Singapore Company Registration Cost Explained Key Info You Need to Know

The Complete Breakdown of Company Registration Costs in Singapore What You Must Know

In recent years, as the global business environment has evolved and internationalization has become a trend among enterprises, more entrepreneurs and investors have turned their attention to Southeast Asian markets. As one of Asia's most competitive financial and business hubs, Singapore has attracted substantial international capital with its stable environment, efficient services, transparent legal system, and favorable tax policies. Particularly against the backdrop of heightened global economic uncertainty in 2025, Singapore has become a preferred location for many startups and multinational corporations.

However, before deciding to register a company in Singapore, it is essential to understand the associated registration costs. Many people mistakenly believe that setting up a company in Singapore is expensive. In reality, with the right information, budgeting can be done effectively, and unnecessary expenses can be avoided. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the various fees involved in registering a company in Singapore, and incorporates recent developments to help you make informed decisions.

1. Overview of Basic Registration Fees

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, all newly established companies must submit their registration applications through the official platform BizFile+. The current basic company registration fee is 315 SGD approximately RMB 1,575. This includes

Company name approval fee 15 SGD

Company registration fee 300 SGD

If the proposed company name is rejected or requires multiple revisions, additional name approval fees may apply. Other related costs also need to be considered, such as company secretary service fees, registered office address rental fees, and assistance with bank account opening. These supplementary services are usually provided by professional incorporation agencies, with total costs ranging from 800 to 2,000 SGD, depending on the service provider and package selected.

2. Annual Maintenance Costs That Can’t Be Ignored

Registering a company is just the beginning; ongoing annual maintenance is equally important and involves recurring expenses

Annual filing fee All Singapore companies are required to submit an Annual Return to ACRA each year, at a cost of approximately 60 SGD.

Audit fees If the company does not qualify for small company exemptions, it must hire a certified public accountant to audit its financial statements. Audit fees vary depending on the size of the company, typically ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 SGD.

Tax filing fees Even if the company is not profitable, it must still file tax returns on time. Engaging a professional accounting firm for this service generally costs between 1,000 and 3,000 SGD annually.

3. Hidden Costs and Common Misconceptions

Many entrepreneurs overlook certain potential costs during the initial setup phase, which can lead to budget overruns later

1. Company Secretary Service Fee Under the Singapore Companies Act, every company must appoint at least one local company secretary. Most incorporation agents include this service in their initial packages, but only for the first year. Subsequent annual fees range from 800 to 1,500 SGD.

2. Registered Address Fee Singapore law requires companies to have a legitimate local registered address. Many startups opt for virtual office solutions, which start from around 50 SGD per month, totaling 600 to 1,200 SGD annually.

3. Bank Account Opening Fees While some banks offer free account opening for new businesses, administrative or legal assistance fees often apply, ranging from 300 to 800 SGD.

4. Recent Policy Changes and Cost Impacts

At the beginning of 2025, Enterprise Singapore introduced several initiatives to support entrepreneurship, including subsidies for startup registration fees. Under the newly launched Startup SG program, eligible local and foreign entrepreneurs can receive up to 50% reimbursement of registration fees, capped at 150 SGD. This policy significantly lowers the entry barrier for startups and boosts market vitality.

Meanwhile, ACRA is advancing digital transformation efforts, streamlining the company registration process. Starting from Q2 2025, entrepreneurs will be able to complete most registration steps via a mobile app, reducing both processing time and intermediary costs.

5. How to Save on Setup and Operational Costs?

For entrepreneurs working with limited budgets, managing costs wisely is crucial. Here are some practical tips

Opt for bundled registration services Many providers offer all-in-one registration packages covering name approval, registration, and secretary services at a lower price than purchasing them separately.

Leverage subsidies and support programs Actively apply for Startup SG or other SME support schemes to reduce initial investment.

Use online services whenever possible Complete the registration process independently through the ACRA website to minimize agency fees.

Choose flexible office options During the early stages, consider using shared workspaces or virtual offices to cut down on overhead.

6. Conclusion

The cost of registering a company in Singapore is relatively affordable, especially when considering the country’s strong business environment. However, success ultimately depends on understanding the entire process and managing costs effectively. By planning ahead, selecting service providers carefully, and making full use of available resources, entrepreneurs can enjoy Singapore’s high-quality business ecosystem while keeping costs under control.

For those aiming to expand into overseas markets, Singapore is not just a gateway-it is a solid foundation for long-term growth. Understanding the true composition of registration fees helps entrepreneurs make smarter investment decisions and lays a strong groundwork for future business development.