How do I set up as an independent consultant?

[Christa]

I'm an American with a dependent's pass whose husband is here working.  I've been offered some work by a couple of companies on an ad hoc basis.  I now need to decide how I will be paid.  

I've looked at the website of the Registry of Companies and Businesses to consider setting myself up as a company through which I can bill for my services and the whole area seems complicated.  

It's rather an expensive way of billing for the very limited number of hours work I would be doing, at least initially... and if ad hoc peters out into nothing I end up with an unwanted company on my hands, lots of expense and statutory requirements regarding tax and accountancy returns - I'll make a big loss on the deal! And I have to have local directors?  All I want is a company name through which to issue invoices for my services!

Has anyone any ideas on how I could make this work?  I don't want to sound like a loser here but is this all just going to be too hard?

[M&Ms]

You do not need to set up as a Pte Ltd company, just "Sole Proprietorship"  which is very easy and costs about $100.   (Provided you are a dependant pass holder).

[CY]

You should set yourself up as a business, not a company. You will be sole proprietor.
I did this last month. You can print out the forms from the RCB web site, then go along to the RCB to register. They check that the name you have chosen is not already in use, then you go back the next day, pay $105 and get your registration certificate. It is unbelievably quick!
As you are on a dependents pass you need to send off a letter of consent form (you can print this out from the MOM website) with a copy of your RCB registration certificate, to the MOM, and in roughly two weeks you should receive confirmation back that you can work.
I was offered freelance work, which is the reason I set myself up as a business, but I'm hoping to get a full time position - but I thought the small set-up cost was worth it even if I don't end up freelancing.

[Help]

You can contact rikvin Consultancy. The web site url is www.rikvin.com
They will give you a free advise and they are expert in Company Law matters.

[new business too]

CY
I was advised to set up my business with RCB as you described. I was also informed that the next step is to apply for an employment pass to work for my own company. Did you go through this process and if so, did you come across any problems? I've heard that it is difficult and am quite daunted by the whole process!

[Useful contact]

Lim Associates gave advice and did all of the running around for me....

Shirley Lim tel. 2309-510 Shirley.Lim@la.com.sg

[M&Ms]

HOnestly guys,
If you are here on a dependant's pass, there is no problem to haivng your own business. Once you have set the business up, you apply for a "Letter of Consent" for you to work at your company.  It's all quite straight forward, go to the RGB office - apply for company name (check for availability of the names first on their website) - they'll give you the paperwork you need to apply for the LOC.  Piece of cake.