Singapore Company Registration Cost Revealed How Much Does It Really Cost?

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? A Detailed Breakdown

In recent years, with the acceleration of global economic integration, more entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises SMEs have turned their attention to overseas markets in search of broader development opportunities. Singapore, a city-state strategically located in Southeast Asia, has become a popular destination for international businesses looking to establish offshore entities. Its stable environment, efficient financial system, low tax regime, and robust commercial legal framework make it an attractive hub. Against the backdrop of global economic recovery in 2025, Singapore has continued to roll out pro-business policies, further improving its business climate and drawing a large influx of companies from China, India, Europe, and the U.S.

For investors considering setting up a company in Singapore, one of the most pressing questions is How much does it actually cost to register a company in Singapore?

I. Basic Cost Components of Company Registration in Singapore

Registering a company in Singapore is not a one-time expense. The main costs involved include the following

1. Registration Fees

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the official company registration fee is SGD 315 ~RMB 1,570. This includes the cost of company name approval and formal registration. If the chosen name is already taken or fails to meet naming requirements, additional submissions may be necessary, increasing the cost.

2. Company Secretary Service Fees

Under Singapore law, every company must appoint a local company secretary within six months of incorporation. This role is typically outsourced to professional service providers. Annual secretary service fees range from SGD 500 to 1,500 ~RMB 2,500 to 7,500, depending on the scope of services offered.

3. Registered Address Fees

Singapore requires companies to have a valid local registered address. Many registration agents offer virtual address services, with monthly costs ranging from SGD 50 to 200 ~RMB 250 to 1,000, usually billed annually.

4. Bank Account Opening Fees

Opening a local bank account typically does not incur an opening fee. However, banks such as DBS and OCBC may require a minimum initial deposit ranging from SGD 1,000 to 5,000, and some may charge annual or transaction fees.

5. Registration Agent Service Fees

Most foreign investors opt for registration agents to streamline the incorporation process. Fees vary, but generally fall between SGD 800 to 2,000 ~RMB 4,000 to 10,000, often covering services such as company registration, tax registration, and bank account assistance.

II. Additional Potential Costs and Annual Maintenance Fees

Beyond the initial setup, companies must also consider ongoing annual expenses

1. Annual Filing and Tax Compliance

Companies must submit an Annual Return to ACRA and undergo financial audits unless exempt. These services, typically handled by accounting firms, cost between SGD 1,000 to 3,000 annually, depending on the company's size and complexity.

2. Corporate Income Tax

The corporate tax rate in Singapore is 17%, but generous tax incentives are available for new businesses. For example, the first SGD 100,000 of taxable income is fully exempt, significantly reducing the tax burden for startups.

3. Business Licenses and Industry Permits

Certain sectors-such as food services, healthcare, and finance-require specific operating licenses. Costs vary by industry, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand SGD.

III. Latest Trends and Policy Updates in 2025

According to the latest policies announced by Enterprise Singapore in early 2025, the government continues to support startup development, particularly in areas like technology, green energy, and digital finance. Through initiatives such as tax incentives, startup grants, and RD subsidies, SMEs receive significant financial support.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS has also simplified the registration process for fintech companies and introduced favorable tax policies. These measures have effectively reduced initial costs and operational pressures for companies registering in Singapore.

IV. Advantages of Registering a Company in Singapore and Target Audience

While the registration cost in Singapore is relatively high, the long-term value far exceeds the initial investment. As one of the world’s most competitive financial centers, Singapore offers

Strong intellectual property protection

An efficient legal and judicial system

Free trade agreements with numerous countries and regions

Flexible corporate structures conducive to fundraising and capital operations

Singapore is particularly suitable for

Chinese companies looking to expand into Southeast Asia

Tech startups seeking overseas funding

High-net-worth individuals aiming for asset diversification and tax planning

International trading companies requiring cross-border operations

V. Strategies to Reduce Registration Costs

Although registration expenses are inevitable, investors can still reduce costs through the following strategies

1. Opt for an all-in-one registration agent that bundles services like incorporation, secretary, and address-often more cost-effective than purchasing services separately.

2. Leverage subsidies and tax incentives by staying updated on Singapore’s various support programs and applying accordingly.

3. Handle certain tasks in-house, such as company name application and annual return preparation, to cut outsourcing costs.

4. Choose a cost-effective registered address, such as a shared office space, especially in the early stages.

Conclusion

In summary, the total cost of registering a company in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 2,000 to 5,000 ~RMB 10,000 to 25,000, depending on the services selected and the specific needs of the business. While the initial investment may seem substantial, when considering Singapore’s superior business environment, favorable tax policies, and strong international reputation, this investment is well justified.

For companies aiming to expand globally, registering in Singapore is not only the first step toward internationalization but also a crucial foundation for long-term, stable growth.