How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? Everything You Need to Know to Seize Overseas Business Opportunities

In today's globalized world, more and more entrepreneurs and small business owners are turning their eyes overseas in search of broader opportunities. And Singapore-thanks to its political stability, strategic location, efficient services, and highly attractive tax policies-has emerged as a top destination for those looking to expand internationally. As Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market continues to heat up, with TikTok Shop expanding across multiple countries in the region, an increasing number of Chinese merchants are choosing to register companies in Singapore to better facilitate cross-border operations.

So, how much does it actually cost to set up a company there? Is the process complicated? Let’s break it down in simple terms and help you get a clear picture of how to tap into global opportunities-with ease.

First off, registering a company in Singapore isn’t expensive at all. The total cost is actually quite reasonable. Generally speaking, the expenses fall into two main categories government fees and agent service fees.

Government fees are fixed S$300 for company registration and S$15 for name approval, totaling S$315 around 1,600 RMB. This goes directly to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA and is mandatory for everyone-no exceptions.

Where costs really vary is in the agent service fee. If you're unfamiliar with Singapore’s legal system or registration procedures, hiring a reliable local agency to handle everything on your behalf is the most hassle-free option. Market prices differ, but basic packages typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 RMB. These usually include core services like company incorporation, registered address provision, and corporate secretary support. Some premium agencies also offer added-value services such as assistance with bank account opening, tax consulting, and annual audits-but naturally, those come at a higher price. For most startups, though, a standard package is more than sufficient.

It’s worth noting that while Singapore offers certain subsidies to local citizens and permanent residents to encourage entrepreneurship, foreign investors don’t qualify for these. That said, they still benefit from low entry barriers and one of the fastest approval processes in the world. Under normal circumstances, you can receive your certificate of incorporation in just 1-2 working days after submitting documents-an efficiency level that stands out even by global standards.

Beyond initial registration, many people are concerned about ongoing maintenance costs. After all, setting up the company is just the beginning; long-term operation matters most. Annual recurring expenses mainly include annual filing fees, registered address rental, and corporate secretary services. Together, these typically add up to between 3,000 and 5,000 RMB per year. Compared to the often sky-high virtual office and accounting fees in major Chinese cities, Singapore’s operational costs are actually more competitive.

Another big advantage? Corporate tax rates. Singapore’s flat corporate tax rate is only 17%. On top of that, the first 100,000 SGD of taxable profit enjoys a 50% tax exemption-effectively bringing the real tax rate down to as low as 8.5%. Plus, Singapore has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with nearly 100 countries worldwide, making it a powerful tool for businesses engaged in international trade.

Recently, many cross-border e-commerce entrepreneurs have reported that establishing a legal entity in Singapore not only boosts brand credibility but also streamlines fund repatriation and significantly improves capital efficiency.

Of course, registering a company isn’t as simple as “just paying and done.” There are a few key details to keep in mind. For example, Singapore law requires every company to have at least one locally resident director. So if you’re a foreigner, you’ll either need to apply for an Employment Pass and live there long-term-or appoint a Singapore citizen or permanent resident as a nominee director. That’s exactly why many agencies offer “nominee director” services.

Additionally, your company must have a physical local address-P.O. boxes aren’t allowed. This detail needs to be sorted out in advance.

At this point, you might wonder Is it too late to get started? The answer is a clear no. Despite rising interest in recent years, there’s no shortage of slots or tightening regulations. In fact, Singapore continues improving its business environment. Take last year’s launch of the “Green Lane” initiative, which fast-tracks approvals for companies involved in sustainability-related industries. Or ACRA’s new BizFile+ platform, enabling fully online, transparent, and efficient registration.

Registering a company in Singapore isn’t just affordable and straightforward-it opens the door to global markets. Whether you're aiming to enter Southeast Asian e-commerce, expand your overseas supply chain, or build an international investment structure, Singapore offers exceptional value.

Don’t hesitate. Ride this wave of globalization now. Opportunities favor the prepared-and right now, you’re just one registration away from joining the global economy.