Singapore Incorporation: 5 Hidden Fees to Avoid When Choosing a Provider (2026 Guide)

Starting a business and choosing to register a company in Singapore is often marketed as fast and inexpensive. However, Singapore’s regulatory framework requires ongoing statutory compliance, which means incorporation is only the first step — annual governance obligations continue for as long as the company exists.

While Singapore is a world-class jurisdiction for entrepreneurs, many founders discover that the price advertised upfront is rarely the total cost of operation. Many providers offer promotional first-year pricing, with renewal fees reverting to standard rates in Year 2. This guide breaks down the five most common hidden incorporation fees founders encounter — and how Counto ensures your Singapore company registration cost remains transparent.

Hidden Fee #1: Nominee Director Surcharges & Security Deposits

Singapore law requires every company to have at least one locally resident director (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an Employment Pass holder who is ordinarily resident in Singapore). Overseas founders typically rely on a nominee director until they obtain residency. While many providers advertise low entry rates for this role, some may require a refundable security deposit that can lock up thousands of dollars of your capital for years.

Hidden Fee #2: Pay-Per-Filing Corporate Secretarial Fees

Traditional providers might offer a low annual fee for a Corporate Secretary, but some include only basic compliance filings and charge separately for resolutions, typically ranging from S$100 to S$200 per request (excluding statutory ACRA filing fees).

Hidden Fee #3: Registered Office Address & Mail Surcharges

A Singapore company must maintain a registered office address in Singapore. Some providers exclude this from the initial price, only to charge later for registered address usage or “per-page” mail handling and forwarding fees.

Hidden Fee #4: Extra Software Subscriptions for Operations

Many founders later realise they need separate software to manage payroll or document storage. Over 12 months, these additional SaaS subscriptions can add S$500 to S$1,000 to your annual operating overheads.

Hidden Fee #5: Promotional Year 1 “Introductory” Rates

The most significant cost is often the one you don’t see until month 13. Teaser rates used by traditional agencies often revert to standard prices that are significantly higher, which founders overlook when comparing upfront costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cheapest incorporation service always the best choice?
Not necessarily. A lower upfront price often means paying for every board resolution, email, or government filing. Always calculate the “all-in” cost for the first 12 months.

Can I avoid the Nominee Director fee?
Only if you have a local partner who qualifies as a resident director — meaning a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or an Employment Pass holder who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.

Do I need a physical office if I am a digital business?
No. However, ACRA requires a physical Registered Office Address accessible during business hours for official correspondence. Counto’s address service satisfies this requirement and includes digital mail scanning.