Singapore Company Registration Cost Breakdown All You Need to Know About the Expenses

Revealing the Costs of Company Registration in Singapore Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, with global business conditions evolving and regional economies continuing to grow, Singapore has become a top choice for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish overseas operations. Its stable environment, efficient administrative system, and strategic location make it particularly attractive. Against the backdrop of heightened global economic uncertainty in 2025, more small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs and startups are turning their attention to this Southeast Asian financial hub in search of broader development opportunities.

However, before deciding to register a company in Singapore, understanding the registration procedures and associated cost structure is essential. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of all fees involved in registering a company in Singapore, helping you make informed decisions.

1. Basic Registration Fees

Company registration in Singapore is managed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, and all companies must complete the process through this agency. Currently, ACRA charges an official registration fee of SGD 315 approximately RMB 1,575, which includes a SGD 15 fee for company name approval and SGD 300 for actual registration. This applies to most types of local private limited companies Private Limited Company and represents the most basic expense.

If applicants wish to use specific industry-related keywords such as bank or insurance in the company name, additional approvals from relevant regulatory bodies may be required, potentially adding both time and administrative costs.

2. Professional Service Fees

While it's technically possible to handle the registration process independently, most entrepreneurs choose to hire professional agents or law firms due to the complexity of preparing legal documents like articles of association, shareholder agreements, and director appointments. These service fees typically range from SGD 800 to SGD 2,000, depending on the expertise and scope of services provided.

Many full-service providers also offer value-added services such as registered office addresses, secretary services, and annual compliance management. Although these add to the initial investment, they help mitigate compliance risks during future operations.

3. Registered Office Address Fees

According to Singapore law, every registered company must have a legitimate local address. Many entrepreneurs opt for virtual office addresses or shared workspaces to fulfill this requirement. Such services generally cost between SGD 30 and SGD 150 per month, with potential discounts for annual payment.

It’s important to note that the registered address must be capable of receiving official communications from government agencies. Stability and legality should be prioritized when selecting an address.

4. Company Secretary Service Fees

Under Singapore’s Companies Act, every local company must appoint a qualified company secretary. The secretary’s responsibilities include maintaining corporate records, filing annual returns, and organizing board meetings. Hiring a dedicated secretary can be costly for startups, so many opt to outsource this role to specialized service providers.

Annual fees for company secretary services typically range from SGD 600 to SGD 2,000, depending on the size of the company and the level of service required. Some registration agents even include the first year of secretary services in their registration packages to attract clients.

5. Tax Registration and Other Administrative Fees

Once the company is registered, several tax-related steps follow, including applying for a Unique Entity Number UEN and registering for Goods and Services Tax GST with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS. These procedures themselves usually don’t incur direct fees, though hiring a tax consultant may result in advisory charges.

If the company plans to hire foreign employees, applications for work permits or employment passes through the Ministry of Manpower MOM will be necessary. These costs vary depending on visa type and individual circumstances, but budgeting at least SGD 2,000 is advisable.

6. Other Potential Expenses

Beyond the above-mentioned standard costs, the following items may also form part of a startup’s budget

Bank Account Opening Fees Most banks charge a setup fee for opening a corporate account, and some require minimum deposit amounts.

Seal and Certificate Production Fees Customized company seals and invoice stamps typically cost between SGD 100 and SGD 300.

Business License Application Fees If the company operates in sectors like food services or healthcare, special licenses must be obtained from relevant authorities, with fees varying by industry.

Conclusion

The total cost of setting up a company in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 2,000 to SGD 5,000, depending on the business’s specific needs and chosen services. While the initial investment may seem significant, it is justified by Singapore’s favorable business climate, competitive tax policies, and its strategic position as a gateway to the Asian market.

Recently, Enterprise Singapore has introduced various support programs to encourage innovative startups, further lowering the barriers to entry. For businesses aiming to expand internationally, careful planning of the registration budget and thoughtful selection of service providers will be key to a successful start.