Singapore Company Incorporation Cost Breakdown (No Hidden Fees)

Singapore is globally recognised for its transparent and business-friendly regulatory environment. However, one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask is: “How much does it really cost to incorporate a company in Singapore?”

This article provides a clear, itemised breakdown of Singapore company incorporation costs, explaining mandatory government fees, optional services, and ongoing compliance expenses — with no hidden fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate a Company in Singapore?

The total cost of incorporating a company in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 315 to SGD 3,000+, depending on whether you are a local or foreign founder and which professional services you require.

Costs fall into three main categories:

1. Government (ACRA) fees

2. Professional incorporation services

3. Ongoing compliance and maintenance costs

   
   

1. Mandatory Government Fees (Fixed by ACRA)

These fees are non-negotiable and apply to all companies.

ACRA Name Reservation Fee

• SGD 15

• Paid when submitting your proposed company name for approval

• Name is reserved for 120 days upon approval

  
  

ACRA Incorporation Fee

• SGD 300

• Paid upon successful registration of the company

✅ Total mandatory ACRA fees: SGD 315

There are no additional government charges for standard incorporation.

2. Professional Incorporation Service Fees

Foreigners and most first-time founders typically engage a corporate service provider, as ACRA filings require SingPass access.

Basic Incorporation Package

Estimated cost: SGD 300 – SGD 800

Usually includes:

• Company name reservation

• Preparation and filing of incorporation documents

• Company constitution

• ACRA registration and issuance of UEN

This package is often sufficient for local founders who already meet statutory requirements.

3. Additional Statutory Services (Often Required for Foreigners)

Foreign founders may require additional services to comply with Singapore regulations.

Nominee Director Service

Estimated cost: SGD 1,200 – SGD 2,500 per year

Required if:

• No director is ordinarily resident in Singapore

Includes:

• Appointment of a local resident director

• Compliance oversight and indemnity arrangements

  
  

Registered Office Address

Estimated cost: SGD 200 – SGD 600 per year

Required for:

• Receiving official ACRA and IRAS correspondence

• Companies without a physical Singapore office

  
  

Company Secretary Services

Estimated cost: SGD 300 – SGD 800 per year

Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation and includes:

• Maintaining statutory registers

• Filing annual returns

• Ensuring corporate compliance

  
  

4. Optional but Common Post-Incorporation Costs

These services are not mandatory but are commonly required for smooth operations.

Corporate Bank Account Assistance

Estimated cost: SGD 0 – SGD 800

Some providers charge for:

• Bank introductions

• Document preparation

• Digital bank onboarding

  
  

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Estimated cost: SGD 600 – SGD 2,500 per year

Cost depends on:

• Transaction volume

• Business activity

• GST registration status

Tax Filing (ECI & Corporate Tax Return)

Estimated cost: SGD 400 – SGD 1,200 per year

Includes:

• Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

• Form C/C-S filing with IRAS

  
  

5. Work Pass Application Costs (If Applicable)

If you plan to relocate to Singapore to run your company:

Employment Pass or EntrePass Application

Estimated cost: SGD 800 – SGD 2,500

Costs vary based on:

• Application complexity

• Salary structuring

• Business profile

Government fees are low, but professional advisory fees may apply.

Total Cost Summary: Singapore Company Incorporation

Scenario	Estimated First-Year Cost
Local founder (basic setup)	SGD 600 – SGD 1,200
Foreign founder (no local director)	SGD 2,000 – SGD 4,000
Foreign founder + work pass	SGD 3,000 – SGD 6,000

Are There Hidden Fees in Singapore Company Incorporation?

Singapore’s regulatory system is highly transparent. However, “hidden fees” often arise due to unclear service scopes, such as:

• Annual renewal of nominee director services

• Company secretary and registered address renewals

• Accounting and tax filing costs

• Bank account support fees

To avoid surprises:

• Request a full cost breakdown upfront

• Confirm annual vs one-time fees

• Check what is included and excluded in each package

  
  

Why Transparent Pricing Matters

Transparent incorporation pricing allows founders to:

• Budget accurately

• Avoid compliance risks

• Plan long-term operations

• Focus on growing the business instead of administration

Reputable corporate service providers clearly disclose all fees and renewal costs.

Conclusion

Understanding the Singapore company incorporation cost breakdown helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. With fixed ACRA fees, clear statutory requirements, and transparent professional services, Singapore remains one of the most predictable and cost-efficient jurisdictions for setting up a business in 2025.

By choosing the right structure and working with trustworthy professionals, you can incorporate your Singapore company with confidence — and no hidden fees.