TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP AND FEES
There are three types of membership: Statutory Members, Constituent Members and Associate Members.
Statutory Members
Under the Singapore Business Federation Act (2001), every Singapore-registered local or foreign companies with a paid-up/authorised share capital of SGD 0.5 million and above, shall be a member of SBF. Hence, SBF membership is a statutory requirement. Local and foreign Statutory Members of SBF are entitled to vote at SBF's General Meetings.
The Singapore Business Federation Act (2001) is accessible here. Please refer to Section 5. – (1) of the Act.
The annual subscription fees payable for Statutory Members will depend on the paid-up capital or authorised share capital as declared to ACRA.
The annual subscription fee for Statutory Members are as follows:
Paid-up Capital / Authorised Share Capital | Annual Fees* |
---|---|
SGD 10 million & above | SGD 872 |
SGD 5 million - less than SGD 10 million | SGD 654 |
SGD 1 million - less than SGD 5 million | SGD 436 |
SGD 0.5 million - less than SGD 1 million | SGD 327 |
*All fees are inclusive of 9% GST
Please refer to more information here.
Constituent Members
Local or foreign Constituent Members are organisations in Singapore, including chambers of commerce and industry representing the interests and welfare of any local or foreign business groups or communities, who are carrying on business in Singapore.
Constituent Members are entitled to vote at SBF’s General Meetings.
The annual subscription fee for a Constituent Member is SGD 872 inclusive of 9% GST.
Associate Members
Singapore-registered local or foreign companies with paid-up / authorised share capital less than SGD 0.5 million, associations, chambers and societies registered in Singapore, and business firms such as sole-proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability partnerships and government agencies, may apply to be admitted as local or foreign Associate Members of SBF.
All applications for local or foreign Associate Membership are subject to approval. Any rejection of application may not be accompanied with reasons.
Local and foreign Associate members are not entitled to vote at SBF’s General Meetings.
An Associate Member may terminate its membership by giving one month’s written notice of termination.
There is a one-time entrance fee for Associate Membership. The annual subscription fees for Associate Members are as follows:
Category of Associate Members | Entrance Fee* | Annual Fees* |
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Companies with paid-up / authorised share capital less than SGD 0.5 million | SGD 327 | SGD 327 |
Associations / Chambers / Societies registered in Singapore | SGD 327 | SGD 327 |
Entitles not within any of the above (including sole-proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), etc.) | SGD 327 | SGD 545 |
*All fees are inclusive of 9% GST
Notes:
For more information on Membership Benefits, please refer to the Membership Benefits tab.
Click HERE to access the members' orientation slide deck to find out more about the benefits & services available to SBF Members!
Click HERE to see our featured new SBF members for September 2024!
To apply for SBF Associate Membership, please apply here.
Download our Membership Brochure.
MEMBERSHIP PROFILE AND DIRECTORY
Membership Profile
As of December 2023, there were 30,435 SBF members, comprising 30,127 Statutory Members and 308 Associate/Constituent Members. The profile of SBF Statutory Members by Share Capital and Industry are as follows:
INDUSTRY PROFILE OF SBF MEMBERS BY SINGAPORE STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (SSIC)
Membership Directory
Please click here to view the SBF Membership Directory.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As a member of SBF, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits:
Our Key Benefits
Expand Your Network and Partnership Opportunities | Access Global Markets and Tap Overseas Connections | Build New Capabilities and Enhance Existing Competencies | Engage Actively and Advocate Collectively |
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SBF provides a conducive platform for businesses to connect, engage and deepen relationships for business collaborations. | SBF’s global network helps connect businesses to capture opportunities for expansion and growth. | SBF offers a variety of events and programmes to help companies broaden and deepen the knowledge and skills of their employees for growth and sustainability. | SBF represents the collective voice of the business community in constructive engagement with the government and relevant organisations. |
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Other Benefits
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MEMBERSHIP EXEMPTION
The SBF (Exemption) Order states that any local company or foreign company which satisfies the SBF Council that it did not or does not have any employee shall be exempted for a specific period.
Criteria for Exemption of Membership
A company is eligible for membership exemption for the current year if it did not have any employee
Membership Exemption Application Procedures:
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Note:
The OTP is valid for 2 minutes from the time it is generated. If the OTP expires, click on the "Resend" button to receive a new OTP and then check your email for a new verification code.
Documents for Membership Exemption Application:
Type/Status of Company | Form E (Exemption Application Form) | Full Audited Accounts* (most recent) | Full Unaudited Accounts (most recent) | BizFile from ACRA (most recent) | Full Annual Filing with ACRA (most recent) | Balance Sheet & Profit & Loss Statement (most recent) | Form E2 (+Statutory Declaration) |
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Company incorporated within its first 2 years | |||||||
Company incorporated more than 2 years | |||||||
Company Type is Exempt Private Company | |||||||
Company is Dormant OR Exempted from Audit | |||||||
Any company | Company may opt for Statutory Declaration if the above supporting documents are not available yet. | ||||||
* For Group Accounts, please include detailed P&L at company’s level. + Statutory Declaration by the Director of the company before the Commissioner for Oath/Notary Public/Justice of Peace. |
You DO NOT need to mail or email scanned copies of the completed Exemption Application Form (Form E) and supporting documents to SBF.
Conditions of Membership Exemption
Exempted companies will not enjoy any SBF membership benefits during the year of exemption. A company which qualifies for membership exemption will need to apply for exemption annually by the stipulated deadline, failing which the annual subscription fee will apply.
Continuous Exemption
The Singapore Business Federation (Exemption Order) was revised in 2013 to provide Continuous Exemption for companies which have applied for three consecutive years of annual exemptions. The company is required to inform SBF of any change to its staffing status as Continuous Exemption will cease to apply when the company employs an employee.
SBF may contact companies to review their eligibility for Continuous Exemption, to ensure compliance with the Singapore Business Federation (Exemption Order).
Access the directory of Commissioners for Oaths.
PAYMENT MODES
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) provides a variety of payment methods. Please log in to the SBF Members’ Portal to select your preferred payment option.
Other Payment Methods:
1. Online Payment via Bank’s Website or Mobile App
Payments should be made to: Singapore Business Federation.
Please use the full 8-digit tax invoice number as the payment reference.
Bank Information:
2. Bill Payment via UOB, DBS, or OCBC
You can also make payments through UOB, DBS, or OCBC bank websites or their mobile apps. Select "Bill Payment" under the Billing/Payee Organization.
3. General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO)
(For SBF annual subscription fees only)
Please fill out the GIRO Application Form.
4. Credit Card Payment at SBF Office
You may visit our office during the hours listed below to make payment by credit card.
Office Address:
160 Robinson Rd #06-01 SBF Center, Singapore 068914
Operating Hours:
Please remember to include the 8-digit tax invoice number for all electronic payments. If payment has already been made, kindly email the payment details and bank advice to [email protected] so we can close the outstanding invoice.
MEMBERSHIP FAQs
Why is my company a Statutory Member of SBF?
In July 2001, the Ministry for Trade and Industry introduced a Bill in Parliament to establish the Singapore Business Federation Act (2001), which was passed by Parliament and became law on 5 October 2001. SBF was then established on 1 April 2002 as the apex business chamber championing the interests of the Singapore business community in the areas of trade, investment and industrial relations both locally and overseas.
Under Section 5 of the SBF Act, all Singapore-registered companies with Paid-up Capital or Authorised Share Capital of SGD 0.5 million and above will be SBF statutory members.
Where can I get a copy of the SBF Act?
The SBF Act can be found on Singapore Statutes Online.
What are the benefits that members get to enjoy?
SBF has introduced numerous local and overseas initiatives and programmes for the Singapore business community. Please check out our website for the wide variety of initiatives and activities available for members. For more information on Membership Benefits, please refer to the Membership Benefits tab.
What are the Annual Subscription Fees?
The annual subscription fees for Statutory Members are as follows:
Company’s Paid-up Capital / Authorised Share Capital | Annual Fees* |
---|---|
SGD 10 million & above | SGD 872 |
SGD 5 million to less than SGD 10 million | SGD 654 |
SGD 1 million to less than SGD 5 million | SGD 436 |
SGD 0.5 million to less than SGD 1 million | SGD 327 |
*All fees are inclusive of 9% GST
The annual subscription fees for Associate Members are as follows:
Category of Associate Members | Annual Fees* |
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Companies with Paid-up/ Authorised Share Capital less than SGD 0.5 million | SGD 327 |
Associations/Chambers/Societies registered in Singapore | SGD 327 |
Entities not within any of the above categories (including sole-proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), etc.) | SGD 545 |
*All fees are inclusive of 9% GST.
When is my Annual Subscription Fee due, and what are the penalties for late payment?
The annual subscription fee is payable to SBF yearly in advance on or before 1st January of every calendar year.
Interest for late payment shall be chargeable on the unpaid fee from the due date until the date of actual payment. Arrears of annual subscription fee and interest on late payment may be recoverable from the member by an action for a debt in any court of competent jurisdiction. The monthly late interest charge stands at 2% above the bank’s prime rate per annum on the overdue accounts.
How can my company terminate membership?
Statutory Membership is mandated by law under the Singapore Business Federation Act (2001). Statutory Membership is terminated under the following situations:
Associate Membership may be terminated by giving at least one (1) month’s written notice of resignation. Please refer to the section on Associate Members in the Types of Memberships and Fees tab.
If my company has already paid for the annual subscription fee but de-registered with ACRA during the year, will my company be entitled to a refund of the annual subscription fee?
A member who ceases to be a member shall not be entitled to a refund of any part of the annual subscription fee paid for that calendar year.
What are the procedures in becoming a member of SBF?
If your company’s paid-up / authorised share capital is SGD 0.5 million and above, then your company is a Statutory Member under the Singapore Business Federation Act (2001). A notification of membership and subscription fee invoice will be sent to your company for your necessary action.
Any Singapore-registered local or foreign companies with paid-up / authorised share capital less than SGD 0.5 million, associations, chambers and societies registered in Singapore, business firms such as sole-proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability partnerships and government agencies, may apply to join SBF as Associate Members. All applications for Associate Membership are subject to approval. Any rejection of application may not be accompanied with reasons.
For more information on Membership Benefits, please refer to the Membership Benefits tab.
EXEMPTION FROM STATUTORY MEMBERSHIP
Is my company eligible for exemption?
A company is eligible for membership exemption for the current year if it did not have any employee from 1 January to 31 December of the preceding year. If your company is a newly incorporated Company and did not have any employee from the Date of Incorporation at the point of exemption application, your company will also be eligible for membership exemption.
What are the documents that we need to submit for exemption?
Supporting documents that are required in addition to the completed Exemption Application Form E include the most recent BizFile from ARCA, the latest annual filing with ACRA, fully audited accounts if the company has been incorporated for more than 2 years or latest unaudited accounts for exempt private companies / companies that are dormant or exempted from audit, consolidated management accounts for companies incorporated within its first 2 years, or Form E2 (Statutory Declaration).
Please refer to the list of supporting documents required for exemptions in the Membership Exemption tab.
My company status will not change. Why do I need to apply for exemption on an annual basis?
We will not know if a company’s status has changed unless we are informed and have received documents to support this status. Hence, the company requesting for exemption has to apply for exemption on an annual basis to ensure that the information furnished to us is most up to date.
Based on the Singapore Business Federation (Exemption Order), Continuous Exemption will be granted for companies which have applied for three consecutive years of annual exemptions. Should there be any change to the company’s status with regards to staffing; the company will need to inform SBF as Continuous Exemption will cease to apply when the company employs an employee.
PAYMENT OF MEMBERSHIP FEES
What are the payments modes available?
Members may choose to pay the membership subscription fee electronically via direct bank transfer, telegraphic transfer, GIRO, PayNow Corporate or by credit card and cheque. Please indicate the tax invoice number during electronic payment or at the back of your cheque to ensure traceability of your payment.
For types of Payment Options available, please refer to the Payment Options tab.
Where do I get the bank details of SBF for payment?
The bank details of SBF are stated on the reverse side of the invoice. You may also access SBF’s bank details from the Payment Options tab.
UPDATING COMPANY DETAILS
How do I update my company’s details?
You may log in to the Members’ Portal to update your company and contact details. Please click here to access the Members' Portal. If you need help with updating, please email to [email protected] on the changes to be done.
How do I update the authorised representative of my company?
Members may download the Appointment of Authorised Representative Form here. Once completed, members may email it to [email protected] for updating.
MEMBERS' PORTAL
How do I get my company’s login ID and password to access the SBF website?
If you have forgotten your login ID and/or password, please email to [email protected] to request for the login details or to reset passwords.
What can I do with the Members’ Portal?
The Members’ Portal allows members to self-help in updating your basic company’s information, payment of annual subscription fee as well as in registering and paying for participation in SBF’s events.
How do I create an account for myself?
Navigate to "Login" in the Members’ Portal and select "Sign Up" to create your account.
OTHERS
We are a group company with various subsidiaries. Can we have group membership where only the holding company pays the subscription?
In accordance with the Singapore Business Federation Act (2001), every company which has a Paid-up / Authorised Share Capital of or above the amount of SGD 0.5 million shall be a Statutory Member of the SBF. As each subsidiary is registered as individual company, i.e. having different UEN as registered with ACRA, each subsidiary will be considered as a separate legal entity. There is no provision in the SBF Act for group membership.
In such case, the holding company and all the subsidiary companies are Statutory Members and annual subscription fee is payable by each company.
My company is executing procedures to wind up. I believe we do not need to be a member. What should we do?
Please email us at [email protected] with supporting documents from ACRA showing proof that your company is winding up, for our review.
My company has recently updated our company’s paid-up capital/authorised share capital. How do I update your records?
Please email the latest BizFile from ACRA showing the correct or updated paid-up or authorised share capital) to [email protected]. We will update our records upon verification of the information received and issue a revised invoice (if applicable) for your necessary follow up.
Who can I contact for membership matters?
You may call the Membership Operations Department at 6827 6844 or reach out to us using our Enquiry Form.
Join us as an SBF Associate Member and be part of our business network!
Notes:
*One-time entrance fee ($327 inclusive of 9% GST) is waived for new applicant signed up between January to December 2024.
Entrance fee waiver does not apply to applicant who has previously terminated, suspended or resigned from membership.
Local and foreign Statutory Members of SBF consist of local or foreign companies with a paid up/authorised share capital of SGD 0.5million and above. Statutory Members are entitled to vote at SBF’s Annual General Meetings.
The annual subscription fees for Statutory Members are as follows:
1.
SGD 10 million & above
SGD 872
2.
SGD 5 million - less than SGD 10 million
SGD 654
3.
SGD 1 million - less than SGD 5 million
SGD 436
4.
SGD 0.5 million - less than SGD 1 million
SGD 327
Annual Fees*
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