Unveiling Singapore Company Registration Costs A Guide to True Expenses!

The True Cost of Registering a Company in Singapore A Detailed Breakdown

In recent years, as global economic integration has accelerated, more entrepreneurs and investors have turned their attention to the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore has emerged as one of the top destinations for international entrepreneurs due to its stable economy, strategic location, and efficient business environment. However, for many first-time entrepreneurs entering the Singapore market, one of the most pressing questions is how much does it actually cost to register a company in Singapore?

1. Basic Components of Registration Fees

The cost of registering a company in Singapore primarily includes government fees, registration agent service fees, and additional related costs. While some fees are fixed, the total cost can vary depending on the type of company, registration method, and whether or not you use an intermediary.

Take the most common business structure - the Private Limited Company - as an example. The basic costs typically include

Company Name Registration Fee 15 SGD charged by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, ACRA

Company Registration Fee 300 SGD also charged by ACRA

Registered Address Fee Approximately 100 to 300 SGD per year

Company Secretary Service Fee Around 500 to 1,500 SGD per year

Annual Audit and Tax Filing Fees Vary based on company size and complexity, typically between 1,000 and 3,000 SGD

If you register through an agency, the total cost will increase. According to 2025 pricing from several local service providers, a full registration package usually ranges from 800 to 2,000 SGD. This typically includes name approval, registration, address service, and the first year of secretary services.

2. Hidden Costs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Beyond the basic fees, there are several hidden costs that many startups overlook

1. Bank Account Opening Fees While opening a bank account is often free, some banks require initial deposits or charge monthly maintenance fees, especially for international banks offering cross-border services.

2. Accounting and Auditing Fees Under Singapore law, all registered companies must submit audited financial statements annually unless they qualify for an exemption.

3. Tax Consultation Fees Although Singapore’s tax system is transparent, foreign entrepreneurs often need professional assistance to ensure compliance.

4. Business Insurance Fees Companies in sectors such as food services and retail usually require liability insurance to operate.

3. Government Support Lowers the Barriers to Entry

Despite the seemingly high costs, Singapore has introduced various incentives to attract foreign investment and encourage entrepreneurship, which can significantly reduce initial expenses.

For instance, Enterprise Singapore offers multiple startup grants and tax relief programs. In 2025, a new policy allows eligible startups to enjoy full tax exemption on the first 100,000 SGD of taxable income, further easing the financial burden.

Singapore’s tax system is known for its low rates, with the maximum corporate tax rate at just 17% - far below that of many developed countries. Tech startups also benefit from RD tax credits, training subsidies, and other forms of support.

4. Real-World Examples Cost Comparison Analysis

To provide a clearer picture of the registration costs, here are two real-life examples

Case 1 Tech Startup Registered via an Agent

Registration Service Fee 1,200 SGD

Registered Address 200 SGD/year

Secretary Service 800 SGD/year

Bank Account Setup and Initial Deposit 1,500 SGD

Initial Accounting and Tax Consultation 1,000 SGD

Total Cost ~4,700 SGD ~23,000 RMB

Case 2 Sole Proprietor Registered Independently

Registration Fee 315 SGD

Own Address no extra cost

Self-appointed Secretary 0 SGD

Bank Account no management fee with selected banks 0 SGD

Annual Accounting and Tax Service 600 SGD

Total Annual Cost ~915 SGD ~4,500 RMB

These two cases demonstrate that the overall registration cost largely depends on the business type, whether you use an agent, and your need for professional services.

5. Choosing the Right Service Provider Is Crucial

For foreign entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Singapore’s legal and business processes, selecting a reliable registration service provider is essential. Some low-cost agencies may offer attractive initial pricing, but often come with hidden charges or subpar service quality later on.

When choosing a service provider, consider the following

Whether they have ACRA-recognized company secretary qualifications

Whether they offer ongoing compliance and secretary services

Whether they have positive client reviews and successful case studies

Whether they provide multilingual support, especially in Mandarin

6. Conclusion

As one of the world’s most competitive business hubs, Singapore offers an efficient and transparent company registration process. However, the cost structure varies depending on the type of business and service needs. Entrepreneurs should thoroughly understand all associated costs, plan their budgets wisely, and take full advantage of available government incentives to build a strong financial foundation from the outset.

For investors considering setting up in Singapore, understanding the true registration costs is not only a part of financial planning but also the first step toward long-term business success.