Expanding into Singapore is a brilliant strategic move, but “good standing” comes with a price tag. In 2026, with tighter ACRA regulations and new digital filing standards, maintaining a company is more about precision than just paying fees.
At Hallmark Corporate Services, we believe transparency is the foundation of a great partnership. Here is the realistic, itemized breakdown of what it costs to keep your Singapore Private Limited (Pte Ltd) company running legally and efficiently.
1. Mandatory Government Fees (ACRA & IRAS)
These are the non-negotiable costs paid directly to the Singapore government. In 2026, these remain relatively stable but require strict adherence to deadlines to avoid heavy penalties.
- Annual Return (AR) Filing: S$60. This is paid to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) once a year.
- Corporate Tax Filing: S$0. There is no fee to file your tax return (Form C-S/C) or Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) with IRAS, but the professional cost to prepare them is another story.
2. Core Professional Services
Under the Singapore Companies Act, every company must have a local presence and specific officers. If you don’t have a local team, you’ll need these services:
- Company Secretary: S$300 – S$900/year. Mandatory within 6 months of incorporation. They handle statutory filings, AGM minutes, and registers.
- Registered Office Address: S$200 – S$500/year. You must have a physical Singapore address for official correspondence. Virtual office services are a popular, cost-effective choice for startups.
- Nominee Director (For Foreigners): S$1,500 – S$4,000/year. If you don’t have a resident director (Singapore Citizen or PR), you must hire a nominee. Note that this often requires a refundable security deposit.
3. Accounting, Tax, and Audit
This is where costs vary most based on your business activity.
| Service Level | Estimated Annual Cost | Best For |
| Dormant Company | S$350 – S$700 | Companies with no transactions. |
| Active SME (Audit Exempt) | S$1,500 – S$3,500 | Revenue < S$10M; basic bookkeeping and tax. |
| High Volume / GST Registered | S$4,000 – S$8,000+ | Frequent transactions; quarterly GST filings. |
| Statutory Audit | S$2,500 – S$10,000+ | Companies exceeding the “Small Company” threshold. |
4. Banking and Miscellaneous Costs
- Bank Account Maintenance: S$0 – S$500/year. Some traditional banks require a minimum balance (e.g., S$10,000) or charge a “fall-below” fee. Digital banks often offer zero-fee accounts.
- Corppass & RORC Management: S$50 – S$150/year. Managing your digital identity for government portals and the Register of Registrable Controllers.
Total Estimated Annual Budget for 2026
- For Local Founders: Expect to spend S$1,500 – S$3,000 for basic compliance (Secretarial + Accounting + Address).
- For Foreign Founders: Expect to spend S$4,500 – S$8,000 (Includes Nominee Director fees).
Conclusion: Investing in Peace of Mind
Cutting corners on compliance might save you S$500 today, but an ACRA late filing penalty starts at **S$300**, and the reputational damage with banks can be permanent.
At Hallmark Corporate Services, we offer bundled packages that eliminate “fee creep.” Whether you need a Nominee Director or a full Accounting & Tax solution, we ensure your Singapore entity remains a gold-standard asset.
Is your company heading into its first Financial Year End (FYE)? Would you like a 2026 custom quote to streamline your annual maintenance costs?
Cost of Incorporating a Company in Singapore – FULL GUIDE: This video provides a complete breakdown of both setup and annual maintenance costs, which is highly useful for budgeting and avoiding hidden agent fees