How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore? A Clear Breakdown - You’ll Get It After Reading This

Lately, a lot of people have been talking about starting businesses. Some want to build their ventures in China, while others are looking overseas-especially at Singapore, which has become a hot favorite among entrepreneurs thanks to its efficiency, strong legal system, and business-friendly environment. But when it comes to setting up a company there, one question keeps coming up How much does it actually cost to register a company in Singapore?

The truth is, there’s no simple flat-rate answer. The total cost depends on several factors-from government fees and agent service charges to ongoing maintenance expenses. Each piece adds up, and today we’re going to break it all down so you can see exactly where your money goes.

Here’s the quick takeaway If you're just registering a standard private limited company Pte Ltd and doing everything yourself, the total could be as low as a few hundred RMB. But if you go through a professional agency that includes services like a registered address, company secretary, and help with bank account setup, prices usually range from 3,000 to 8,000 RMB-or even more. That’s quite a spread, right? Let’s walk through each part step by step.

First off the official registration fees. This part is straightforward and fixed. According to Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, two payments are required to register a private limited company. One is a $15 SGD fee about 80 RMB for name approval, and the other is a $300 SGD registration fee around 1,600 RMB. Together, that’s less than 1,700 RMB-pretty reasonable.

But here’s the catch Can you actually handle this process on your own? Most Chinese entrepreneurs don’t live in Singapore, and they may not be familiar with the language, procedures, or local laws. That’s where local corporate service providers come in.

These agencies typically offer “one-stop” packages that include things like naming advice, document preparation, application submission, providing a registered office address, and appointing a company secretary-a role legally required in Singapore. And of course, these services aren’t free.

Standard packages on the market generally cost between 2,000 and 5,000 RMB, depending on what’s included. Some agencies only cover basic registration and charge less; others bundle in first-year secretary services, virtual office addresses, GST registration, and even assistance opening a local bank account. The more extras you get, the higher the price tag.

Speaking of bank accounts-this is where things have changed the most in recent years. Due to stricter anti-money laundering checks, major Singapore banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB have tightened their scrutiny of new companies. Many founders report that even after successfully registering their company, they still struggle to open a bank account. Banks often demand extra documents-like shareholder background checks, business plans, proof of physical office space, and more.

Because of this headache, some premium service providers now offer “guaranteed bank account opening” as part of their package-but at a steep price, often pushing the total cost over 8,000 RMB. It’s expensive, sure, but for businesses needing smooth cash flow, the time and stress saved might just be worth it.

Then there’s the annual upkeep-something many people overlook. Registering your company is just the beginning. Every year, you’ll need to pay for annual filings, tax submissions, and continued secretary services. Just the ACRA annual return filing costs $60 SGD about 320 RMB, and when you add in the company secretary fee, you’re looking at at least 2,000 RMB per year in recurring costs.

On a brighter note, since 2025, Singapore has rolled out several initiatives to attract foreign startups. For example, ACRA upgraded its online BizFile+ system, making registration faster and more transparent. There are also tax incentives and startup grants available for eligible new businesses. While these don’t reduce the initial registration cost directly, they do help ease the financial burden during the early stages.

So how does Singapore compare to other popular offshore jurisdictions? Let’s take a quick look. In Hong Kong, company registration runs about 2,000 HKD roughly 1,800 RMB, plus agent fees-so the total is similar to Singapore. In Delaware, USA, the upfront registration fee might be lower, but ongoing tax compliance is far more complex and costly.

In contrast, Singapore stands out for its stability, mature financial system, and global credibility-making it especially appealing for cross-border e-commerce, international trade, and tech startups.

Of course, cost is just one factor. The real deciding point should be your business needs. If your target market is Southeast Asia, or if you plan to use Singapore as a springboard for fundraising and investment, then its ecosystem makes a lot of sense.

One final tip Be careful when choosing an agency. These days, plenty of brokers advertise “low-cost registration” with prices as low as a few hundred RMB-but then hit you with hidden charges later. A smarter move is to pick a reputable, ACRA-licensed corporate service provider. Even if they cost a bit more upfront, it’s better than falling into a trap.

Bottom line Setting up a company in Singapore isn’t particularly expensive. Where the real costs come in is compliant operations and long-term maintenance. When you know exactly where every dollar is going, you avoid getting ripped off.

Starting a business is hard enough. Make sure every step you take is solid-and smart.