A general partnership in Singapore is suitable for low-risk businesses with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 20 partners, who share liabilities for debts. It requires less statutory control, allowing easy setup, but partners are jointly liable, putting personal assets at risk. Additionally, partnerships face restrictions on capital and are taxed at the personal income level, with no corporate tax benefits.

1. GENERAL PARTNERSHIP

2. Copyright © 2014 Rikvin Pte LtdLast updated on 3 March 2014
A General Partnership is most suitable for low risk, low profile
businesses.
It allows the possibility of acquiring capital, talent and strategic assets
based on mutually agreed terms.
The business must have a minimum of at least 2 partners, and may
have a maximum of 20 partners. The partners are responsible for all
liabilities.
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and Employment Pass
holders may register a general partnership firm.
Foreign individuals and companies may also register a general
partnership firm, but must have a local manager.
• Partnerships face fewer statutory control than
companies.
• Not required to audit or publish accounts or
to register the Partnership Agreement. No
government returns are required to be filed by
partnerships, except for income tax.
• The internal structure of partnerships is very
flexible.
• Partnerships can be simple and cheap to set
up. A Partnership Agreement is, however,
advisable.
• All the profits generated by the business will
be taxed at personal income tax level.
• Partners are jointly liable for partnership debts.
• A Partner’s personal assets are at risk since
the liability is passed through and partners are
liable for all debts and losses.
• Does not have a separate legal identity from
the partners. Therefore, unless otherwise
agreed, the partnership will come to an end
each time a partner leaves.
• The channels to raise further capital and
expansion arelimitedbytheamountofsecurity
an individual partner can provide.
• The generous corporate tax rates and rebates
that corporations are normally entitled to are
not applicable to partnerships.
• A partnership must renew its business
registration annually and top up CPF account.
Advantages Disadvantages
GENERAL PARTNERSHIP

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The information contained herein is intended for general
information purposes only and shall not be regarded as
professional advice. Readers are therefore advised that
before acting on any matter arising from these notes, they
should discuss their particular situation with the Firm. No
liability can be accepted for any action taken as result of
reading the notes without prior consultation with regard
to all relevant factors.
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