and Coordination: Support companies in managing and coordinating global or regional business activities from Singapore.
2. Business Function Integration: Integration of key functions including finance, treasury management, marketing, brand management, supply chain management, human resources management, and information technology.
3. Strategy Development and Control: Encourage companies to conduct high-level decision-making and business control in Singapore.
4. Innovation and R&D Activities: Support innovation and technology research and development activities in Singapore.

Eligibility for the Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (IHQ)

Companies applying for the IHQ programme must meet the following requirements:

1. Business Scale and Activities: Companies must have a certain business scale and plan to establish or expand headquarters functions in Singapore to manage Asia-Pacific or global operations.
2. Implementation of Headquarters Functions: Companies need to implement headquarters functions in Singapore, including strategic business functions and high-value activities.
3. Economic Contribution: Companies must demonstrate their economic contribution to Singapore, such as creating employment opportunities, investing in innovation and R&D, and driving Singapore's economic development through business activities.

Tax Incentives under the Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (IHQ)

Eligible companies can enjoy the following tax incentives:

1. Preferential Corporate Income Tax Rate: A preferential corporate income tax rate applies to qualifying headquarters income.
2. Tax Exemptions: Certain tax exemptions or preferential tax treatment for qualifying activities.

Application Process for the Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (IHQ)

Companies need to submit an application to the Economic Development Board of Singapore, providing a detailed business plan that demonstrates the specific functions and future development plans for establishing headquarters in Singapore. EDB will evaluate based on the company's business scale, planned headquarters functions, and potential contribution to Singapore's economy to determine whether to grant tax incentives.

The Singapore Global Headquarters Programme aims to further enhance Singapore's position as an international business hub by supporting multinational companies in establishing headquarters in Singapore, promoting the integration and growth of regional and global businesses.

For more detailed information about the Singapore Global Headquarters Programme (IHQ), please feel free to contact our customer advisors for consultation.