Singapore Company Formation Cost (2026 Full Breakdown)
Last reviewed: February 2026 | First-year total: $5,000–$15,000 | Timeline: 1–2 days incorporation, 2–3 months for Employment Pass
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the easiest and most business-friendly countries in the world for company formation. However, the advertised 'low cost' of incorporation can be misleading when you factor in mandatory requirements like a local resident director, corporate secretary, and annual compliance.
Phase 1: Company Incorporation
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACRA Registration Fee | $300 (SGD 315) | Government fee via BizFile+ — required |
| Name Reservation | $15 (SGD 15) | Valid for 120 days — required |
| Formation Agent | $500–$2,000 | Professional service — optional |
| Constitution / M&A Preparation | $200–$500 | Company constitution drafting — required |
Phase 1 Subtotal: $1,016–$2,816
Phase 2: Mandatory Officers & Registered Address
| Item | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nominee Local Director | $2,000–$5,000 | Required if no founder is Singapore resident |
| Corporate Secretary | $300–$1,500 | Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation |
| Registered Office Address | $300–$1,500 | Must be a Singapore physical address |
Phase 2 Annual: $2,900–$8,800
Phase 3: Employment Pass (for Founders)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass Application | $105 (SGD 105) | Government application fee |
| EP Issuance Fee | $225 (SGD 225) | Fee upon approval |
| EP Agent | $1,000–$3,000 | Professional service — optional |
Phase 3 Subtotal: $330–$3,435
Annual Ongoing Costs
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Return Filing (ACRA) | $60 (SGD 60) |
| Corporate Secretary | $300–$1,500 |
| Nominee Director (if needed) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Registered Address | $300–$1,500 |
| Accounting & Bookkeeping | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Tax Filing (Form C/C-S) | $500–$2,000 |
Total Annual: $4,360–$21,000
Money-Saving Tips
- Use ACRA's BizFile+ directly instead of a premium agent — saves $500–$1,500
- Start with a virtual registered address — saves $3,000–$50,000/year vs. physical office
- Apply for EP yourself using the MOM online portal — saves $1,000–$3,000
- Qualify as a small company to skip mandatory audit (revenue under SGD 10M)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a local director in Singapore?
Yes. Every Singapore company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. If no founder qualifies, you must appoint a nominee local director ($2,000–$5,000/year).
What is the corporate tax rate in Singapore?
The headline rate is 17%. However, new companies benefit from generous exemptions: 75% exemption on the first SGD 100,000 and 50% on the next SGD 200,000 of chargeable income. The effective rate on the first SGD 300,000 is 0–8.5%.
How long does Singapore company registration take?
ACRA registration takes 1–2 business days. Employment Pass processing takes 3–8 weeks. Full setup from start to operational takes 1–3 months.
All costs are estimates based on publicly available information as of February 2026. This page is for educational purposes only.