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Singapore Partnership vs Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

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Comparison of Singapore Partnership vs Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

Comparison of Limited Liability Partnership vs Partnership in Singapore?

Comparison of Singapore Partnership against Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

Difference between Singapore LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) and Partnership?

Comparison of Singapore Partnership and LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)?

Difference between Singapore Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership?

Comparison of Partnership vs LLP in Singapore?

Comparison of Singapore LLP vs Partnership?

Partnership and LLP?

LLP and Partnership?

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Features
Partnership (General)
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Introduction

 

A basic form of business vehicle with two or more co-partnersHybrid form of business vehicle consisting both company and typical partnership
Suitability of Business VehicleSuitable for a small to medium size of business journey with co-partnersSuitable to carry professional services such as Law Firm, Audit Firm, etc
Definition An association of two or more persons carrying on business in common with a view to profitA partnership where the individual partner’s own liability is generally limited
Ownership or Owners 

 

 

 

 

Between 2 and 20 partners.

A partnership of more than 20 partners must incorporate as a company under the Companies Act, Chapter 50 (except for professional partnerships)

At least 2 partners.

No maximum limit.

Legal Identity or StatusNot a separate legal entity

Partners have unlimited liability

Can sue or be sued in firm’s name

Cannot own property in firm’s name

Partners personally liable for partnership’s debts and losses incurred by other partners

A separate legal entity from its partners

Partners have limited liability

Can sue or be sued in LLP’s name

Can own property in LLP’s name

Partners personally liable for debts and losses resulting from their own wrongful actions

Partners not personally liable for debts and losses of LLP incurred by other partners

Requirements For Registration or Formation or IncorporationAge 18 years or above. Singapore citizen / Singapore Permanent Resident / EntrePass holder.

If owner not resident in Singapore, he must appoint an authorized representative who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.

Self-employed persons must top up their Medisave account with the CPF Board before they register a new business name, become a registrant of an existing business name, or renew their business name registration.

Undischarged bankrupts cannot manage the business without approval from the Court or the Official Assignee.

At least two partners, who can be individuals (at least 18 years old) or body corporate (company or LLP).

At least one manager ordinarily resident in Singapore and at least 18 years old.

Undischarged bankrupts cannot manage the business without approval from the Court or the Official Assignee.

Easiness of RegistrationAn easy process to be completed within a few hours however subject to referral to different authorities which may delay up to 14 working daysAn easy process to be completed within a few hours however subject to referral to different authorities which may delay up to 14 working days
Level of Fees for RegistrationLow set up costs among all business vehiclesLow set up costs among all business vehicles
Renewal CostsLow costs for renewalPerpetual succession hence renewal is not applicable
Perception of Business by the PublicRegarded least trust worthy and credibilityIt is common with specific professions hence it is easily and strongly regarded more trust worthy and credibility
Funding OpportunitiesCapital injection is limited to the new partner.

Obtaining loans from banks is only by mortgaging the personal assets of the partners.

Obtaining loans from banks is only by mortgaging the personal assets of the partners.
Yearly Statutory ObligationsYearly renewals (one year or three years)

CPF Medisave Top-Up required for Self-employed Persons before they can renew partnership

Annual declaration of solvency/insolvency must be lodged by one of the managers stating whether the LLP is able or not able to pay its debts during the normal course of business.

No statutory requirement for general meetings, directors, company secretary, share allotments etc.

TaxationProfits taxed at partners’ personal income tax ratesProfits taxed at partners’ personal income tax rates (if individual)/ corporate tax rate (if corporation)
Taxation FormForm P for Partnership & Form B for respective PartnersForm P for Partnership & Form B for respective Partners
GST ImplicationBased on combined turnover of all partnership businesses with the same composition (structure) of partnersBased on combined turnover of all partnership businesses with the same composition (structure) of partners
Perpetual Existence in LawExistence subject to partnership agreementThe LLP has perpetual succession until wound up or struck off.
Transfer of OwnershipPartners can be changedPartners can be changed
Closing the Business or DeregistrationBy the partners – Cessation of business

Registrar can cancel registration if not renewed or where Registrar is satisfied business is defunct

Winding Up – Voluntarily by members or creditors, compulsorily by the High Court

Striking off