Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore (2025): What You Need to Know About Roles, Costs & Top Firms

Corporate secretarial services are the unsung heroes of business compliance and governance in Singapore. As one of the world’s leading business hubs, Singapore mandates every company to appoint a corporate secretary within six months of incorporation to ensure adherence to legal requirements, regulatory filings, and sound governance practices.

In 2025, the corporate secretarial landscape has evolved significantly. With the rise of RegTech, AI-driven compliance tools, and enhanced digital filing systems by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), companies—especially SMEs, startups, and foreign investors—must stay updated to remain compliant. These advancements provide increased efficiency, but they also demand a deeper understanding of statutory duties and obligations.

2. What Is a Corporate Secretarial Service?

• Definition and Scope

Corporate secretarial services refer to a suite of professional services that ensure a business complies with statutory and regulatory requirements under Singapore law. These services encompass everything from maintaining company registers to handling shareholder communication and filing annual returns.

• Legal Requirements Under the Companies Act

Under the Singapore Companies Act 1967, every company must appoint a qualified corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary must be a natural person residing in Singapore and possess the relevant experience or certification.

• Entities That Require a Corporate Secretary
  • Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd)
  • Public Companies

Sole proprietorships and partnerships are exempt from this requirement.

3. What Is the Role of a Corporate Secretary?

• Key Duties

  • Ensure compliance with the Companies Act and Regulations
  • Maintain statutory records and registers
  • Organize and prepare meeting minutes/resolutions for board meetings and general meetings (Including AGM)
  • Facilitate communication with shareholders and directors regarding company matters
  • File necessary returns and documents with ACRA on time (e.g., annual returns, changes in directors, registered address)

• Bridge Between Company and Regulators

The corporate secretary acts as a liaison between the company and regulatory bodies such as ACRA and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), ensuring timely filings and compliance with updates in legislation.

• Governance Role

A corporate secretary plays a critical role in promoting strong corporate governance, particularly in guiding the board and management on ethical and legal responsibilities.

4. Corporate Secretarial Services Responsibilities

• Maintaining Statutory Registers: Shareholder register, director register, and other statutory records.
• Board Resolutions & AGM Documentation: Drafting and filing resolutions, minutes of meetings, and notices.
• Annual Returns Filing: Timely submission to ACRA to avoid penalties.
• Governance Advisory: Advising on the structuring of the board, risk management, and ethical governance.

5. What Is the Salary of a Corporate Secretarial Professional in Singapore?

2025 Salary Breakdown

Freelance/Contract Professionals

Contract-based or freelance corporate secretaries typically charge $500–$1,000/month depending on company complexity and responsibilities.

6. How Much Does a Corporate Secretary Cost in Singapore?

Cost Breakdown (2025 Averages)

Optional Add-ons

• AGM support
• XBRL filing
• Director appointment/removal
• Change in Shareholder(s)/share structures
• Change of company name or structure

Pricing Models

• Bundled Services: Includes incorporation, registered address, and secretarial services.
• Tiered Packages: Based on number of shareholders/directors or service scope.

7. In-House vs Outsourced: What’s Better?

Recommendation: Startups and SMEs benefit from outsourcing for efficiency and cost-savings, while large corporations may require in-house expertise for complex structures.

8. 2025 Trends in Corporate Secretarial Services

1. Automation & Digitalisation

• AI tools for statutory tracking and document generation
• Integration with ACRA BizFile+
• Digital board meeting platforms and e-signatures

2. Remote Work Capabilities

• Cloud-based access to company registers and governance documents
• Virtual AGMs and board meetings

3. Regulatory Evolution

• Stricter anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance
• New sustainability reporting requirements under SGX guidelines

9. How to Assess the Best Corporate Secretarial Service Provider

Key Considerations

• Experience: Proven track record in your industry
• Pricing Transparency: No hidden costs, clear fee structures
• Technology: Cloud-based systems, digital document handling
• Client Reviews: Verified testimonials and case studies
• Regulatory Knowledge: Up-to-date with ACRA and IRAS requirements

Checklist for Evaluation

• ACRA-registered filing agent
• Scalable packages
• Digital tools
• Industry experience
• Multilingual support (for foreign clients)

In today’s fast-evolving regulatory environment, choosing the right corporate secretarial service provider in Singapore is not just a matter of convenience—it’s critical for long-term compliance and corporate success. Whether you’re a startup navigating incorporation, an SME scaling operations, or a foreign investor entering Singapore’s market, a reliable and tech-savvy corporate secretary is your first line of defense against costly penalties and governance pitfalls.

Invest in a future-proof corporate secretarial solution to ensure compliance, transparency, and strategic corporate governance in 2025 and beyond.Need help navigating compliance?
Contact Ledgen to simplify your corporate journey.

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