How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? A Comprehensive Breakdown of Actual Costs and Fee Structure

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? Unveiling the Truth Behind the Fees and Structure

Singapore has long attracted investors from around the world due to its strategic location, stable economic environment, and efficient services. In recent years, as part of China's Going Global strategy, more and more small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs and startups have begun to look toward Singapore as a key stepping stone for international expansion. However, for many entrepreneurs planning to set up a company in Singapore, one of the most immediate questions is how much does it actually cost to register a company in Singapore?

1. The Basic Cost Structure

It’s important to understand that company registration in Singapore is not a single, fixed fee-it is composed of several components, including government fees, service provider charges, and other related expenses. Below is a breakdown of the typical costs involved

1.1 Government Registration Fee ACRA

This is the most basic cost, paid to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA for submitting a company registration application.

Company name application and registration S$115 approximately RMB 570

Name reservation if the name is not immediately used S$15 approximately RMB 75

1.2 Company Secretary Service Fee

Under Singapore law, every registered company must appoint a local company secretary to manage compliance matters.

First-year fee S$500-S$1,000 approximately RMB 2,500-RMB 5,000

Subsequent annual fees Vary depending on the scope of services provided.

1.3 Registered Office Address Fee

Singapore requires every company to have a local registered address, which is often provided by registration agents or secretarial firms.

Annual fee S$200-S$400 approximately RMB 1,000-RMB 2,000

1.4 Registration Agent Service Fee

Many foreign investors choose to use a registration agent to handle the incorporation process.

Fee range S$500-S$2,000 approximately RMB 2,500-RMB 10,000, depending on the complexity and scope of services.

1.5 Optional Additional Fees

These include services such as drafting company constitutions, bank account opening assistance, and tax advisory services. Costs vary based on individual needs.

In total, the registration cost for a standard Private Limited Company in Singapore typically ranges from S$1,500 to S$4,000 approximately RMB 7,500 to RMB 20,000, depending on the services selected and the agent used.

2. Recent Policy Changes and Their Impact on Costs

In 2025, Singapore has continued to strengthen its efforts in improving business compliance and the overall business environment. According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore, the number of new company registrations in the first half of 2025 increased by 12% year-on-year, with 18% of new registrants originating from China. This trend highlights Singapore’s enduring appeal as a top destination for startups in Asia despite global economic uncertainties.

In August 2025, ACRA announced stricter regulations for company secretaries, requiring all secretaries to hold professional qualifications. While this change does not directly affect registration fees, it may result in a slight increase in secretary service charges due to higher labor costs.

Additionally, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS has tightened the review process for new bank account openings, with some banks imposing stricter requirements on non-resident companies. As a result, entrepreneurs may incur additional fees of S$500-S$1,500 for bank account setup or compliance verification.

3. Cost Differences Based on Registration Methods

The method of registration also affects the overall cost. Here are three common approaches and their associated expenses

3.1 DIY Do-It-Yourself Registration

Suitable for entrepreneurs familiar with legal procedures and regulations.

Only pay the ACRA registration fee S$115

Higher risk and responsibility involved, as you must manage secretarial duties and address requirements yourself.

3.2 Registration Through an Agent

Most foreign investors opt for this method, as agents offer comprehensive services including registration, secretary support, and address provision.

Typical cost range S$2,000-S$3,000

Ideal for those seeking convenience and compliance assurance

3.3 Registration Through Professional Service Providers

Law firms or accounting firms offer more comprehensive legal and financial support.

Costs may exceed S$4,000

Best suited for highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare

4. Hidden Costs and Key Considerations

While the upfront registration costs may appear reasonable, there are several hidden costs that entrepreneurs often overlook

Annual Compliance and Audit Fees Annual financial statements and annual returns must be submitted, often accompanied by secretarial fees.

Tax Filing Fees If you don’t have an in-house accounting team, hiring a tax consultant may incur additional charges.

Virtual Office Rent Some companies use virtual offices for registration, which are cheaper but must comply with ACRA standards.

Stamp Duty and Paid-Up Capital Fees Although there is no minimum capital requirement, stamp duty of S$1 per S$1,000 of paid-up capital applies.

5. Conclusion

While Singapore company registration fees may seem transparent at first glance, a thorough understanding of the cost structure is essential for effective budgeting. For Chinese companies aiming to expand into Southeast Asia, understanding these costs, choosing the right service provider, and staying updated on policy changes are crucial to a smooth setup.

Singapore remains one of the world’s most competitive business hubs, thanks to its efficient and transparent registration process. With proper planning and preparation, establishing a compliant and well-managed Singaporean company is both achievable and rewarding.