A Comprehensive Analysis of Costs and Money-Saving Tips for Registering a US Company in Singapore

How to Successfully Register a U.S. Company from Singapore A Comprehensive Guide to Costs and Smart Saving Tips

In the context of global economic integration, more and more Singaporean businesses are choosing to expand into overseas markets, especially the United States-theworld’s largest economy. Registering a U.S. company not only enhances corporate image but also opens up broader market opportunities. However, for many Singaporean entrepreneurs, the process of successfully registering a U.S. company, understanding the cost structure, and identifying cost-saving strategies remain unfamiliar territories. This article provides a detailed analysis of the registration process, common fees, smart cost-saving strategies, and recent trends.

1. Why Do Singaporean Businesses Favor the U.S. Market?

In recent years, Singaporean businesses have become increasingly active in the global market. According to data released by Enterprise Singapore, Singapore’s exports to the U.S. grew by more than 12% year-on-year in 2025-particularly in the fields of technology, biomedicine, and financial services. The U.S. market is attractive due to its massive size, well-developed legal system, and open investment environment. For companies aiming to expand internationally, registering a U.S. company has become a growing trend.

Each U.S. state has its own company registration policies, allowing businesses to choose the most suitable state based on their needs. For example, Delaware is a popular choice due to its flexible corporate laws and favorable tax policies.

2. Basic Steps to Register a U.S. Company

For Singaporean businesses, registering a U.S. company is not overly complex, but it does require familiarity with U.S. legal and administrative procedures. Here are the key steps

1. Determine the Company Structure Common types include Limited Liability Company LLC, Corporation, and Partnership. Each has different implications for taxation and legal liability, so businesses should choose based on their specific needs.

2. Choose a State for Registration Popular choices include Delaware, California, and New York. Considerations include tax policies, operating costs, and geographical location.

3. Check Company Name Availability Confirm the uniqueness of the company name on the state’s official website.

4. File Registration Documents These typically include Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and, in some cases, shareholder information.

5. Apply for an EIN Employer Identification Number Similar to Singapore’s UEN Unique Entity Number, this is used for tax identification and opening bank accounts.

6. Open a U.S. Bank Account Many Singaporean companies use remote banking services or work with local agents.

7. Obtain Licenses and Ensure Compliance Depending on the business type, specific licenses may be required, and local labor and tax regulations must be followed.

3. Cost Breakdown for Registering a U.S. Company

The costs of registering a U.S. company vary by state. Here is a breakdown of the most common expenses

1. State Registration Fee Typically ranges from $100 to $300. For example, Delaware charges $90 for an LLC and $89 for a Corporation.

2. Annual Report Fee Most states require annual reports and fees ranging from $50 to $300. Delaware charges $300 annually for LLCs.

3. Registered Agent Service Fee Most states require foreign companies to appoint a registered agent, costing $100-$300 per year.

4. Corporate Secretary Services Many businesses hire professional services for record-keeping and compliance, costing $300-$800 per year.

5. Bank Account Setup Fee Remote services typically cost $200-$500.

6. Accounting and Tax Services Due to the complexity of the U.S. tax system, hiring a professional accountant is recommended. Costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually, depending on business size and complexity.

Overall, initial setup costs typically range from $500 to $2,000, while annual operating costs fall between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the company structure and location.

4. Smart Ways for Singaporean Businesses to Save Money

While the cost of registering a U.S. company is relatively low, cost control remains crucial for startups and SMEs. Here are some practical cost-saving tips

1. Choose a Low-Cost State Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada offer low registration and annual fees and are business-friendly.

2. Use All-in-One Service Providers Many agencies offer bundled services registration, agent, secretary, which are often more cost-effective than purchasing separately.

3. Opt for Remote Bank Account Opening Save on travel costs by using remote services to open a U.S. bank account.

4. Optimize Tax Structure Holding the U.S. subsidiary through a Singaporean holding company may allow businesses to benefit from the U.S.-Singapore tax treaty and reduce double taxation.

5. Handle Administrative Tasks In-House Some tasks like annual reports and document filings can be done online through the state’s official website, avoiding service fees.

6. Review Company Structure Regularly As the business grows, consider converting from an LLC to a Corporation to take advantage of more tax benefits.

5. Recent News and Trends 2025

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce introduced policies to streamline the registration process for foreign companies. Several states have also launched digital registration platforms to improve efficiency. For example, Delaware launched a fast-track online registration system in July 2025, allowing foreign companies to submit documents and complete approval within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS has been promoting cross-border financial services and collaborating with U.S. banks to support Singaporean companies in opening U.S. bank accounts. These policy developments have significantly lowered the barriers for Singaporean businesses looking to register in the U.S.

Conclusion

Registering a U.S. company has become a key strategy for Singaporean businesses expanding into international markets. By carefully selecting the registration state, optimizing company structure, and leveraging policy incentives, businesses can not only complete the registration smoothly but also effectively control costs and ensure long-term growth.

For Singaporean enterprises aiming to go global, understanding the registration process, mastering the cost structure, and applying smart cost-saving techniques are essential steps toward international success.