Singapore Business Registration Fees Explained Cost Breakdown Money-Saving Tips

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? A Comprehensive Breakdown of Fees and Cost-Saving Strategies

In recent years, as the global business environment continues to improve, Singapore has attracted a large number of international investors and entrepreneurs due to its stable economy, efficient services, and strategic geographical location. According to the World Bank's 2025 Doing Business Report, Singapore remains among the top economies globally out of 190 countries, especially excelling in the Starting a Business indicator. This has led more and more small and medium-sized business owners to consider setting up a company in this Southeast Asian financial hub to expand into international markets.

So, for investors planning to register a business in Singapore, how much does it actually cost? This article provides a detailed breakdown of the registration process, fee structure, and strategies to minimize costs, helping you better plan your startup budget.

1. Basic Steps in Registering a Singapore Company

Before diving into the costs, let’s briefly go through the basic steps to register a company in Singapore

1. Company Name Approval Submit a proposed company name via ACRA Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

2. Prepare Company Constitution and Shareholder Documents Includes shareholder identification, director details, and paid-up capital.

3. Submit Registration Documents File the application electronically with ACRA.

4. Obtain Business License After approval, the business can legally operate.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 working days, demonstrating the efficiency of Singapore’s regulatory system.

2. Key Components of Company Registration Costs in Singapore

While the registration process is fast and convenient, the total cost varies depending on the company type and service choices. Here are the most common expenses

1. Registration Fees

These are mandatory fees collected by ACRA

Name Reservation Fee S$15

Company Registration Fee S$300 for private limited companies

This portion is fixed and unavoidable.

2. Corporate Secretary Service Fees

Under Singapore law, every company must appoint a qualified company secretary within six months of incorporation. Many startups choose to outsource this function.

Annual fees range from S$800 to S$2,000, depending on the provider. Some agencies offer first-year free or discounted packages to attract clients.

3. Registered Address Rental

A legal local address is required for registration. This can be a physical office or a virtual office address.

Annual costs range from S$500 to S$2,000, depending on location and service quality. Some agents provide free registered addresses for the first year as part of promotional offers.

4. Bank Account Opening Fees

While not mandatory, most businesses open a local bank account after incorporation.

Banks usually charge between S$100 and S$500 in administrative fees. Some may require minimum deposits or impose monthly maintenance fees.

5. Professional Agency Fees

For those unfamiliar with local regulations or language barriers, hiring a professional agency is a practical choice.

Basic registration services typically cost between S$800 and S$2,000. If bundled with secretary services, address rental, or tax advisory, the total may be higher.

3. How to Reduce Singapore Company Registration Costs

While the overall cost of registering a company in Singapore is relatively low, startups and SMEs should still aim to optimize their spending. Here are some effective cost-saving strategies

1. Choose an All-in-One Service Provider

Many agencies offer comprehensive registration packages that include name approval, incorporation, secretary services, and registered address. Compared to purchasing each service separately, these bundles often offer significant savings.

For example, a popular business solutions provider recently launched a startup package priced at S$1,888, which includes full registration, one year of secretary service, and a registered address - saving over 30% compared to buying items individually.

2. Leverage Government Support Programs

Enterprise Singapore ESG and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS offer various incentives for startups, such as

Startup Tax Exemption UTE Allows eligible new companies to enjoy significant tax relief for the first three years.

While not a direct registration cost, these programs reduce early operational burdens and enhance cash flow.

3. Self-Registration

Business owners familiar with the process can complete registration themselves via ACRA’s user-friendly online portal. This eliminates intermediary fees but requires a solid understanding of local regulations. We recommend consulting professionals if unsure.

4. Choose the Right Company Structure

The most common structure is the Private Limited Company, but alternatives like branches, sole proprietorships, or partnerships exist. Each has different compliance and tax implications.

For example, while a foreign company establishing a branch may face slightly higher setup costs than a private limited company, it might offer advantages in certain industries.

4. Conclusion

The total cost of registering a company in Singapore generally ranges from S$1,000 to S$3,000, depending on the services selected and whether you use a professional agency. Given Singapore’s world-class business environment and long-term growth potential, this investment is well worth it.

With increasing competition among service providers, more attractive and transparent packages are emerging. Entrepreneurs should evaluate options based on service quality, pricing clarity, and post-registration support.

If you're planning to enter the Southeast Asian market, Singapore stands out as an ideal destination. With proper planning and smart cost management, you can establish a strong foundation for your business right from the start.