Singapore Company Registration Cost Revealed Are You Ready?

Decoding the Costs of Company Registration in Singapore Are You Ready?

In recent years, with the acceleration of global economic integration, more and more entrepreneurs and investors have turned their attention to the Southeast Asian market. As a regional financial and business hub, Singapore has become one of the top destinations for startups, thanks to its stable environment, efficient services, and favorable business climate.

According to the World Bank’s 2025 Doing Business Report, Singapore remains at the top of the global rankings for ease of doing business - a testament to its continued role as an international commercial hub. However, while Singapore’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is highly attractive, it is essential for first-time investors entering the market to understand the registration process and associated cost structure.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in company registration in Singapore, helping aspiring entrepreneurs better plan financially before setting up shop.

1. Basic Steps in Company Registration

Before diving into the costs, let’s briefly review the key steps involved in registering a company in Singapore

1. Company Name Approval Submit the desired company name for approval via the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA.

2. Determine Company Structure The most common structure is a Private Limited Company.

3. Appoint Directors and Shareholders At least one local director is required; shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.

4. Confirm Registered Address A valid local Singapore address must be provided.

5. Submit Registration Documents These include the company constitution, shareholder information, and director details.

6. Obtain Business License Once registered, the company can begin operations.

The entire process typically takes just a few days, highlighting Singapore’s efficiency in facilitating business setup.

2. Key Components of Registration Costs

While the registration process is streamlined, many entrepreneurs still have questions about the associated fees. In general, the main costs involved in registering a company in Singapore are as follows

1. Government Fees

These are fixed charges collected by ACRA

Name Reservation Fee S$15

Company Registration Fee Around S$300

These fees are relatively low and do not place a heavy burden on new businesses.

2. Company Secretary Service Fees

Under Singapore law, all companies must appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation. Most entrepreneurs opt for professional service providers, which charge between S$500-S$1,000 for the first year, and S$300-S$800 annually thereafter.

3. Registered Address Rental Fees

If you don’t have a local address, you may need to rent a virtual office or physical space. Virtual addresses range from S$50 to S$200 per month, depending on the provider and additional services offered.

4. Professional Agency Fees

Many first-time entrepreneurs choose to engage professional agencies to ensure compliance and streamline the process. These agencies often offer bundled services such as company registration, secretary support, and address provision, with fees ranging from S$800 to S$2,000.

5. Bank Account Opening and Other Administrative Fees

Opening a local bank account is a crucial step in setting up operations. Some banks charge a one-time fee of S$100-S$500 for account opening. Additional costs may apply for translation, notarization, or certification services.

In total, the initial setup cost for a Singapore company generally ranges from S$1,500 to S$4,000, depending on your choice of services and vendors.

3. Recent Policy Changes and Industry Trends

Since 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS and Enterprise Singapore have introduced several initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs. For example, a one-stop platform for startups now integrates company registration, tax advisory, and financing assistance, lowering compliance barriers.

To attract more technology-driven startups, qualifying tech companies may benefit from tax incentives and grant programs. While these policies do not directly affect registration fees, they significantly reduce ongoing operational costs - a point worth noting for entrepreneurs.

Moreover, with the rise of remote work, more freelancers and digital nomads are considering setting up Sole Proprietorships or Private Limited Companies in Singapore to take advantage of flexible tax arrangements and enhanced brand credibility. It's important to note that Sole Proprietorships lack separate legal identity, meaning personal liability risks differ from those of Private Limited Companies.

4. How to Control Registration Costs

For entrepreneurs operating on a tight budget, managing registration costs wisely is crucial. Here are some practical tips

Handle Basic Procedures Yourself If you’re familiar with basic company laws, consider handling name registration and document submission independently to avoid agency fees.

Compare Secretary Services Shop around and look for providers offering long-term value.

Leverage Support Resources Look out for free training, startup guidance, and available subsidies.

Avoid Overinvestment in Office Space Start with a virtual address instead of leasing expensive premises.

Conclusion

Singapore continues to attract entrepreneurs worldwide due to its open economy and robust legal framework. Although the company registration process appears straightforward, understanding the full scope of related costs is vital to laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

We hope this guide demystifies the costs of registering a company in Singapore and empowers you to navigate the path to successful entrepreneurship with confidence.