Singapore Legal System: Latest Update 2025
Singapore 
Updated on January 11 
Verified by GLA Experts 
Follow GLA on 
Follow GLA on 
Singapore is one of the countries that stands out with its clear, transparent and consistent legal system.
The year 2025 marks a series of important changes in Singapore's legal system, to meet practical needs and globalization trends.
The article below provides the latest legal updates in 2025 of the Singapore legal system, helping businesses and investors have a clearer view of these changes so they can operating a company in Singapore effective, legal
1. Competition Law
Competition Law The Competition Act was enacted to provide a strong legal framework to protect consumers and businesses from unfair competitive practices by other business entities.
In 2025, Singapore continues to improve its commercial dispute resolution processes, especially in the areas of e-commerce and international transactions.
3 important laws that businesses need to know include:
- Anti-competitive agreements, decisions and practices (Prohibition 34).
- Abuse of monopoly position (Prohibition 47).
- Mergers and acquisitions of companies in the industry to reduce competition (Prohibition 54).
2. Business Law
2.1 Strengthening measures against money laundering and terrorist financing
Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing will continue to be a focus for the Singapore government in 2025. The government has put in place strong measures to ensure that Singapore does not become a hub for illicit financial activities.
In addition, auditing firms in Singapore are required to apply Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs) Disclosure Framework to make the exchange of information easy, meaningful and of quality.
2.2 Improving the corporate tax system
One of the important elements in the Singapore legal system is corporate tax.
The Singapore Government has been and continues to adjust tax regulations to create a fair and competitive business environment.
In 2025, there will be notable changes in corporate tax policy:
- Singapore corporate tax rates: Singapore continues to maintain its corporate tax rate at 17%, among the lowest in the region, to attract more multinational companies to invest and develop.
- Tax exemption policy for startups: Tax incentives for startups continue to be maintained, with specific conditions to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the business community. However, the government has also tightened regulations on the application of these incentives, ensuring that only businesses with real needs and development potential benefit.
- GST Policy in Singapore: GST at 9% from 2025 onwards.
- Personal income tax policy in Singapore: Apply new tax bracket of 22-24% for income over 1 million SGD.
3. Intellectual Property Law
With the explosion of digital technology, the protection of intellectual property and personal data is becoming a hot issue, especially in areas related to information and communication technology.
Singapore has implemented a series of measures to strengthen the legal framework for protecting intellectual property rights and personal data under the Patents Amendment Bill (Singapore Patents Act and Patents Rules) and Electronic signature, oath, notarization (Electronic Statutory Declarations, Oaths And Affirmations, And Notarisations).
The above changes help facilitate business operations and work with the government for product and service protection activities.
In addition, Singapore has also updated the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), with stricter requirements on the collection, use and security of consumer data. Businesses need to ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid heavy fines.
4. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Law
Recent developments regarding the regulation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) in Singapore increasingly emphasizes the growing importance of ESG compliance, especially for large businesses.
New initiatives include mandatory ESG reporting and stricter rules on sustainable practices. Singapore has also committed to international sustainability standards and highlighted the legal risks for businesses if they fail to comply.
To help businesses easily meet ESG requirements, the Singapore government has issued many policies to simplify the registration process and receive support to help ESG application become more widespread in Singapore.
5. Labor law
The Employment Act requires both local and international companies with a presence in Singapore to provide basic and fair working conditions to all employees and workers. Wrongful dismissal claims are heard by the Employment Claims Tribunal (“ECT”) instead of the MOM.
6. How can we help you incorporate your company in Singapore?
GLA, with its experience in consulting and supporting the establishment of a company in Singapore, will assist businesses in complying with Singaporean law by:
- Consulting on suitable company type when open company in Singapore
- Legal advice meets company needs and supports problem solving, ensuring the company operates legally and effectively.
- Director, secretary, and Rent office address in Singapore.
- Manage your company financially with our one-stop cost-efficient tax accounting services for Singapore companies
- Register and verify your bank account.
- Hiring staff, auditing, payroll reporting, and trademark registration in accordance with legal procedures.
7. Frequently asked questions about Singapore law
7.1 Which law regulates the operations of companies in Singapore?
The law that regulates the operations of companies in Singapore is the Singapore Companies Act (Singapore Companies Act).
7.2 Can you use e-signature for Singapore company?
Singapore law allows businesses to use electronic signatures for corporate documents. GLA will support businesses to register to use Singnow when businesses have a need.
Highlights- Auditing firms are encouraged to adopt the AQIs information system.
- Tax policy changes: GST 9%, PIT adds 22-24% bracket for income over 1 million SGD.
- The process of registering for protection and patents in Singapore will become easier, for all companies.
- Meet ESG requirements is one of the priority application focuses for Singapore companies.
This article was published by GLA on 03/11/2015. Copyright and accompanying content are intellectual property of GLA. All rights reserved.
The guidance and content are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific guidance and advice on accounting, tax, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consult professional advisors on specific issues.
A-Z corporate support
