Budget 2026 raised legacy MRA support to up to 70% for eligible SME costs from 1 April 2026. The later launch of EDGE changed the route for new applications. Read the headline alongside the project date, current activity conditions and the cash needed before reimbursement.
A higher support ceiling can improve an expansion budget, but it does not remove the need for a viable project. The important October 2026 update is that new work now follows EDGE, while earlier MRA commitments remain governed by their original approvals.
What to take away
- Treat 70% as a maximum support rate, subject to eligible scope and assessment.
- Use current EDGE conditions for new overseas activities.
- Distinguish grant reimbursement from tax deductions and available cash.
Understand the two important 2026 changes
The MRA enhancement took effect on 1 April 2026. EDG, PSG and MRA then ceased accepting new applications on 29 September, with EDGE opening on 30 September. These dates describe different changes: one affected a support rate, while the other changed the application framework.
An existing MRA project should retain its original approval and claim records. A new project needs a fresh review of the relevant EDGE activity. Avoid using an early Budget announcement as if it were the complete operating guidance for every application submitted later in the year.
Read the percentage against the eligible cost
Consider an illustrative project with S$40,000 of eligible expenditure and S$8,000 of additional business costs. If support of S$28,000 is approved and fully reimbursed, the eventual net cost is S$20,000. The business still needs to finance S$48,000 of expenditure before that reimbursement arrives.
This distinction matters when a supplier advertises only the post-grant price. Confirm which items qualify, which rate applies and whether a cap restricts the amount. Then assess whether the project remains affordable if the claim takes longer or the approved support is lower than the initial estimate.
Plan overseas work within the current EDGE framework
Eligible EDGE internationalisation activities can receive support up to 70% for SMEs and 50% for non-SMEs, subject to the activity and assessment. The overall annual grant cap is shared across EDGE activities. It should be considered alongside other planned projects, rather than treated as a separate overseas allowance.
Keep each activity specific. A partner search, trade event and market setup exercise have different outputs and preparation needs. Sequence them around the commercial decision they enable. Do not assume that grouping several overseas tasks under one growth ambition makes them one application or transfers old MRA allocations into the new framework.
Keep DTDi and your next action clear
DTDi means Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation. It is a tax deduction scheme for qualifying internationalisation expenditure, not a digital transformation grant. A deduction reduces taxable income according to the applicable rules; it is not a cash reimbursement equal to the stated deduction percentage.
For planning, maintain separate lines for grant support, potential tax treatment and the company's cash outlay. Confirm how grant-funded expenses affect any tax calculation. Then prioritise a market activity that the business is ready to execute, with a named follow-up owner and a budget based on the actual scope.
Continue with the overseas expansion budget guide for a deeper planning guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 70% headline mean I only need 30% cash upfront?
No. Reimbursement requires the business to fund delivery first, and some costs may be outside support. Estimate the total payment requirement separately from the eventual net cost after an approved claim.
Should a new project use the old MRA support table?
Use the current EDGE activity conditions for a new application. An older MRA table can explain a legacy approval, but it should not be assumed to set the funding limits or requirements for current work.
Reviewed 13 October 2026. Activity requirements and approved terms apply. Illustrative examples are not funding offers.
