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

Cost of Registering a Company in Singapore How Much Does It Really Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, as the global economic landscape continues to evolve, more entrepreneurs and investors have turned their attention to Southeast Asia. Singapore, with its stable environment, efficient services, and strategic location, has become a top destination for setting up international businesses. Particularly in the context of global economic recovery in 2025, Singapore’s business appeal continues to grow. According to the latest data released by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the number of newly registered companies in Singapore increased by approximately 8.2% year-on-year in 2025, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial vitality.

One of the most pressing questions for entrepreneurs considering setting up a company in Singapore is how much does it cost to register a company? This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the cost structure of company registration in Singapore, covering official fees, agent service charges, and ongoing maintenance costs. We’ll also incorporate recent updates to help you better understand your overall budget.

1. Basic Process of Registering a Company in Singapore

Before discussing costs, let’s briefly review the registration process. The main steps involved in registering a company in Singapore are

1. Company Name Approval Submit the company name for approval via ACRA’s BizFile+ system.

2. Preparation of Registration Documents Includes shareholder and director information, registered address, and company constitution.

3. Submission of Registration Application.

4. Receipt of Business Profile Certificate of Registration.

5. Opening a Corporate Bank Account.

6. Applying for Relevant Licenses or Tax Registrations if applicable.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 working days, provided all documents are complete and the company name is approved.

2. Cost Structure of Company Registration in Singapore

1. Official Fees

These fees are charged directly by Singaporean authorities

Company Name Registration Fee S$15 approximately RMB 90

Company Registration Fee S$300 approximately RMB 1,800

Total S$315 approximately RMB 1,890

This is the basic cost and does not include any additional services.

2. Agent Service Fees

Most foreign investors choose to use local agents-such as accounting firms, law firms, or business service providers-to assist with registration. Reasons include unfamiliarity with local regulations, the need for a local registered address, and the requirement to appoint a local resident director unless the applicant qualifies as one, as well as support for opening a bank account and other follow-up services.

Market prices for agent services vary depending on the scope and scale of the company

Basic Registration Package S$500-1,000 RMB 3,000-6,000

One-Year Package with Registered Address and Secretary Services S$1,000-2,000 RMB 6,000-12,000

Premium Customized Services including bank account assistance, tax consultation, etc. Over S$2,000

Recently, well-known business service providers such as Virtugroup, InCorp, and Osome have introduced transparent, all-inclusive registration packages, which are gaining popularity among entrepreneurs.

3. Other Potential Costs

In addition to the registration process, there are several other expenses to consider

Registered Address Rental Fee Required by law; annual cost is approximately S$200-500.

Corporate Secretary Services Around S$500-1,000 per year.

Annual Return Filing Fee S$30 to ACRA.

Tax Filing Service Fees Starting from S$1,000 per year, depending on the size and complexity of the business.

Bank Account Opening Fees Some banks charge a one-time setup fee or annual fee, usually between S$100-500.

3. Cost Advantages of Setting Up a Company in Singapore

Although the initial registration costs may seem high, Singapore remains significantly more cost-effective than many Western countries when considering overall business setup and operating costs. For example

California, USA Company registration fees are around $100-200, but ongoing state taxes, compliance costs, and operational expenses are much higher.

United Kingdom Registration costs are around £12, but companies must pay corporate income tax and VAT.

Singapore Offers a corporate tax rate of up to 17%, along with tax incentives such as the Start-Up Tax Exemption S$100,000 profit exemption and RD tax deductions.

Additionally, Singapore’s investor-friendly policies-including no foreign exchange controls, free capital repatriation, and visa convenience-further enhance its appeal.

4. Recent Trends and Policy Updates

Since 2025, Singapore has continued to promote digital transformation, further streamlining the company registration process. Notable developments include

ACRA’s E-Signature Function Allows overseas investors to sign documents remotely.

AI-Powered Automated Review System Reduces processing times for name approval and registration applications.

SME Digital Transformation Grant Encourages startups to adopt technology tools to improve operational efficiency.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS is also advancing fintech development, offering new financing options for startups, including guaranteed loans and angel investor matching programs.

These policies have lowered the barriers to entry and improved the overall business environment.

5. Conclusion

In summary, the total cost of registering a company in Singapore typically ranges from RMB 8,000 to RMB 20,000, depending on whether you use an agent, require a local director, and include services such as a registered address and corporate secretary.

For businesses looking to enter the Southeast Asian market or pursue international expansion, Singapore offers an excellent balance of cost-effectiveness and regulatory efficiency. As Singapore continues to improve its business environment and strengthen its position as a global financial and logistics hub, demand for company registration is expected to keep growing.

Whether you’re a startup or a multinational corporation, Singapore provides a strong foundation and favorable policies for growth. If you’re considering setting up a company in Singapore, it’s advisable to plan your budget carefully and choose a reputable, experienced agency to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.