Surprising fact: the government baseline for private limited incorporation is just S$315 — that is S$15 for name reservation and S$300 for incorporation.
This figure often represents less than half of what clients pay when they buy a full service package. Consultant fees typically add secretarial support, a registered address, compliance handling and bank account setup.
Understanding the split between mandatory ACRA fees and optional professional services helps you compare offers. Providers bundle similar services but vary prices because of support level, turnaround time and added features.
This page focuses on private limited incorporation and the common package bands: basic, value and enhanced. It also flags the main cost drivers and the typical differences for local versus foreign founders so you can pick the right budget range.
Key Takeaways
- The ACRA benchmark is S$315 for incorporation and name application.
- Package prices differ due to service scope, speed and added support.
- Typical support includes secretarial services, registered address and compliance help.
- Expect distinct price ranges for local founders and foreign founders.
- Compare inclusions carefully to avoid hidden charges.
What you’re paying for when you hire a company registration consultant in Singapore
When you hire help, the invoice usually shows two main parts: statutory ACRA charges and the professional fees for end-to-end support. This split makes it easier to compare offers and see what each package truly covers.
ACRA filing vs professional services: ACRA filing typically covers name application and the incorporation submission only. It does not include ongoing secretarial retainers, accounting, tax filings or licences.
Why many owners use an ACRA-authorised filing agent
Owners pick an authorised filing agent for convenience, fewer errors and faster turnaround. A filing agent helps prepare declarations, checks documents and reduces rejection risk.
Typical bundled items
- Company secretary appointment for the first year.
- A local registered address for official mail.
- Basic compliance guidance and corporate records setup.
- Bank account opening assistance and related opening support.
“A good professional firm coordinates incorporation, records and post‑registration tasks to reduce delays.”
Package pricing usually reflects how many after‑incorporation services are included and for how many months. The next sections unpack ACRA fees and typical package bands.
ACRA government fees and statutory charges (present-day benchmarks)
Start by separating the fixed government charges from optional service fees so you can judge any quote fairly.
Company name application fee: S$15
The registrar charges S$15 to assess and reserve a company name. This company name application confirms that your chosen name is available and acceptable.
If the name is rejected, you must submit alternatives. The S$15 fee covers the approval workflow, not the creative search or branding advice.
Incorporation application fee: S$300
The formal incorporation application carries a S$300 statutory charge. At this stage the registrar creates the legal entity and issues the incorporation confirmation.
That fee covers the official entry and the essential documentation processed by the government.
Total baseline ACRA fee: S$315 (before any add-ons)
The non-negotiable baseline is S$315 — S$15 for the name and S$300 for incorporation. Treat this as the floor when comparing offers.
Watch for providers marketing “cheap incorporation” where the government fees are omitted or buried. Most market pricing is simply: ACRA fees + service fees.
- Benchmark the S$315 against any package quote.
- Remember add-ons (nominee directors, licences) are extra.
- Expect transparent invoices to list ACRA government charges separately.
Singapore business registration consultant cost: package pricing examples and what they cover
Seeing three concrete package types makes comparison fast and fair. Below are clear examples so you can map price to inclusions rather than guess what an “incorporation package” means.
Basic — around S$650
What it includes: Memorandum & Articles (constitution), ACRA Business Profile and Notice/E‑Notice of Incorporation, first director’s resolutions and bank account opening assistance.
This level suits founders who want core company incorporation documents and practical help with account opening without ongoing retainer charges.
Value — around S$750
What it adds: 12 months company secretary and 12 months registered address. That reduces immediate post‑incorporation admin.
Enhanced — around S$920
What it adds: 18 months secretary and registered address, AGM support and annual return filing to ACRA for the first accounting year.
This package is aimed at founders who prefer a stronger compliance safety net in the first 12–18 months.
Alternative pricing model
Some providers charge only the ACRA baseline (S$315) and offer discounted bundles for secretarial, accounting and tax services. You still pay for those services, but they are structured separately and often discounted.
| Package | Typical price | Key inclusions | Duration / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | S$650 | Constitution, Business Profile, Notices, Director Resolutions, Account opening assistance | One‑time incorporation outputs; no retainer |
| Value | S$750 | All Basic items + company secretary, registered address | 12 months secretary & address |
| Enhanced | S$920 | All Value items + AGM support, annual return filing | 18 months secretary & address; includes first return filing |
Compare carefully: check the number of months of cover, whether the return filing is included, whether the address is a standard local address or a premium office/CBD branding address, and whether account opening support is hands‑on or advisory only.
What drives the final company registration cost for a private limited company
Several extra elements push the final invoice well above the statutory baseline. These choices, not the ACRA fees, usually dictate the final outlay for a private limited.
Local founders vs foreign founders
Local owners often need less verification. Foreign entrepreneurs typically face extra onboarding, identity checks and higher fees. Many foreigners require a resident director service, which raises the overall spend.
Nominee / resident director charges
Nominee director arrangements commonly include an annual fee (example: S$2,000/year) plus a refundable security deposit (example: S$1,500 one‑time). Third‑party referrals can add separate invoices and handling time.
Registered address and mail handling
A standard local address is economical. A premium CBD branding address costs more and may include proactive mail handling and scanning. Decide which level matches your board and shareholder expectations.
Secretary timing and SSIC choices
ACRA requires a company secretary within six months. Delaying can trigger urgent appointment fees and compliance risk. Also, inaccurate SSIC selection can require licensing referrals and extra advisory time, delaying the process.
- Key variables: resident director needs, address tier, secretary timing, and activity licensing.
- Practical tip: confirm SSIC and licence needs early to avoid referral delays.
Comparing common consultant packages for locals and foreigners
Packages range from quick checklist-style offerings to full retainers that manage accounting and filings. Use a side‑by‑side view to match a package to your needs and the level of ongoing support you expect.
Low-cost starter packages
Quick & Easy plans focus on incorporation paperwork and statutory filings. They suit founders who already have accounting or secretarial support lined up.
Typical inclusions: name application, incorporation submission, constitution and basic advisory. These packages keep the upfront spend low but do not cover return filing or AGM help.
Mid-tier packages
Mid-tier options add a named company secretary for one year and stronger compliance oversight. This reduces the risk of missed filings and gives continuity for directors.
Expect a local registered address, reminders for annual return deadlines and limited advisory on SSIC or licensing.
Fully inclusive packages
These packages suit busy business owners who want accounting and tax deliverables handled. They often include ECI filing, Form C/Form C-S preparation, AGM support and annual return filing, sometimes subject to turnover thresholds (for example, under S$0.5m).
Advantage: consolidated services mean fewer handoffs between providers and clearer responsibility for compliance.
Foreigner surcharges and per-foreigner charges
Foreigners should add per-foreigner onboarding fees (commonly a small fixed charge per person) and possible nominee or resident director fees if a local director is required.
“Check whether nominee director services are provided in‑house or via a third party; billing and liability can differ.”
Always confirm which service provider performs nominee work and how responsibilities and exclusions are documented. That will help you estimate the true company registration spend and avoid surprises.
One-off add-ons you may need at setup
Certain one‑time services provide immediate value and reduce administrative friction in the first months. Below are the common add‑ons, when they matter and how they affect your initial budget.
GST registration service fees
GST registration is a discrete service and is often offered as a one‑time engagement (example: S$200). It becomes relevant when turnover meets the threshold or when voluntary registration is strategic for input tax recovery.
Tip: Ask whether the quoted fees include advisory on timing and post‑registration filings.
Bank account opening assistance
Bank account opening assistance usually covers document preparation, help with bank selection and appointment coordination.
Consultant support can also help respond to bank queries, but banks run independent due diligence. Assistance does not guarantee account approval or speed of opening.
Property sourcing for office rental or purchase
Some firms offer property sourcing as an added value service. This helps founders secure an address and a suitable office space quickly.
It is optional and often billed separately. Confirm whether fees for this service and any related searches are included in the package.
- Common one‑offs: GST registration, account opening support, nominee director deposits, and property sourcing.
- Budgeting: Verify which items are bundled and whether GST applies to the firm’s fees.
Ongoing compliance costs after incorporation (so you can budget properly)
Ongoing annual charges typically outstrip one‑time incorporation fees and are the real budget item to watch.
Company secretary retainer and what it covers
Typical retainer: market rates sit around S$270–S$299 per 12 months for a basic secretary package.
Secretarial services usually include statutory register upkeep, preparing resolutions, meeting minutes and timely reminders for filings.
Registered address renewals and mail handling
Renewals are annual and may vary by address tier. Mail handling can include scanning, forwarding or collection with limits on volume.
Annual return filing and AGM support
Annual return filing is a statutory obligation. AGM support can be bundled or charged per event depending on the provider.
Accounting and corporate tax services
Accounting packages cover ECI submission and Form C/Form C‑S preparation. Fees scale with transaction volume and complexity.
| Service | Typical annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company secretary | S$270–S$299 | Registers, minutes, reminders |
| Registered address & mail | S$100–S$400 | Tiered by standard vs premium address |
| Annual return / AGM support | S$80–S$300 | Bundled or per‑filing billing |
| Accounting & tax filings | S$400–S$2,000+ | Depends on transactions and complexity |
Practical tip: request a 12–24 month projection so you can compare packages fairly rather than focusing only on the incorporation headline price.
Timeline expectations and what can delay incorporation
Plan realistic lead times so launch dates, contracts and hires stay on track if the process takes longer than expected.
Standard completion with an agent: typically 1–3 days
When the company name is approved and all documents meet agent requirements, the incorporation process is usually completed within 1–3 days.
This fast track depends on accurate KYC, clear shareholder and director details, and a ready registered address.
Referred applications and additional authority reviews: delays up to 2 months
Certain activities or words in the proposed name can trigger sectoral checks. When an application is referred, expect reviews that can stretch to about 2 months.
These referrals occur when authorities need extra verification or licences for specific business activities. They add substantive time beyond the typical agent turnaround.
What you can prepare early to keep the registration process fast
- Proposed company names and alternates to avoid repeated rejections.
- Complete shareholder and director details, verified ID and KYC documents.
- Chosen registered address and accurate SSIC/activity selection aligned to licence requirements.
Practical note: incomplete or inconsistent information is the most common cause of delay and leads to extra back‑and‑forth. Urgent filings, repeated submissions and additional advisory time will often increase the final invoice, so speed and accuracy in preparation save both time and money.
How Singapore’s tax environment and grants can offset your setup costs
If you factor in incentives and reliefs, part of the initial outlay for incorporation can be reclaimed or stretched into longer runway. Tax rules and funding schemes change the real net spend for many new firms.
Corporate tax positioning
Corporate tax in this jurisdiction runs from 0% to 17% on headline rates. That graduated structure helps early-stage companies retain cash and reinvest into growth. For founders, lower effective tax in the first years boosts working capital and supports faster scale.
Government grants that support capability building
Several government grants defray project and operating expenses. Examples include EDG funding (up to 70% of qualifying costs), WorkPro Job Redesign (up to S$300,000) and the Enhanced Work Life Grant (up to S$70,000). These programmes reduce the burden of training, process change and workforce redesign.
Start-up and innovation funding pathways
Start-up grants and investment schemes help with R&D and market launch. Notable routes include the ACE Startup Grant, TECS (up to S$750,000), NRF co-investment programmes, Spring Seeds (up to S$2m) and TIS support (up to 85% of eligible investment up to S$500,000). Entrepreneurs should map eligibility early.
Practical note: align your incorporation choices, SSIC and early operating model to potential grant rules. A adviser can refer you and guide applications, but grant approvals require separate documentation and project justification.
Choosing the right incorporation service provider in Singapore
Pick a firm that puts transparency and process clarity ahead of low headline prices. A clear, documented approach reduces risk and helps you compare offers on a like-for-like basis.
Verify authorisation and scope
Confirm the provider is authorised to transact with ACRA and can act as your filing agent for the full company registration process. Ask for proof of authorisation and a named contact who will manage submissions.
Confirm written inclusions
Get a contract that lists exactly what the package covers. Verify whether the fee includes company secretary, registered address, annual return filing and basic accounting deliverables.
Understand onboarding and CDD
Onboarding depends on customer due diligence. Expect requests for identity and verification documents. Extra checks can extend timelines and may affect bank account opening.
| Check | What to request in writing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Authorisation | Proof of ACRA access and filing agent status | Ensures legal ability to file |
| Fees & inclusions | List of services, retainer periods and exclusions | Avoids surprise charges |
| Onboarding | CDD list, expected timelines, decline policy | Sets realistic launch dates |
| Foreign founder terms | Per-foreigner fees, nominee arrangements and deposits | Clarifies extra charges and refunds |
Practical tip: ask the service provider for a simple renewal schedule (secretary, address, filings) so ongoing fees are predictable after incorporation.
Conclusion
Deciding on a package means balancing fixed statutory charges with the level of ongoing support you need.
The clear baseline is S$315 for the mandatory ACRA filings. Package prices rise as you add company secretary cover, a registered address, AGM and annual return support, and accounting or tax services.
Choose packages by compliance needs and founder profile (local versus foreign), not by the cheapest headline. Remember one‑off add‑ons such as GST registration, bank account help and property sourcing, and the recurring renewals for secretary, address and filings.
Before you proceed: confirm exactly what the package includes, agree timing and CDD requirements, and request a 12‑month cost view.
For a tailored quote on company incorporation in this jurisdiction and bespoke company incorporation services, enquire with your chosen provider to align scope with shareholder and director profiles.
FAQ
What does a company registration consultant fee typically cover?
How much are the government fees charged by ACRA?
What do basic, value and enhanced incorporation packages usually include?
Why do foreign founders often pay more than local founders?
When must a company appoint a company secretary and what does that cost?
What are resident director or nominee director fees and deposits?
How does the registered address choice affect price?
What other one‑off add‑ons should I budget for at setup?
How long does the incorporation process usually take with an authorised filing agent?
What ongoing costs should I expect after incorporation?
How can tax rules and grants offset setup and running costs?
How should I choose an incorporation service provider or filing agent?
What drives final fees for a private limited company beyond standard packages?
Are there alternative pricing models I should consider?
Dean Cheong is a Singapore-based commercial growth architect and CEO of VOffice, known for helping B2B companies turn fragmented sales efforts into predictable revenue systems. He specializes in sales process optimisation, CRM-driven visibility, and market entry strategy, combining execution discipline with a strong academic grounding in business banking and finance from Nanyang Technological University. His focus is on building repeatable, data-backed growth frameworks that companies can scale with confidence.