Singapore Company Registration Fees Explained Comprehensive Analysis of Cost Components and Application Process

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? A Detailed Breakdown of Fees and Application Process

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and the vigorous development of cross-border trade, an increasing number of businesses and individuals have chosen to establish companies in Singapore. As the financial center and international business hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore has attracted numerous investors with its stable environment, transparent legal system, and efficient administrative management. However, for those new to registering a company in Singapore, a common question is how much does it actually cost to register a company? This article will provide a detailed explanation from both the perspective of fee composition and application process.

I. Overview of Singapore Company Registration Fees

In Singapore, the cost of setting up a company mainly consists of the following components

1. Registration Fee

According to the regulations of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA of Singapore, every newly registered company must pay a certain fee upon completing the registration. Currently, the basic registration fee is 315 Singapore dollars, approximately 1600 RMB, which includes a 15 Singapore dollar electronic submission fee and a 300 Singapore dollar company registration fee. If you choose to register through an agency, additional service fees may apply.

2. Company Secretary Service Fee

According to Singaporean law, all local companies must hire a qualified company secretary to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. The main responsibilities of a company secretary include handling daily paperwork, maintaining shareholder records, and assisting in organizing general meetings. Typically, the cost of hiring a professional company secretary ranges from 500 to 1500 Singapore dollars per year, depending on the service provider's pricing and level of service.

3. Registered Address Fee

A Singaporean company must have a physical registered address within the country to receive notifications and other documents. Many companies opt for virtual office rentals or professional registered address services, with annual fees typically ranging from 1000 to 3000 Singapore dollars. Some comprehensive business centers may also offer additional services such as meeting room rentals and front desk reception.

4. Capital and Stamp Duty

When registering a company in Singapore, shareholders need to specify the company’s registered capital and pay the corresponding stamp duty. According to the latest regulations, the minimum registered capital limit is 1 Singapore dollar, but most companies set higher capital based on their business scale. If the registered capital exceeds 30,000 Singapore dollars, stamp duty must be paid at a rate of 0.2%.

5. Other Potential Costs

In addition to the aforementioned fixed costs, there may be some additional expenses during the company registration process, such as audit fees, trademark registration fees, and bank account opening fees. These costs vary depending on specific circumstances, so it is advisable to consult professionals for more accurate budgeting.

II. Detailed Explanation of the Singapore Company Registration Application Process

Having understood the fee composition, let us now look at the step-by-step process for completing the registration application. Below is the complete procedure

1. Determine Company Type and Name

First, you need to clearly define the type of company you wish to register, such as a private limited company or public corporation, and prepare at least three alternative company names. The company name must comply with ACRA regulations, avoiding sensitive words and duplicates.

2. Prepare Necessary Documents

The key documents required for registration include identity proofs, passport copies of directors and shareholders, address proof documents like utility bills, and the company's articles of association. For foreign investors, notarized identity proof documents are also required.

3. Submit Online Application

After completing the preparations, you can log in to the ACRA website to submit the registration application. The entire process can be completed electronically, making it convenient and fast. Note that when submitting online, you must upload scanned copies of all necessary documents and pay the corresponding registration fees.

4. Wait for Approval Results

ACRA will review the submitted materials within a few working days after receiving a complete application. Once approved, you will receive an official registration confirmation letter and obtain the company's unique registration number UEN.

5. Handle Subsequent Matters

After successful registration, you also need to arrange for the employment of a company secretary, confirm the registered address, and open a bank account. Although these steps may seem cumbersome, they are essential prerequisites for the normal operation of the company.

III. Recent News Updates

It is worth noting that in order to attract more foreign investment into the Singapore market, the country has introduced a series of preferential policies and support measures in recent years. For example, at the beginning of 2025, the Singapore Enterprise Development Agency announced further simplification of the registration process for small and medium-sized enterprises, reducing approval time to within one week; simultaneously, special subsidy programs were launched for start-ups and technology-based enterprises, covering up to 50% of registration fees. These favorable policies undoubtedly lower the barriers to entry and provide more convenience for entrepreneurs looking to develop in Singapore.

In summary, although there is a certain initial investment required for registering a company in Singapore, the long-term business opportunities and brand value it brings far outweigh the cost itself. If you are considering registering a company in Singapore, it is advisable to contact a professional advisory team early on to formulate a detailed plan, thereby better seizing the development opportunities in the international market.