Register your company in Singapore fully online with expert local support.
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Written by Sneha Patwari, Corporate Secretary Lead

Company Secretary and law graduate with years inside multinationals, law firms, and startups across multiple jurisdictions. I've watched founders treat governance and compliance as paperwork, then pay for it when things scale, fundraise, or unwind. The articles I write are for founders who'd rather ...

Last reviewed by May 2026.

Key Takeaways

Every company in Singapore must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation, as required by Section 171 of the Companies Act.

Outsourcing typically costs SGD 300 to SGD 1,500++ per year, while an in-house hire averages around SGD 4,000 per month.

The right provider should cover statutory compliance, board resolutions, annual return filing, and entity management without hidden fees.

Statrys, Rikvin, Boardroom, HeySara, Tan, Chan & Partners, and Hawksford rank among the top corporate secretary firms for 2026.

Larger or listed companies often need a wider scope, including governance advisory, risk management, and corporate actions support.

Choosing a trusted partner with a digital platform and clear pricing helps SMEs and business owners stay compliant and reduce admin work.

In Singapore, every company must appoint a qualified corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary manages statutory obligations and liaises with government authorities. Companies that miss this deadline can face penalties of up to SGD 1,000 from ACRA, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority that supervises company registration and compliance in Singapore.

Whether you are starting your first business or managing routine compliance, finding a reliable, properly qualified secretary matters. You can hire a full-time, in-house secretary, but recruiting and managing salary and benefits is rarely the most cost-effective route. The other choice is to outsource. The catch: too many providers, not enough time to compare them.

To make your job easier, we shortlisted six of the top corporate secretary firms in Singapore for 2026, with their service scope and fees laid out side by side.

πŸ’‘Tip: Check our guide to company formation in Singapore for the other key requirements to start a company.

What Does a Corporate Secretary Actually Do?

Before we get to the providers, a quick word on the role. The functions of corporate secretaries go well beyond paperwork. A company secretary acts as the link between the board, shareholders, and regulators. Their job covers governance and compliance, drafting board resolutions, organising meetings, and tracking deadlines so the company never falls behind.

Typical secretary service duties include:

  • Statutory compliance: keeping the company aligned with the Companies Act, ACRA rules, and other legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintaining statutory registers: registers of members, directors, secretaries, charges, and beneficial owners.
  • Filing annual returns: submitting the company's yearly report to ACRA after the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • Drafting and recording board resolutions: for routine decisions and major corporate actions like share issuance, director changes, or restructuring.
  • AGM coordination: preparing notices, minutes, and supporting documents.
  • Governance advisory: advising directors on governance best practices and risk management.
  • Entity management: keeping subsidiary records, group structures, and registered office updates clean and current.

For listed companies, the scope grows. Public company secretaries also handle stock exchange disclosures, insider trading policy, and shareholder communications. The role goes from simple admin to strategic governance advisory support.

For private SMEs, the scope is narrower but still critical. Miss a filing, and your company faces fines, struck-off status, or director penalties.

1

Statrys

Statrys helps foreign business owners set up and stay compliant in Singapore. We offer a complete Singapore company incorporation package, including corporate secretarial services, a local nominee director, a registered address, and ongoing support. The full process runs online. No physical visits needed.

Pricing:

  • SGD 4,095 (β‰ˆ USD 3,210 / EUR 2,750). This covers company secretary services, company incorporation, a nominee director, and a registered office address with mail scanning and forwarding.
  • Promotional SGD 3,686 (β‰ˆ USD 2,890 / EUR 2,476).

Contact Information:

Statrys' Key Services

The corporate secretary service comes inside one fixed-price incorporation package, which includes:

Company Secretary Services (1 year)

The Statrys team handles the essential responsibilities of a company secretary:

  • AGM: held within 6 months after the financial year-end (FYE).
  • Annual return filing: submission of the mandatory yearly report to ACRA, one month after AGM.
  • Statutory records maintenance: keeping all legally required documents up to date.
  • 24/7 online access: view and download your company records from the platform anytime.

Incorporation Services

Step-by-step support to set up your company:

Registered Address in Singapore

  • Registered office address for one year, with annual renewal.
  • Mail scanning and forwarding. We receive your official mail (from ACRA, IRAS, etc.), scan it, and email it to you.

Business Account in Singapore

  • Multi-currency business account supporting 11 major currencies, including SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, HKD.
  • FX rate based on mid-market rate with fees starting from 0.1%

Accounting

Who Is Statrys Best For?

Founders who want an all-in-one, fixed-price, online package to start a company in Singapore without juggling paperwork. You operate from anywhere. We handle the formalities, so you can focus on growth.

Register your Company in Singapore

One package, all included. Everything you need to get your business started.

10% discount promotion for Statrys company registration service in Singapore

2

Rikvin

Rikvin Pte Ltd. is part of InCorp Global, a provider of business advisory and corporate solutions with a strong presence across the Asia Pacific region, including Singapore and Malaysia. Rikvin focuses on Singapore-based services: corporate secretarial support, relocation and immigration, share registry, accounting and tax, and more.

Pricing: Quote-based.

Contact Information:

  • Tel: +65 6990 8220
  • WhatsApp: +65 8699 8821

Rikvin's Key Services

Rikvin's corporate secretarial services include:

  • Company Constitution
  • Annual Filings with the Company Registrar
  • AGMs and Extraordinary General Meetings
  • Maintaining statutory books and registers
  • Statutory and regulatory reporting
  • Nominee director service

Who Is Rikvin Best For?

Rikvin works well for companies that want both secretarial services and relocation support under one roof. You can handle company secretary work, visa applications, work permits, recruitment, and HR with a single provider. Larger companies looking for advisory support can also tap into InCorp Global's wider suite.

3

Boardroom

BoardRoom is a regional corporate services provider with reach across local, regional, and global markets. In Singapore, they offer a broad range of services: corporate secretarial support, payroll, HR, accounting, tax, advisory, employee programs, and more. Their integrated approach lets businesses access multiple services from a single provider.

Pricing: Contact for a quote.

Contact Information:

Boardroom's Key Services

BoardRoom's company secretary services cover both fundamental compliance and additional advisory work:

  • Annual statutory and regulatory compliance advisory and assistance
  • Organising board and shareholder meetings and related resolutions
  • Conducting gap analyses of your governance framework
  • Guidance on stock exchange requirements
  • Employment and permanent residency applications
  • Nominee company director and authorised representative services for foreign companies
  • Local correspondence or registered office address provision
  • Private limited and public company incorporation
  • Deregistering a company

Who Is BoardRoom Best For?

BoardRoom suits larger companies and organisations with intricate corporate compliance needs. It is also a strong fit for companies focused on ESG, since they offer dedicated ESG advisory.

4

HeySara

HeySara is a Singapore-based corporate service provider that runs incorporation, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and HR work through a digital platform. They also offer add-ons like appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) for data privacy purposes, company strike-off services, and support with EntrePass and Employment Pass applications.

Pricing:

  • HeySara Digital: SGD 199 per year
  • HeySara Plus: SGD 598 per year
  • HeySara Prime: SGD 998 per year

Contact Information:

  • Tel: +65 6631 9890
  • WhatsApp: +65 809 81313

HeySara's Key Services

HeySara offers three tiers of plans for their corporate secretary services. Each gives different access to features.

Plan Key Features
HeySara Digital Basic company secretarial duties (statutory registers, minute books, board meeting preparation), junior to mid-level secretary staff, annual return filing for SGD 200, and e-signature for documents
HeySara Plus Basic secretarial duties, mid to senior-level secretary staff, annual return filing for SGD 60, e-signature and paper-based signing, private support via WhatsApp and phone, priority response, and free email hosting for the first year
HeySara Prime Basic secretarial duties, senior-level secretary staff, free annual return filing, e-signature and paper-based signing, private support via WhatsApp, phone, and WeChat, priority response with extended hours, free email hosting for the first year, free office lounge usage, CorpPass administration, and basic tax planning and advisory

Who Is HeySara Best For?

HeySara fits businesses that want flexible secretarial services with options to scale support and add-ons to fit a budget, all on a sleek digital platform.

5

Tan, Chan & Partners

Tan, Chan & Partners, founded in 1982, is a chartered accountancy firm and Singaporean professional services provider focused on assurance, tax, audit, and advisory. On top of corporate secretarial services, the firm offers new company formation, statutory auditing, and accounting services.

Pricing: Contact for quote.

Contact Information:

Tan, Chan & Partners' Key Services

Tan Chan's corporate secretarial services cover:

  • Maintenance of company registers, including share transfers and changes in directors
  • Documentation of board meetings
  • Assistance with annual general meetings
  • Monitoring mandatory communications between shareholders and stakeholders
  • Protection of the company seal
  • Managing changes in registered office and mailing address
  • Provision of nominee directors

Who Is Tan, Chan, & Partners Best For?

Tan, Chan & Partners suits SMEs in Singapore that want a corporate secretary backed by strong audit and accounting expertise. The firm is a good match if you value access to comprehensive secretarial services plus a wide range of audit work, from internal audits and certification audits to specialised offerings like the Lucky Draw Audit Service for sectors such as Retail, Finance, Transportation, and Telecommunications.

6

Hawksford

Hawksford is a multinational provider of corporate, private client, and fund services across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In Singapore, the focus is mainly on corporate and private clients, with a full suite that includes entity formation, tax and compliance support, HR and payroll administration, family office solutions, and corporate secretarial services.

Pricing: Quote-based pricing.

Contact Information:

Hawksford's Key Services

Hawksford helps businesses meet statutory requirements and operate efficiently under Singapore's Company Law:

  • Provision of a company secretary
  • Officer appointment and resignation processing
  • Filing of annual returns
  • Maintenance of statutory registers, minute books, and company records
  • Organisation and support for board meetings
  • Organisation and support for shareholder meetings

Who Is Hawksford Best For?

Hawksford works for large and multinational companies that need statutory compliance and additional services across regions, thanks to its global presence. It also fits high-net-worth individuals and family offices looking for specialised private client solutions.

πŸ’‘Tip: For multinational corporations or businesses with complex governance needs, global firms like PwC and Deloitte also offer corporate secretarial services in Singapore. They can be convenient if you already use them for accounting or auditing.

In-House vs Outsourced Company Secretary

Once you decide to appoint a company secretary, the next call is structural: in-house or outsourced.

In-house secretaries are direct employees, fully integrated into the company's operations. Outsourced secretaries are external professionals or firms hired on a contractual basis. Each path has trade-offs that depend on company size, available resources, and the complexity of your governance needs.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Feature In-House Outsourced
Cost SGD 3,000 to 5,000 per month SGD 300 to 1,500++ per year
Expertise Limited to the individual you hire Access to a team of corporate secretaries with broader expertise
Scalability Capped by the size of your internal team. Adding capacity means new hires. Upgrade the service plan in a few days
Confidentiality More internal control, but risks depend on internal processes Bound by professional confidentiality agreements, but you share information externally

In-House Company Secretary

An in-house secretary works inside the team. They build a deep understanding of internal workflows and corporate culture.

βœ… Pros

  • Full control and oversight
  • Stronger alignment with company culture and internal values
  • High responsiveness and direct accountability

❌ Cons

  • Higher costs from recruitment, salaries, and benefits
  • Limited flexibility, since one person handles the role

Best for: Companies with complex operations, frequent board meetings, or specific governance needs that require constant internal coordination.

πŸ’‘Insight: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for an in-house company secretary in Singapore is SGD 4,000 per month. The figure draws on 50 salary submissions, last updated in March 2026.

Outsourced Company Secretary

Outsourcing means a third-party provider handles compliance and governance tasks for you. This option is popular with startups and SMEs

βœ…Pros

  • More affordable for small businesses
  • Access to specialised expertise and a wider scope of services
  • Scalable support based on your needs
  • Public reviews and ratings give insight into service quality

❌Cons

  • Less direct control over day-to-day work
  • Some dependency on the provider
  • Service levels vary between providers and packages

Best for: Startups, SMEs, and business owners looking for flexible, expert support without hiring full-time staff.

πŸ”ŽInsight: Public pricing pages show that secretarial services alone typically run from SGD 300 to over SGD 1,500++ per year, depending on the level of service.

Register your Company in Singapore

One package, all included. Everything you need to get your business started.

10% discount promotion for Statrys company registration service in Singapore

Compliance Requirements: How to Stay Compliant in Singapore

Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world to start a business. It is also one of the strictest about post-incorporation compliance. To ensure compliance, every company must meet a clear set of statutory and regulatory requirements every year.

Core Compliance Obligations

Here are the main compliance obligations every private limited company has to cover:

  1. Appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation, per Section 171 of the Companies Act.
  2. Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months of the financial year-end, unless exempted.
  3. File the annual return with ACRA within seven months of the financial year-end.
  4. Maintain statutory registers for members, directors, secretaries, charges, and registrable controllers.
  5. File corporate income tax returns with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), including the Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and Form C-S/C.
  6. Update ACRA within 14 days of any change to directors, secretary, registered address, or share capital.
  7. Keep proper accounting records and prepare financial statements that follow Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).

Miss a deadline, and the consequences scale fast. Late filing penalties start at SGD 300 and climb. Repeat offences can lead to director disqualification or company strike-off.

Why a Good Secretary Reduces Risk

A trusted secretary is more than a filer. They run a calendar of deadlines, send reminders, and check that documents match what ACRA and IRAS expect. They also flag governance gaps before they turn into fines.

For listed companies, the role expands into governance advisory: insider trading policy, board evaluation, and disclosure rules. For SMEs, the value sits in routine compliance: AGM minutes signed, annual returns lodged, and registers updated when things change.

The best corporate compliance services don't just file forms. They reduce risk, save time, and keep your records audit-ready.

How Much Do Corporate Secretarial Services Cost?

The cost of corporate secretarial services in Singapore depends on three factors: scope, provider type, and your company structure.

Pricing for Corporate Services in Singapore

Here is what most business owners pay in 2026:

Type of Service Typical Price Range
Basic outsourced secretarial plan (annual) SGD 200 to SGD 600
Mid-tier outsourced plan (annual) SGD 600 to SGD 1,200
Premium outsourced plan with advisory SGD 1,200 to SGD 3,000+
In-house secretary (annual salary) SGD 36,000 to SGD 60,000
Full incorporation + secretary bundle (one-off + year 1) SGD 1,500 to SGD 4,500

Affordable company secretary plans usually cover the basics: AGM prep, annual return filing, and statutory register updates. Mid-tier plans add CorpPass admin, more responsive support, and unlimited resolutions. Premium plans cover governance and compliance advisory, drafting of complex board resolutions, and dedicated account managers.

What Drives the Fee Up

A few factors push costs higher:

  • Multiple shareholders or directors: more changes mean more filings.
  • Foreign ownership: added KYC and nominee director needs.
  • Complex corporate actions: share transfers, capital reduction, mergers.
  • Listed status: stock exchange disclosures expand the workload.
  • Group structures: more entities, more entity management.

What to Watch Out For

Some providers advertise low headline rates and bill add-ons separately. Common surprise charges include AGM filing, document drafting, name change support, and director changes. Always ask for a clear list of what the fee covers and what counts as extra. Competitive rates for secretarial services should still come with a transparent scope.

πŸ’‘Pro tip: A bundled package that covers incorporation, secretary, and registered address often beats paying for each service alone. The trick is matching the bundle to your stage. A solo founder doesn't need a premium plan with weekly chat support. A funded startup with a board often does.

Choosing the Right Corporate Secretarial Service

Selecting corporate secretary services is a long-term decision. The right provider supports your company's growth and protects you from compliance gaps. Here are the key features to weigh up.

1. Qualifications

Not everyone can be appointed as a corporate secretary. Singapore law sets clear rules.

A corporate secretary must be:

  • A natural person who ordinarily resides in Singapore (citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid employment pass or dependent pass).
  • Equipped with the knowledge, certifications, and skills to carry out statutory duties.

For public companies, the secretary must hold prescribed qualifications under Section 171(1AA) of the Companies Act, such as being a member of the Singapore Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators or a public accountant.

Beyond the legal floor, look for someone you can trust to safeguard compliance and handle sensitive information.

2. Experience and Expertise

Pick a provider with:

  • A proven track record in corporate secretarial work.
  • Industry-specific knowledge relevant to your business.
  • Local and international expertise, especially if you operate across borders.

Cross-border operators benefit from a partner that also offers multi-currency banking or accounting and tax support. Their understanding of sector-specific challenges keeps operations smooth and helps you avoid penalties.

Verified reviews on platforms like Trustpilot give a useful read on customer service and reliability. Read more, read often, and check both the five-star reviews and the one-star ones.

3. Comprehensive Service Offerings

You can hire different providers for incorporation, compliance, and accounting. Managing multiple vendors eats time. A provider with a full suite of corporate secretary services in Singapore, including incorporation, ongoing compliance, and accounting, simplifies your work. Some providers also let you adjust the plan as you grow.

4. Transparency in Pricing

Pick a provider with clear, upfront pricing and no hidden fees, even when the quote is custom. Ask them to spell out what each package covers, what counts as an add-on, and what the renewal looks like. Transparent pricing builds trust and lets you budget without surprises.

5. Technology Integration

A firm that integrates technology improves the speed and reliability of secretarial processes. Automated tracking and reminders cut human error and protect timely submissions. A modern app or platform gives directors and shareholders access to documents from anywhere, in English, around the clock.

Cloud-based document storage makes a real difference for remote teams or cross-border groups. Look for providers with seamless integrations to your accounting software, secure access controls, and live updates whenever ACRA records change.

6. Communication and Support

Compliance issues rarely surface during business hours. A dedicated point of contact who answers fast, in plain English, by chat or phone, saves hours every quarter. Test response times before signing on.

Conclusion

The right corporate secretarial service keeps your Singapore business compliant and running without the headaches. Weigh qualifications, experience, expertise, scope of services, and your budget. A provider with a proven track record and personalised support helps you stay organised and operate efficiently.

For a hassle-free way to set up your business in Singapore, Statrys offers an all-in-one solution. Get incorporation, secretary services, a registered address, and more, all in one package for SGD 4,095. Whether you are at the early stage of registering a company in Singapore as a foreigner or growing an existing entity, the right partner makes the difference.

Register your Company in Singapore

One package, all included. Everything you need to get your business started.

10% discount promotion for Statrys company registration service in Singapore

FAQs

Is it mandatory to have a corporate secretary in Singapore?

Yes. Every company is legally required to appoint a company secretary, as set by Section 171 of the Singapore Companies Act. The appointment must happen within six months of incorporation.

How much does a corporate secretary cost in Singapore?

An in-house corporate secretary costs around SGD 36,000 to SGD 60,000 a year, while outsourcing typically costs between SGD 300 and SGD 1,500++ per year. Premium plans with advisory support can run higher.

What are the best corporate secretarial firms in Singapore?

The best company secretary in Singapore depends on your needs and budget. The most popular and trusted corporate secretarial services for 2026 are: - Statrys - Rikvin - Boardroom - HeySara - Tan, Chan & Partners - Hawksford If you incorporate your company with Statrys, company secretary services are included in the package.

What factors should I consider when choosing a corporate secretarial service provider?

Look at experience, expertise, communication, technology, and qualifications. Pick a provider that fits your specific needs and shows a track record of reliability and efficiency. Ask for clear pricing and a list of what's covered.

Can startups and small businesses afford corporate secretarial services?

Yes. Outsourced providers offer plans starting from around SGD 300 a year. SMEs and early-stage businesses can stay compliant without hiring a full-time secretary.

What is the difference between an in-house and outsourced corporate secretary?

An in-house secretary is a full-time employee. An outsourced secretary is a third-party firm or professional you contract. In-house gives more control. Outsourcing gives lower cost and broader expertise.

Do I need a corporate secretary if my company has only one director?

Yes. Even single-director companies must appoint a corporate secretary. The same person cannot hold both roles, so you have to bring in a second qualified individual or use an outsourced provider.

Can I change my corporate secretary later?

Yes. You can replace your secretary at any time. The board passes a resolution, the new secretary signs the consent to act, and ACRA is notified within 14 days through Bizfile.

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