Singapore Free Trade Zones & Advanced Manufacturing

Establish Your Regional Hub in Singapore Free Zones

Leverage Singapore’s world-class Free Trade Zones (FTZs), zero custom duties on re-exports, tax incentives, and Industry 4.0 infrastructure to power global manufacturing operations.

0%
Duty on Re-exports in FTZs
#1
Global Logistics Hub Index
100%
Foreign Equity Ownership
5% - 10%
Concessional Tax (Pioneer Status)
Dropdown Option 1

What are Singapore Free Zones?

Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in Singapore are designated geographic areas where goods may be landed, handled, manufactured, re-configured, and re-exported without payment of customs duties or Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Jurong Port FTZ

The premier gateway for bulk cargo, cement, metals, and industrial equipment with direct access to regional marine supply routes.

Changi Airport FTZ

High-value, time-sensitive advanced electronics, pharmaceuticals, and cold-chain manufacturing logistics zone.

Tuas Mega Port & FTZ

World’s largest automated container port ecosystem integrated with next-gen automated factories.

Jurong Innovation District

Singapore’s advanced manufacturing campus housing R&D, prototyping, and smart production facilities.

Key Advantage of Operating in Singapore FTZs

Goods entering Singapore FTZs are treated as outside Singapore's customs territory. GST (9%) and import duties are suspended until items leave the FTZ for local sale in Singapore.

Dropdown Option 2

Compare Free Zone Companies vs Non-FTZ Entities

Analyze key operational, financial, and tax parameters to determine whether a Free Trade Zone license or an onshore manufacturing license fits your global business model.

Parameter FTZ Free Zone Entity Onshore Manufacturing Co. Bonded Warehouse License
GST Exemption on Imports 100% Deferment / Exemption Pay & Claim GST Scheme Deferred until local clearance
Customs Duty Exposure 0% on Re-exported goods Standard import tariffs apply Duty-free during storage
Re-export Logistics Efficiency Instant clearance without permits Requires customs declarations Permit mandatory per movement
Local Singapore Market Sales Permitted (Subject to 9% GST) Direct local market access Permitted with customs approval
Pioneer Incentive Eligibility Eligible (5% - 10% tax rate) Eligible for approved R&D Not applicable
Minimum Capital Requirement S$1 (Standard Private Ltd) S$1 (Standard Private Ltd) Security Bond required by Customs
Advanced Ecosystem

Industry 4.0 & Government Tax Concessions

Singapore offers structured incentive schemes under the Economic Development Board (EDB) to support high-value manufacturing, robotics, semiconductors, and clean energy production.

Pioneer Certificate Status (PCS)

Concessional corporate tax rate of 5% or 10% (instead of 17%) on qualifying income for up to 15 years.

Development and Expansion Incentive (DEI)

Reduced tax rates of 5% or 10% for companies expanding advanced industrial operations and equipment capabilities.

ARTC Collaborative Innovation

Direct partnership with Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (A*STAR) for rapid prototyping and AI integration.

Singapore Advanced Manufacturing Hub

Jurong Innovation District Hub

Integrating design, research, smart factory operations, and supply chain logistics in a single 600-hectare smart urban ecosystem.

Implementation Roadmap

5 Steps to Establish Your Free Zone Entity

A streamlined path from ACRA registration to FTZ land allocation and Singapore Customs licensing.

1
ACRA Incorporation

Register standard Singapore Private Limited manufacturing entity.

2
FTZ Facility Leasing

Secure warehousing/factory space in Changi, Jurong, or Tuas FTZ.

3
Customs Account Setup

Activate Singapore Customs Central Registration Account (CR).

4
TradeNet Access

Integrate digital permit declaring system for zero-duty re-exports.

5
EDB Incentive Grant

Apply for Pioneer Tax Exemption & R&D Capital Support grants.

Interactive Estimator

FTZ Tax & GST Savings Calculator

Estimate your annual working capital cash flow savings by routing transshipments and raw material assembly through Singapore Free Trade Zones.

  • Instant 9% GST cashflow preservation
  • Zero tariff exposure on international re-exports
  • Seamless Integration with ASEAN Trade Treaties

Estimate Your Duty & Cashflow Benefits

Estimated Annual Working Capital Preserved
$700,000 USD

(Includes 9% GST Deferral + Customs Duty Waiver)

Engagement Fees?

Transparent retainer fees, government filing costs, and institutional licensing package pricing.

Starter Tier

ACRA Incorporation

$1,500 SGD

Ideal for foreign subsidiaries and local business startups.


  • ACRA Name Reservation & Govt Fees
  • Constitution & Company Profile
  • First Year Corporate Secretary
Get Started
Recommended

Payment License (SPI/MPI)

$8,500 SGD

For Money Remittance & E-Money operators.


  • Complete MAS Form 1 Application
  • AML/CFT Policy & ERA Drafting
  • Local Nominee Director Intro
Apply Now
Institutional

CMS License (SFA)

$15,000 SGD

Fund management & securities dealing setup.


  • Comprehensive Capital Markets Filing
  • Legal Structure Legal Opinion
  • End-to-end MAS Interview Prep
Consult Specialist
Custom Cost Estimator

Estimated Total Investment:

$1,500 SGD

Lock In Custom Quote

Timelines?

Roadmap of turnaround times from initial incorporation to full operational MAS go-live.

Phase 1: ACRA Entity Incorporation
Duration: 24 - 48 Hours

ACRA name approval, constitutional drafting, officer appointments, and immediate issuance of UEN (Unique Entity Number).

Phase 2: MAS License Dossier Compilation
Duration: 2 - 4 Weeks

Formulating business plan, AML/CFT enterprise risk assessment, technology security policies, and resident director onboarding.

Phase 3: MAS Review & Query Clearance
Duration: 3 - 5 Months

Submission on MAS-eLicensing portal, regulatory interview representation, and responding to MAS clarification notices.

Phase 4: In-Principle Approval & Go-Live
Duration: 2 - 4 Weeks

Capital injection verification, escrow account activation, security deposit lodgment with MAS, and final license issuance.

Common Questions

Free Zone & Manufacturing FAQ

Clear answers regarding Singapore FTZ regulations, bonded operations, and licensing.

Any company registered with ACRA (including 100% foreign-owned firms) can apply to operate or lease space within Singapore FTZs. Operating permits must be maintained through licensed logistics providers or direct facility leases.

Simple processing, re-packaging, labeling, sorting, and assembly are freely permitted. For heavy industrial manufacturing, specialized licenses or designation under the Industrial Free Trade scheme/Jurong Innovation District are required.

When goods leave an FTZ to enter the domestic Singapore customs territory, the prevailing 9% GST and applicable import duty become payable at the time of customs clearance.
Manufacturing Advisory

Schedule a Free Zone Setup Consultation

Our industrial advisory specialists assist global manufacturers in site selection, EDB grant applications, and FTZ permit approvals.

Regional Office

1 CleanTech Loop, #05-12 CleanTech One, Singapore 637141

Manufacturing Desk

+65 6789 9900 / +65 6789 9901

Direct Email

ftz@singaporecorporate.sg

Free Zone & Facility Setup Request

Thank you. Our Free Zone specialist will reach out within 24 hours.