How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Company in Singapore? Uncovering Hidden Fees and True Expenses

In Southeast Asia’s vibrant startup landscape, Singapore has long been seen as a “promised land” for entrepreneurs. Whether launching a fledgling team or expanding an established business, more and more founders are turning their eyes to this efficient, transparent, and legally sound city-state. And the very first step-registering a company-is often the biggest question on their minds How much does it actually cost to set up a company in Singapore?

On the surface, it seems like a simple number game. But beneath the headline figures lie hidden costs-and unexpected value.

Let’s start with the basics. If you go through a reputable agency, the official fee to register a private limited company Pte Ltd is fixed at SGD 300 about RMB 1,600, which includes SGD 15 for name approval and SGD 300 for registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. This is a non-negotiable government charge-no shortcuts here. However, most service providers offer all-in-one packages ranging from SGD 800 to SGD 1,500. These typically cover company incorporation, corporate secretary services, a registered office address, and help with bank account setup. It might not seem cheap upfront, but compared to navigating complex regulations, language barriers, and bureaucratic red tape on your own, that “peace of mind” premium is often well worth it.

But this is just the beginning. The real long-term costs come from what many overlook the so-called “invisible” expenses.

Take the corporate secretary requirement. Under Singapore law, every company must appoint a local corporate secretary. If you don’t have someone on your team who knows the local rules inside out, you’ll need to outsource this role. Annual fees range from SGD 500 to SGD 1,200. Don’t underestimate this cost-it’s not just compliance; it’s a cornerstone of good governance. From maintaining shareholder meeting minutes to filing annual returns, a professional secretary keeps your company running smoothly and legally.

Then there’s the issue of a registered address. While you can technically use your home address, most entrepreneurs opt for a commercial one-especially if they’re planning to apply for work visas or want to project a more professional image. A compliant virtual office address usually costs between SGD 300 and SGD 800 per year.

And if you're hiring foreign employees-or applying for an Employment Pass EP or Entrepreneur Pass EntrePass for yourself-you’ll face additional costs application fees, health insurance, and CPF Central Provident Fund contributions. These aren’t part of the initial registration, but they’re almost inevitable once your company starts operating.

Here’s the twist while the upfront costs may seem high, Singapore’s true value shines through in its operating environment.

Take taxes. Singapore follows a territorial tax system-foreign-sourced income isn’t taxed unless it’s brought into the country. Corporate tax rates are among the lowest globally the effective rate on the first SGD 100,000 of taxable profit is just 4.4%, and beyond that, it’s only 17%. Compare that to many countries where corporate tax rates exceed 20%. On top of that, startups can tap into generous grants like Startup SG, which covers up to 70% of eligible project costs-significantly reducing real-world financial pressure.

Recent developments reinforce this advantage. In early 2025, Enterprise Singapore announced an expansion of funding support for tech startups, particularly those in green economy and artificial intelligence sectors. This means not only easier entry but also stronger growth support once you’re up and running.

As Li, founder of an AI healthcare startup based in Shenzhen, shared in a recent interview “We initially considered Hong Kong or Malaysia, but ultimately chose Singapore-not just because the process was fast, but because the entire ecosystem, from fundraising to reaching international clients, is far more mature.”

Another often-overlooked factor? Time. In Singapore, you can register a company in as little as one day. ACRA’s fully digital system is lightning-fast and highly efficient. Elsewhere, the same process could take weeks-or even months. For startups racing against the clock, being able to launch a day earlier means signing contracts, securing clients, and applying for licenses sooner. That “speed advantage” might be hard to quantify, but it can make or break a new venture.

And let’s not forget the softer, yet equally important, aspects culture and user experience. English is an official language, government websites are clear and updated regularly, and policies are communicated transparently. With ethnic Chinese making up the majority, communication is seamless for many mainland founders. Numerous entrepreneurs from China have noted that even without fluent English, they were able to complete the entire registration process through Chinese-speaking agencies. This low-friction environment dramatically lowers the psychological barrier to cross-border entrepreneurship.

At the end of the day, the cost of registering a company in Singapore is never just about a single number. It’s the price tag of a comprehensive ecosystem-one built on rule of law, efficiency, openness, and long-term stability. What you’re paying for isn’t just a SGD 300 registration fee. It’s a ticket to a global business network, backed by world-class infrastructure and institutional trust.

As more companies search the globe for a safe, reliable, and efficient base, Singapore continues to earn trust through clarity and consistency.

So the next time you ask, “How much does it cost to register a company in Singapore?” perhaps the better question is What kind of business environment am I willing to pay for?

Because the answer to that question often determines how far your company can go.