S'pore Corp Reg Fee Explained All You Need to Know!

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore Through an Agent? You’ll Understand After Reading This

In recent years, with the acceleration of global economic integration and the deepening of China’s Going Global strategy, more entrepreneurs and investors are setting their sights on overseas markets. As one of the most open and competitive economies globally, Singapore has become a top destination for establishing offshore companies due to its political stability, robust financial system, efficient business environment, and favorable tax policies.

According to the latest data released by Enterprise Singapore, the number of newly registered businesses in the first quarter of 2025 increased by over 15% year-on-year, with a significant rise in foreign enterprises-particularly those from China. This trend has also fueled the booming market for agency services that assist with company registration in Singapore.

So, how much does it really cost to register a company in Singapore? What components make up the agent service fees? Let’s explore this in detail.

I. Basic Process for Registering a Singapore Company

Before discussing costs, it's important to understand the basic process of registering a company in Singapore. Most foreign investors choose to establish a Private Limited Company, as this structure offers limited liability protection, tax advantages, and ease of fundraising.

The main steps include

1. Company Name Approval Submitting the proposed name through ACRA Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

2. Preparing the Constitution and Shareholder Information Including shareholder identities, shareholding ratios, and director appointments.

3. Confirming the Local Registered Address All Singaporean companies must have a local address.

4. Appointing a Local Compliance Secretary By law, each company must have a secretary who is a Singapore resident.

5. Opening a Corporate Bank Account.

6. Applying for Business Licenses or Permits if applicable.

7. Tax Registration Including GST Goods and Services Tax registration, Employer Registration File ERF, etc.

The entire process typically takes between 3 to 7 working days, depending on how quickly documents are prepared and whether any special approvals are needed.

II. Breakdown of Registration Costs

The total cost of registering a Singapore company generally falls into three categories government fees, professional service fees, and other operational expenses.

1. Government Fees

These are relatively fixed and include

Company name application fee approximately SGD 15

Company registration fee around SGD 300

GST registration fee if applicable free

Business license fee varies by industry SGD 50-200

Total Approximately SGD 350-500 ~RMB 1,800-2,500

2. Professional Service Fees Agency Fees

This is the part most people outsource to agents. There are many agencies offering such services, with varying price ranges. Factors affecting the price include

Whether a local registered address is included

Provision of a local compliance secretary

Assistance with opening a bank account

Annual maintenance services e.g., annual returns, tax filing

Chinese support or personalized consultation

Typical pricing tiers

Basic package without secretary service SGD 500-800

Standard package with secretary SGD 800-1,500

Premium package including banking, annual return, and tax filing SGD 1,500-3,000+

Note Some low-cost packages may hide additional charges, such as annual address rental or limited free secretary service only for the first year. Always read the contract carefully before signing.

3. Other Operational Costs

Although not part of the initial registration, these ongoing expenses should be considered

Registered address rental SGD 200-500/year

Company secretary annual fee SGD 500-1,500/year

Annual audit and tax filing Depending on company size and complexity, SGD 1,000-5,000

Bank account management fee Varies by bank; some waive fees for the first two years

III. How to Choose a Reliable Agency

With so many service providers in the market, it can be overwhelming for first-time entrepreneurs. Here are some tips to help you find a trustworthy agent

1. Check Credentials Reputable agencies usually have ACRA accreditation or collaborate with local law firms or accounting firms.

2. Clarify the Scope of Services Confirm what’s included in the quoted price-secretary, address, annual compliance, etc.

3. Read Reviews Check third-party platforms for client feedback.

4. Evaluate Responsiveness A professional team will respond promptly and clearly.

5. Avoid Lowball Offers Extremely low prices often mean poor service quality or hidden fees.

Recent media reports have highlighted cases of fraudulent agents engaging in false advertising, concealing extra charges, or even outright scams. Investors should remain vigilant and prioritize established, well-reviewed firms.

IV. Conclusion

Registering a company in Singapore is not expensive, especially when considering the long-term benefits for businesses aiming to expand internationally. The overall cost largely depends on the comprehensiveness and professionalism of the services chosen. With proper research and careful selection of a reliable agent, the registration process can be both smooth and hassle-free.

Today, Singapore remains one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations. Whether your business is in cross-border e-commerce, international trade, or tech innovation, Singapore provides a solid platform for global expansion. If you're considering setting up a company there, start by understanding the cost structure and take the first step toward internationalization.