Singapore Company Registration Costs Key Details You Need to Know

A Detailed Breakdown of Singapore Company Registration Costs - Want to Know the Essentials?

In recent years, as global economic integration has accelerated, more entrepreneurs and investors have turned their attention to international business environments. Singapore, the small red dot in Southeast Asia, has become one of the world’s most popular business destinations due to its stable environment, efficient legal system, and strategic location.

Whether you're a startup or a multinational corporation, setting up a company in Singapore has become a growing trend. But how much does it actually cost to register a company in Singapore? And what key details should entrepreneurs be aware of before diving in?

1. Basic Composition of Registration Fees

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the basic registration cost consists of two main components official fees and professional service fees.

a. Official Fees

When registering a company online via ACRA, the standard fee is SGD 300 approximately RMB 1,500. This includes

SGD 15 for the company name application. This is non-refundable if the name is not approved.

SGD 285 for the actual company registration.

This fee is fixed regardless of the type of company, as long as it is registered through ACRA.

b. Professional Service Fees

Most foreign investors are unfamiliar with local regulations and procedures, so they often hire a corporate registration agent to assist with the process. These fees typically range from SGD 500 to 2,000 approximately RMB 2,500 to 10,000, depending on the scope of services offered - such as whether the package includes a registered office address, secretary services, or help with opening a bank account.

2. Additional Expenses Beyond Basic Registration

In addition to the basic fees, there are several potential extra costs

a. Registered Office Address

Singapore law requires every company to have a legal registered address - it cannot be a P.O. Box. Many registration agents offer virtual office address services, which typically cost between SGD 50 to 200 per month.

b. Company Secretary Service

Under Singapore law, every company must appoint at least one qualified company secretary. Startups often outsource this role, with annual fees ranging from SGD 500 to 2,000, depending on the complexity of the company’s needs.

c. Stamp Duty on Paid-Up Capital if applicable

There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement in Singapore. However, if the capital exceeds SGD 1 million, a 0.2% stamp duty is applicable. For example, a company with SGD 500,000 in capital does not pay any stamp duty, but one with SGD 1.5 million would pay SGD 3,000.

d. Bank Account Opening Fees

Opening a corporate bank account in Singapore may involve one-time setup fees and annual maintenance fees, usually between SGD 100 to 500, depending on the bank. Some banks may also require a minimum initial deposit.

e. Accounting and Tax Filing Services

Although Singapore’s tax system is simple and transparent, many foreign investors still rely on professional accounting firms for compliance. Annual fees for audit and tax filing services typically range from SGD 1,500 to 5,000, depending on the complexity of the business.

3. Cost Differences Across Company Types

The most common type of company in Singapore is the Private Limited Company Pte Ltd, which is preferred by most investors. However, other options include branches, partnerships, and sole proprietorships - each with different registration and maintenance costs.

Private Limited Company Ideal for most entrepreneurs, offering limited liability and separate legal identity. Higher initial setup cost, but better for long-term growth.

Branch Office Suitable for companies with an overseas parent company. Simpler registration, but the parent company assumes full liability.

Partnership Sole Proprietorship Cheaper to set up, but the owners bear unlimited personal liability.

4. Recent Policy Changes and Industry Trends 2025

In 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS introduced a series of initiatives to support startups, including tax exemptions, grants, and streamlined registration procedures. For instance, newly incorporated companies can enjoy tax exemption on their first SGD 100,000 of profits - a major incentive for early-stage businesses.

With the rise of remote work, more foreign entrepreneurs are choosing to complete the registration process online. Many registration agencies now offer end-to-end remote registration services, helping clients save time and travel costs while improving efficiency.

5. Summary

In total, the cost of registering a company in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 800 to 4,000, depending on whether you outsource services, your capital structure, and ongoing maintenance needs.

For businesses and individuals looking to expand into Southeast Asia, Singapore offers a compliant, transparent, and efficient business platform. If you're considering setting up in Singapore, it's wise to plan your budget carefully and choose a reliable registration agent to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

After all, success is in the details - and understanding the full cost picture is the first step toward building a solid foundation for your business.