International Headquarters (IHQ) Award

Incentive and License Advisory
2020-04-09
Global Traders Programme (GTP)
2020-04-09
Incentive and License Advisory
2020-04-09
Global Traders Programme (GTP)
2020-04-09

International Headquarters (IHQ) Award


The IHQ programme is an initiative designed by the Singapore government to support companies that intend to set up or expand their global or regional headquarters activities in Singapore. Depending on the scope of activity, applicant companies can also apply for the Pioneer Certificate Incentive (PC) and the Development and Expansion Incentive (DEI) which aim to encourage companies to develop capabilities and conduct new or expanded activities in Singapore.

An approved company under the IHQ/PC/DEI programme is eligible for a concessionary tax rate of 10%, based on income derived from qualifying activities. The qualifying activities will be defined during the application process. The incentive period is limited to five years. Extension of the incentive may be considered, subject to the company’s commitment to undertake further expansion plans. The income from the non-qualifying activity is not eligible for the incentive.

Application for IHQ/PC/DEI is open to companies that are prepared to make significant investments in contribution to Singapore’s economy or in advancement of capabilities towards globally leading industries. For IHQ status, companies must commit to anchor substantive HQ activities in Singapore to manage, coordinate and control regional business operations.

To qualify, companies must meet quantitative and qualitative criteria. These include the employment created (including skills, expertise and seniority), total business expenditure which generates spin-off to the economy, as well as commitment to growing the capabilities (e.g. technology, skillsets, knowhow) in Singapore. Manufacturing projects are also required to commit to fixed asset investment in plant, building or equipment.

Services provided by FOZL for application of International Headquarters (IHQ) Award

  • Provide advisory and support client in defining the headquarter activities that would align with the client’s business plans to use Singapore as an international/regional headquarter as well as qualify for EDB’s incentive requirement. 
  • Support client in defining the qualifying income that would be able to enjoy the 10% corporate tax incentive.
  • Support client in the discussion and negotiation with EDB on the scope of qualifying activities and qualifying income.
  • Support client in drafting the required application documents.
  • To support client in the submission of documents during the application process.