Is Singapore classified as a tax haven?

Singapore is often referred to as an offshore financial centre (OFC). That means Singapore provides corporate and financial services to foreign investors on a scale that is out of proportion with the size of its domestic economy. The country is in the category of offshore financial centre because it offers attractive tax incentives. Along with low tax rates, there are also tax exemptions offered for businesses in certain industries, especially in offshore and global trading.

Banking secrecy is also another reason that put Singapore in the list of offshore financial centres. The country is in the top 5 of the 2020 Financial Secrecy Index. Its secrecy score is 65 and contributes over 5% share of the global market for offshore financial services.

Banking in Singapore is under the contractual duty of confidentiality imposed by section 47 of the Banking Act, which states that customer details shall not, by any means, be disclosed by a bank or its officers in Singapore, to any other entity except as mentioned in the Act.

By that definition, Singapore can also be classified as a tax haven. It has low "effective" tax rates and offers financial secrecy. It is also in the tax haven lists conducted by reputable international organizations.

Being listed as a tax haven does not mean Singapore is a bad choice for investment. In fact, despite the tax haven status, Singapore has proven itself as an international business center and a global commerce hub, continuing to be the ideal destination for business owners and investors around the world.