How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? A Comprehensive Guide to Real Costs!

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? Revealing the Truth Behind the Numbers

In recent years, as globalization deepens and Southeast Asia continues to grow economically, Singapore has become an increasingly attractive destination for international investors and entrepreneurs. As a key financial and business hub in Asia, Singapore offers political stability, a highly efficient business environment, and favorable tax policies. Many Chinese businesses and individuals are setting their sights on this city-state, hoping to expand overseas, optimize tax structures, and lay the groundwork for future capital operations.

So, how much does it actually cost to register a company in Singapore? While this may seem like a straightforward question, the answer is not one-size-fits-all. The total cost can vary significantly depending on the registration method, service providers, and specific business needs.

1. Basic Registration Fees Starting from RMB 2,000

According to publicly available information from multiple Singapore-based registration agencies, the basic cost of registering a Private Limited Company typically ranges from RMB 2,000 to RMB 5,000. This usually includes

Company name registration fee approximately SGD 15

Drafting and registration of the company’s constitution

First-year registered office address rental

First-year statutory secretary service

Company seal, certificates, and other basic documentation

It’s important to note that these fees generally do not include annual fees, accounting and auditing services, or tax filing assistance. According to data released in June 2025 by Enterprise Singapore, the average approval time for new company registrations has been reduced to just one day, further decreasing the time cost for entrepreneurs.

2. Additional Expenses Hidden Costs You May Have Overlooked

While the basic registration fees might seem reasonable, the true cost of operating a Singapore company includes several other essential expenses

1. Registered Office Address Rental

Singapore law requires all companies to have a valid local registered address. Many startups opt for virtual offices or addresses provided by secretary firms, with annual rental fees ranging from SGD 500 to SGD 2,000.

2. Statutory Secretary Service Fee

Every company must appoint a qualified local secretary. This service is often provided by registration agents, with annual fees ranging from SGD 1,000 to SGD 3,000.

3. Accounting and Auditing Services

For companies required to comply with financial reporting standards, annual financial statements, tax filings, and audits are mandatory. Depending on the complexity of the business, these services can cost between SGD 2,000 and SGD 10,000 per year.

4. Bank Account Opening Fees

Although not mandatory, most companies open a local bank account in Singapore for easier fund management and international transactions. Some banks may charge setup fees, annual maintenance fees, or require minimum deposits.

3. Registration Methods and Their Impact on Costs

There are three main ways to register a company in Singapore self-registration, through a local agent, or through a Chinese intermediary. Each method comes with different cost implications.

1. Self-Registration

Suitable for entrepreneurs familiar with Singapore’s legal framework and registration procedures. This is the most cost-effective option, requiring only government fees and minimal paperwork. However, it demands a strong understanding of the local language and processes.

2. Local Agent Registration

This is the preferred choice for most foreign investors. Local agents typically offer comprehensive services, including company registration, office address provision, secretary services, and tax compliance. While more expensive, they provide professional support and faster response times.

3. Chinese Intermediary Registration

Many Chinese firms now offer Singapore company registration services, with prices ranging from RMB 3,000 to RMB 10,000. However, due to potential information asymmetry and varying service quality, it’s advisable to choose a reputable intermediary with local Singaporean partnerships.

4. Incentives and Tax Advantages A Worthwhile Investment

Despite the initial costs, Singapore’s tax system and business environment make the investment highly rewarding.

Corporate Income Tax Rate 17%, with a tax exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of profits for newly incorporated companies.

Double Taxation Agreements DTA Singapore has signed DTAs with numerous countries, making cross-border operations more tax-efficient.

Business Growth According to data released by the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS in May 2025, the number of new company registrations increased by 12% year-on-year, with a growing share coming from other Asian countries-highlighting Singapore’s appeal as a regional headquarters.

5. How to Control Registration Costs?

If you're aiming to minimize costs when setting up and maintaining a Singapore company, consider the following strategies

1. Choose a One-Stop Service Provider to avoid extra coordination costs.

2. Take Advantage of First-Year Promotions, such as free registered address or secretary services.

3. Optimize Company Structure by avoiding unnecessary share capital or complex equity arrangements.

4. Simplify Initial Operations, registering the company first and expanding gradually to reduce upfront expenses.

Conclusion

Registering a company in Singapore is not prohibitively expensive-the key lies in how you choose your service providers and structure your operations. In today’s global economic climate, Singapore remains one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs. Whether you're using it as a gateway to Southeast Asia or building an overseas asset platform, Singapore offers a robust legal framework and a favorable business ecosystem.

For those looking to go global, understanding the real costs of registration and ongoing operations is a crucial first step toward international expansion.