Detailed Breakdown of Annual Company Registration Costs in Singapore - Read This and You’ll Understand Everything

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore Annually? Here's the Full Breakdown

In recent years, as global economic integration has deepened, more entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises SMEs have turned their attention to Singapore-a country known for its high level of internationalization and excellent business environment. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Doing Business Report, Singapore has consistently ranked among the top countries globally for ease of doing business, making it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. As a result, the popularity of registering companies in Singapore continues to rise, especially among businesses from China, Southeast Asia, and Europe and the United States, all of which are increasingly setting up operations in Singapore to expand into international markets.

So, how much does it actually cost to register and maintain a company in Singapore for one year? While this question may seem straightforward, the answer involves multiple factors, including registration fees, agent service charges, and ongoing compliance and maintenance costs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major cost components.

1. Registration Fees

To register a company in Singapore, the first step is to submit an application to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. The current registration fee is 317 Singapore dollars SGD, which includes a 7% goods and services tax GST. This includes a 15 SGD fee for company name approval and 302 SGD for actual company registration.

If the proposed company name is rejected or requires multiple submissions, additional fees may apply. Moreover, if the company operates in a regulated industry such as finance, healthcare, or education, it may also be required to obtain a license from the relevant regulatory authority. These licensing fees vary by industry, ranging from several hundred to several thousand SGD.

2. Company Registration Agent Service Fees

While individuals can register a company directly with ACRA, most entrepreneurs and foreign investors opt to use a registered agent to handle the entire process. These agents typically offer a full range of services, including preparing company constitutions, shareholder agreements, and appointing a company secretary.

Market rates for such services generally range from 500 to 2,000 SGD, depending on the complexity of the service and the agent’s level of expertise. Some premium agencies also offer additional services such as assistance with opening a corporate bank account or tax advisory services, which may incur higher fees.

3. Company Secretary Service Annual Fee

Under Singapore law, every registered company must appoint at least one local company secretary. The secretary is responsible for maintaining corporate records, filing annual returns, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

For companies without local employees, hiring a professional secretary service is often necessary. The annual fee for such services typically ranges from 600 to 2,000 SGD, depending on the size of the company and the scope of services provided. Smaller companies may opt for more affordable options, while larger or multinational companies often prefer comprehensive and high-quality secretarial services.

4. Registered Office Address Annual Fee

A Singapore-registered company must have a valid local address. Many startups or foreign investors who do not have a physical office in Singapore opt for a virtual office address or a shared workspace to fulfill this requirement.

The annual cost for a registered address typically ranges from 200 to 1,000 SGD, depending on the location and service provider. Some premium business centers charge higher fees but may also include additional services such as mail forwarding, call handling, and meeting room access.

5. Annual Filing and Tax Compliance Fees

Every year, Singapore companies are required to file an Annual Return with ACRA and submit financial statements and tax returns to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS. These tasks are usually handled by accounting firms or financial consultants.

The cost of annual filing and tax compliance typically ranges from 800 to 3,000 SGD per year, depending on the complexity of the business. For companies with simple operations, the cost may be lower. However, if the business involves cross-border transactions or complex international tax arrangements, the fees can increase accordingly.

6. Other Potential Costs

In addition to the main expenses outlined above, there are several other potential costs to consider

Company chop and document printing fees Approximately 50 to 200 SGD

Bank account opening fees Some banks may charge an account opening or annual maintenance fee

Corporate insurance Such as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, depending on business needs

Trademark registration fees If the company intends to register a trademark, additional costs will apply

Summary

In total, the annual cost of registering and maintaining a company in Singapore typically ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 SGD. The exact amount depends on the range of services selected, the pricing structure of the service provider, and the complexity of the business.

For first-time entrepreneurs or SMEs, careful budget planning and choosing cost-effective service providers are key to managing expenses. With the rise of remote work and digital services, the barriers to setting up and maintaining a company in Singapore have gradually decreased. More professional service providers now offer one-stop solutions that help clients complete the registration process efficiently and ensure ongoing compliance.

If you are considering setting up a company in Singapore, it is advisable to plan your budget in advance and choose an experienced, reputable agent to ensure a smooth and efficient process.