Singapore Corp Reg Annual Fee Guide What You Need to Know?

A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore Company Annual Fees Do You Really Understand Them?

In an increasingly globalized world, more entrepreneurs and businesses are choosing to register their companies in Singapore. As one of the most competitive business hubs in Asia, Singapore attracts a large number of international investors with its stable economic environment, efficient services, and favorable tax policies. While many people are familiar with the process of company registration, fewer understand the annual fee structure that follows. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the annual fees associated with operating a company in Singapore, helping aspiring and existing business owners better understand these costs and plan their finances accordingly.

1. Basic Components of Annual Fees

The annual fees for a Singapore company typically include the following

ACRA Annual Return Filing Fee

ACRA Annual Declaration Fee

Company Secretary Service Fee

Audit Fees if applicable

Registered Office Address Maintenance Fee

These fees must be paid annually and may vary depending on the type and operations of the company.

1.1 ACRA Annual Return Filing Fee

Every company registered in Singapore is required to file its Annual Return AR with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA before the anniversary of its incorporation date each year. The filing fee is SGD 30, regardless of whether the company is profitable or not. Companies must also submit audited or unaudited financial statements and a director’s declaration on time.

1.2 Company Secretary Service Fee

Under the Singapore Companies Act, all private limited companies must appoint a resident company secretary in Singapore. The company secretary is responsible for ensuring compliance, assisting in organizing general meetings, maintaining company records, and more. These services are usually provided by professional firms, with annual fees ranging from SGD 500 to SGD 2,000, depending on the scope of service.

1.3 Audit Fees if applicable

Unless a company qualifies as a small company, it is required to undergo an annual audit. A small company is defined as one that meets two of the following three criteria

Annual revenue does not exceed SGD 10 million

Total assets do not exceed SGD 10 million

Number of employees does not exceed 50

For companies that do not qualify for audit exemption, audit fees typically range from SGD 2,000 to SGD 10,000, depending on the complexity of the business.

1.4 Registered Office Address Maintenance Fee

Singapore law requires every company to have a local registered office address. Many companies rent a registered address through a secretary firm or business service provider. The annual cost typically ranges from SGD 200 to SGD 800.

2. Other Potential Costs

In addition to the main annual fees, companies may also incur the following

Business License Renewal Fees Companies in regulated industries such as food beverage, tourism, or finance may need to renew their business licenses annually.

Tax Filing Fees While filing corporate income tax is free, many companies hire accounting firms to assist, which usually involves an annual service fee.

Bank Account Maintenance Fees Some banks charge annual fees for corporate accounts, depending on the bank’s policy.

3. Recent Policy Changes and Industry Trends

According to the latest data released by Enterprise Singapore in 2025, the number of newly registered companies continues to grow, particularly in sectors such as technology, e-commerce, and green energy. At the same time, ACRA has been streamlining compliance procedures and promoting a digital filing system to enhance operational efficiency.

Notably, starting from 2025, ACRA has intensified enforcement actions against companies that fail to submit their Annual Returns on time. Late submissions may result in fines or even compulsory deregistration. Therefore, timely payment of annual fees and completion of annual filings have become critical components of corporate compliance.

To support the development of SMEs, Singapore continues to offer various tax incentives and subsidies. For example, under the 2025 Budget, eligible small businesses can enjoy tax exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of taxable income, reducing financial pressure and making Singapore an even more attractive investment destination.

4. How to Effectively Manage Annual Costs

For startups and SMEs, managing operational costs is essential. Here are some practical suggestions

1. Choose Service Providers Wisely Compare pricing and services offered by different company secretaries and auditors to find the best value.

2. Leverage Government Subsidies Actively apply for government grants and support schemes to reduce compliance costs.

3. Plan Annual Filings in Advance Avoid penalties and reputational damage caused by late submissions.

4. Review Company Structure Regularly Consider restructuring or applying for audit exemption if eligible, to reduce costs.

Conclusion

Singapore’s efficient business environment and robust legal framework make it an ideal location for global entrepreneurs and businesses. However, registering a company is just the first step. The real challenge lies in managing operations effectively while staying compliant. Although annual fees may seem small, overlooking them can damage your company’s reputation or even lead to legal consequences. Understanding and planning your company’s annual fees is a crucial task for every business owner operating in Singapore.