Registration Costs for a Singapore Branch Office Key Info You Need to Know

Complete Guide to Registering a Branch Office in Singapore What You Need to Know

In recent years, as the global business environment continues to evolve, more and more international companies have turned their attention to Singapore as a strategic business hub. As one of Asia’s most competitive economies, Singapore attracts a large number of multinational corporations with its stable environment, efficient legal system, favorable tax policies, and convenient business climate. Particularly against the backdrop of global economic recovery in 2025, Singapore’s business appeal continues to grow. For Chinese companies seeking to expand overseas, understanding the specific procedures and associated costs of registering a branch office in Singapore is a crucial first step.

1. Legal Status and Applicable Scenarios for a Singapore Branch Office

A branch office registered in Singapore does not have independent legal status - its legal liabilities are borne by the parent company. This structure is suitable for companies that intend to conduct short-term market testing, project execution, or business expansion in Singapore, but do not plan to operate independently in the long term. Compared to a subsidiary company, the establishment process for a branch office is simpler and more suitable for companies with limited initial investment and businesses that are not yet fully developed.

2. Overview of the Registration Process

Although this article focuses on cost breakdown, understanding the basic registration steps helps clarify the cost structure

1. Company Name Approval Submit a company name application through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA;

2. Prepare Registration Documents Including parent company business license, articles of association, ID documents of directors and authorized representatives;

3. Submit Registration Application Typically submitted by a local registered agent;

4. Obtain Certificate of Registration Officially authorized to operate in Singapore after approval by ACRA;

5. Open a Bank Account Preparation for subsequent operations.

The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on the completeness of documents and processing time.

3. Key Cost Components for Registering a Branch Office in Singapore

Registering a branch office in Singapore involves several types of fees, including government fees, agent service fees, address rental fees, and bank account opening costs. Here is a detailed breakdown

1. Government Registration Fees

According to ACRA regulations, the main fees for registering a branch office include

Company Name Registration Fee 15 SGD ~75 RMB;

Company Registration Fee 15 SGD if the initial application is approved;

Additional Fees Penalties may apply for late submission of documents.

These fees are relatively fixed and are essential expenses in the registration process.

2. Registered Agent Service Fees

Singapore law requires all foreign companies to register through a local registered agent usually an accounting or law firm, so companies must pay agent service fees. These fees vary based on the agent’s service scope and expertise, typically ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 SGD ~5,000 to 15,000 RMB. Some agents also offer value-added services such as annual compliance support and tax filing, allowing companies to choose service packages based on their needs.

3. Registered Address Rental Fees

All registered companies in Singapore must provide a local registered address. This address can be a physical office or a virtual address service. Virtual address services are typically offered by registered agents, with annual fees ranging from 300 to 1,000 SGD. If the company plans to establish a physical office, additional costs for office rent, renovation, utilities, etc., must be considered. These costs vary depending on location and size, typically starting at 1,000 SGD per month.

4. Bank Account Opening Fees

Opening a local bank account is an essential step in setting up a branch office. Different banks have slightly different requirements and fees, which typically include

Account Opening Fee 0 to 500 SGD;

Annual Account Management Fee Around 100 to 300 SGD;

Transfer Fees Varies depending on transaction type.

Some banks offer promotional benefits for first-time business account openings, such as waiving the first year’s management fee or offering a certain number of free transfers.

5. Other Operational Costs

While not part of the registration fees, the following costs should be considered when planning the budget

Annual Audit and Tax Filing Fees Around 1,500 to 4,000 SGD/year;

Employee Salaries and Labor Costs If hiring local staff;

Business Insurance Recommended for basic coverage;

Trademark and Intellectual Property Fees If applicable.

4. Recent Policy Changes and Industry Trends

According to the latest data released by Enterprise Singapore in 2025, over 3,000 foreign companies established branches in Singapore throughout the year, with a steadily increasing proportion from China. Singapore is also continuously improving its business environment - for example, streamlining the registration process and improving approval efficiency through the BizFile+ platform. In Q1 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS announced further relaxation of restrictions on foreign companies setting up financial operations in Singapore - a positive development for companies in the fintech and cross-border payment sectors.

5. Conclusion

The costs of registering a branch office in Singapore are relatively transparent and manageable, with the total budget typically ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 SGD, depending on the services selected and the scale of operations. For companies aiming to enter the Southeast Asian market and expand internationally, Singapore remains an ideal choice. With a clear understanding of the registration process and cost structure, companies can establish their presence more efficiently and begin operations quickly to seize market opportunities.