Key Points to Master Singapore Company Registration Costs

How to Accurately Understand All the Costs Involved in Company Registration in Singapore

In today’s globally integrated economy, more entrepreneurs and investors are turning their attention to countries that offer a highly internationalized environment and a favorable business climate. As one of the most competitive business hubs in Asia, Singapore attracts significant foreign investment due to its efficient services, transparent legal system, and low tax policies. However, for first-time investors looking to register a company in Singapore, understanding and accurately calculating all the associated costs is the first step in budget planning and business development.

1. Basic Process of Company Registration in Singapore

Before discussing the costs, it is important to briefly outline the basic steps involved in registering a company in Singapore. The entire process typically includes the following

1. Company Name Approval Submit a company name application through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA.

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

3. Submission of Registration Application Submit the required documents to ACRA online.

4. Receipt of Certificate of Registration Once approved, the company receives a Unique Entity Number UEN.

5. Opening of a Corporate Bank Account Complete tax registration and open a local or international bank account.

The entire process can usually be completed within a few days, demonstrating high efficiency. However, each step may involve specific fees, making it essential to understand the costs at each stage.

2. Breakdown of Registration Costs

The costs associated with registering a company in Singapore can generally be categorized as follows

1. Government Fees

These are the most basic and fixed costs in the registration process

Company Name Application Fee S$15 approximately RMB 82

Company Registration Fee S$300 approximately RMB 1,650

Other Administrative Fees Such as stamp duty on paid-up capital if exceeding S$1 million

These fees are collected directly by ACRA and are fixed in amount, usually not varying between different registration agents.

2. Corporate Service Provider Fees

Most foreign investors choose to work with a Corporate Service Provider CSP to ensure compliance. CSP fees vary depending on the service provider and scope of service, typically ranging from S$800 to S$2,000 approximately RMB 4,400 to RMB 11,000. Some agencies may offer additional services such as registered address or company secretary services, which may incur extra charges.

3. Stamp Duty on Paid-Up Capital

Although Singapore does not impose a minimum capital requirement, if the paid-up capital exceeds S$1 million, a 0.2% stamp duty is applicable. For example, if the paid-up capital is S$1 million, the stamp duty would be S$2,000. For lower capital amounts, this cost can be negligible.

4. Company Secretary Fees

Under Singapore law, every company must appoint a local company secretary within six months of incorporation. These services are typically provided by professional firms, with annual fees ranging from S$500 to S$1,500.

5. Registered Address Fees

A Singapore company must have a valid registered address. Many CSPs offer virtual address services, with annual fees ranging from S$200 to S$500. Physical office addresses, however, will significantly increase this cost.

6. Bank Account Opening Fees

While opening a bank account itself may not incur a direct fee, some banks charge account opening or maintenance fees. Banks may also require an initial deposit or impose annual fees, depending on their specific policies.

7. Other Optional Costs

These include but are not limited to

Company Seal Engraving S$100-S$300

Printing and Binding of Company Constitution S$50-S$150

Business License Application for specific industries Varies by industry

3. Recent News and Cost Trends

According to reports in September 2025, ACRA announced that company registration fees will remain unchanged to encourage entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment. Meanwhile, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS has been promoting the establishment of more fintech companies, with some startups eligible for fee waivers or tax incentives.

With the rise of remote work, many CSPs now offer one-stop registration packages that include address, secretary, and banking assistance. These bundled services are often more cost-effective than purchasing each service separately. For instance, a well-known CSP launched a startup package in 2025 for just S$1,800, which includes registration fees, a registered address, and one year of secretary services, attracting strong interest from small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs.

4. How to Accurately Understand and Control Costs

To accurately manage the costs involved in Singapore company registration, consider the following strategies

1. Clarify Registration Needs Determine whether services such as a local secretary, registered address, or bank assistance are necessary to avoid paying for unnecessary services.

2. Compare Multiple CSPs Significant price differences exist among service providers; it is recommended to obtain at least three quotes.

3. Stay Updated with Official Announcements Be aware of any fee adjustments or available incentives.

4. Set Aside Extra Budget In addition to registration fees, consider initial operational expenses such as office setup, staffing, and taxes.

5. Choose Appropriate Service Packages Bundled services from some providers offer better value for money.

5. Conclusion

As one of the most attractive business hubs globally, Singapore offers a streamlined registration process and a transparent fee structure that benefits international investors. However, accurately understanding and managing registration costs remains a critical step during the startup phase. Through careful planning, selecting the right service providers, and staying informed about policy changes, entrepreneurs can effectively control costs and lay a solid foundation for successful business operations in Singapore.