Singapore Company Registration Cost Explained All You Need to Know

A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore Company Registration Fees Everything You Need to Know

Singapore has long attracted international investors and entrepreneurs due to its stable environment, transparent legal system, and efficient business services. As one of the most competitive business hubs globally, Singapore is known for its streamlined and user-friendly company registration process. However, many entrepreneurs-especially first-time founders-lack a clear understanding of the associated fees. Drawing on recent developments, this article provides a detailed breakdown of Singapore’s company registration costs to help prospective investors make informed decisions.

1. Basic Steps in Company Registration in Singapore

Before diving into the fees, let's briefly review the standard steps for registering a private limited company Private Limited Company in Singapore

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

2. Preparation of Documents This includes the company’s constitution, shareholder and director information, and registered address.

3. Submission of Application File all required documents through ACRA’s BizFile+ system.

4. Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation Upon successful registration, ACRA issues the certificate confirming the company’s formation.

The entire process typically takes just 1-3 business days, highlighting Singapore’s efficiency in business services.

2. Breakdown of Registration Fees

The cost of registering a company in Singapore consists mainly of two components government fees and professional service fees.

A. Government Fees

Set by ACRA, these are standardized across all companies regardless of size or industry

Company Name Application Fee S$15 ~RMB 82. Non-refundable regardless of approval outcome.

Company Registration Fee S$300 ~RMB 1,650. Partially refundable if registration is unsuccessful.

These fees are fixed and mandatory for all new registrations.

B. Professional Service Fees

Most foreign entrepreneurs opt to use professional agencies such as law firms, accounting firms, or corporate secretarial service providers to assist with the process. These services typically include

Company name application and registration

Drafting of company constitution and legal documents

Appointment of a local company secretary

Provision of a local registered address

Assistance in opening a corporate bank account

Professional fees vary by provider

Registration Agent Fee S$300-S$800

First-Year Corporate Secretary Service S$300-S$1,000 per year

Registered Address First Year S$200-S$500

Be cautious of agencies offering very low upfront fees but charging hidden or additional fees later. Always read the contract carefully before committing.

3. Additional Related Costs

Beyond registration itself, there are several other expenses associated with setting up a company

A. Company Seal Document Printing

While not mandatory, most companies choose to have a company seal and shareholder seals made, costing between S$50 and S$150.

B. Bank Account Opening

Some banks charge an account opening fee ranging from S$100 to S$500. Required documents typically include the certificate of incorporation, shareholder identification, and the company constitution.

C. Business License Application Industry-Specific

Certain industries-such as food services, education, and healthcare-require additional licenses or permits, with fees varying depending on the relevant regulatory authority.

4. Recent Policy Updates and Industry Trends

In 2025, Singapore further simplified the company registration process with several new initiatives. For example, ACRA introduced an electronic signature feature, allowing applicants to sign documents digitally and significantly improving processing efficiency.

Additionally, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS launched support programs for fintech startups, including tax incentives and financial grants. While these policies don't directly affect registration fees, they contribute to lowering overall operational costs.

Notably, according to media reports from June 2025, more small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs are opting for online platforms to register their businesses, saving both time and money. This trend has prompted more registration agents to improve transparency and offer better value for money.

5. How to Reduce Registration Costs

For startups and small investors, managing registration costs is crucial. Here are some practical tips

Self-registration Entrepreneurs familiar with the process can register directly via the ACRA website to avoid agent fees.

Compare Service Providers Evaluate multiple agencies based on price and service quality to find the best value.

Leverage Subsidies Eligible tech or innovation-driven companies may apply for government grants that can cover part of the registration costs.

Bundle Services Some agencies offer bundled packages covering registration, secretary services, and address provision, which may be more cost-effective than purchasing each service separately.

6. Conclusion

Overall, Singapore’s company registration fees are relatively transparent and reasonable, typically ranging from S$1,000 to S$2,000. When combined with the country’s fast registration process and favorable business climate, this cost represents a worthwhile investment for entrepreneurs looking to expand into the Asian market.

With continuous improvements in business services, the registration process is expected to become even smoother in the future, offering greater convenience to global entrepreneurs.