Setting Up an Event Management Company in Singapore
- Roger Pay
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Setting Up an Event Management Company in Singapore
Legal Requirements
The first step in launching an event management company in Singapore is handling the legal requirements. You'll need to register your business and get the right licenses.
Registering Your Business with ACRA
First, you must register your company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore, also known as ACRA. Once your registration is approved, you'll receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN), which is essential for applying for other licenses and permits you may need.
Event-Specific Licenses and Permits
Beyond your basic business registration, your company will likely require additional licenses depending on the types of events you plan to manage. Here are some common ones:
Arts Entertainment Licence: Required for events like plays, musical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Public Entertainment Licence: Needed for public events that don't fall under the arts category.
Copyright Permit: If you plan to play or reproduce copyrighted music or videos, you'll need this.
Trade Fair Permit: For organizing trade fairs.
Animal Exhibition Licence: Necessary for any event featuring animals or animal performances.
Other permits might be required based on your event's specific activities, such as:
Advertisement License
Fire Works Display Licence
Notification to conduct lucky draws
No Objection Letter for selling food and drinks
Keep in mind that some permits are only valid for the duration of a single event.
The MICE Industry in Singapore
The MICE industry—which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—is a major part of the event management sector. This is a complex but growing market. MICE participants are often business travelers who require more than just a venue; they also need accommodation, transport, food, and other services. This makes the MICE industry a crucial part of the tourism and hospitality sectors. While Europe has historically dominated this market, Asia-Pacific is experiencing significant growth.
Types of Event Management Services
Event management services can be broken down into a few key areas:
By End-Users:
Corporate: Planning events for businesses, from company retreats to product launches.
Public Organizations and NGOs: Organizing events for government bodies and non-profit groups.
Individuals: Handling private events like weddings, parties, and family gatherings.
By Application:
Entertainment: Concerts, festivals, and other large-scale entertainment events.
Business: Conferences, trade shows, and corporate meetings.
Family: Events with a personal focus, such as weddings and milestone parties.
Whether you're planning corporate functions or music festivals, the key to success is understanding your target market and the specific permits required to operate legally.
Our team of expert consultants is here to help you navigate the complexities of starting a business in Singapore. We offer a no-obligation consultation to understand your needs and provide the best advice for your company's growth and compliance.
We aim to be the pillar of strength for our clients, providing high-quality service and advice for all their corporate and annual compliance needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can help. We're just a call or a few clicks away!
Fees and Costs for an Event Management Company in Singapore
The fees to set up and operate an event management company in Singapore vary based on the services you offer.
Initial Company Registration Fees
The most basic fee is for registering your business with ACRA. This includes:
Company Name Application: S$15
Company Registration Fee: S$300
The government fee is S$315. Our services include a registered address and a company secretary, bringing the cost to S$1,500 to S$2,500 or more, depending on the services you need.
Event-Specific License Fees
In addition to business registration, you'll need to pay for permits and licenses for each event, as required. The fees for these are often on a per-day basis or a one-time charge per event.
Arts Entertainment Licence:
S$10 per day for plays, concerts, and dance performances.
S$5 per day for art exhibitions, play-readings, and poetry recitals.
Public Entertainment Licence: The fee is often S$20 per day or S$40 for a 7-day period.
Trade Fair Permit: A one-time fee of S$60 per permit.
Animal Exhibition Licence: The fee for this license varies and is subject to the specific details of the application. You must also submit a proposal and program schedule for approval.
These costs are a starting point. Depending on the complexity of your events, you may also need to budget for fees related to fire safety, advertisements, and copyrighted material.
How Professional Services Can Help
Partnering with Bestar can significantly simplify the process of setting up an event management company in Singapore. While you can handle the ACRA registration and permit applications yourself, our services offer expertise and efficiency that can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.
Here's how a professional service can assist you:
Simplified Company Registration: Bestar can manage the entire ACRA registration process for you, ensuring all documents are filed correctly and on time. This is especially beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs who need to meet specific requirements, such as appointing a local director.
Expert Advice on Licensing: Instead of navigating the complex web of licenses and permits alone, Bestar can guide you. We can assess the nature of your planned events and advise you on exactly which licenses you need, from a Public Entertainment Licence to a Copyright Permit, saving you time and avoiding potential legal issues.
Ongoing Compliance Support: Once your company is registered, you'll have to meet annual compliance requirements. Professional services can provide a company secretary and handle annual filings with ACRA and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), ensuring your business remains compliant and in good standing.
Registered Office Address: As part of the registration process, you are required to have a physical registered office address in Singapore. If you don't have one, Bestar can provide this service for you.
Bank Account Opening: Bestar can assist you in opening a corporate bank account with a local or international bank, a crucial step for managing your company's finances.
By entrusting these administrative and legal tasks to experts, you can focus on what you do best: planning and executing exceptional events for your clients.
Comments