Corporate Secretary
All Your Governmental Compliance Handled And Filed On Time
Stay focused on growing your business while we file all essential documents for you. Let’s ensure your company stays compliant and on track for success.
Duties of a Corporate Secretary
Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Filings
- Ensure compliance with ACRA regulations and the Companies Act.
- File the company’s annual returns and maintain statutory registers.
- Manage regulatory filings, including:
- Share transfers and allotments
- Amendments to the Memorandum & Articles of Association (MAA)
- Appointment, removal, or resignation of auditors
- Change of registered office address
- Other regulatory requirements as mandated by ACRA
Board & General Meetings Management
- Organize board meetings and facilitate the company’s formal decision-making process.
- Arrange and ensure compliance for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in accordance with the Companies Act and the company’s constitution.
Shareholder & Director Support
- Supervise share transactions, including allotments, issues, and transfers.
- Address shareholder queries and concerns related to shareholding.
- Act as a channel of communication for non-executive directors, ensuring they receive the necessary information for decision-making.
Corporate Governance & Compliance
- Assist company directors in implementing good corporate governance practices.
- Ensure the safe custody and proper use of the company seal.
- Verify that all business letters, notices, and official company documents display the correct company name and Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Business Expansion & Corporate Transactions
- Supervise the establishment of overseas operations, ensuring compliance with international procedures and local laws.
- Oversee corporate actions such as acquisitions, restructuring, mergers, and disposals, ensuring they align with the company’s best interests.
1. Identify the Right Company Structure
Common Business Structures in Singapore:
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)
The most popular choice, offering limited liability and scalability.
Sole Proprietorship
A simple structure, ideal for individuals running small businesses.
Partnership
A business owned by two or more individuals sharing profits and liabilities.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability benefits.
Branch Office
An extension of a foreign company operating in Singapore.
Representative Office
Suitable for market research or liaison activities but cannot conduct revenue-generating operations.
Pros and cons of Branch Office
Pros- Can be cheaper to establish than subsidiaries
- Parent company has direct control over branch office
- Can be a faster option for expansion
Cons- Can be cheaper to establish than subsidiaries
- Parent company has direct control over branch office
- Can be a faster option for expansion
Pros and cons of Family Office
Pros- Protect assets and develop long term investment strategies over generations
- Navigate financial decisions and avoid conflicts between families
- Invoke transparency and a decision making hierarchy
Cons- May be costly to set up and maintain a family office
- Inefficient if all profits are paid out
- Not suitable for families that require regular returns
2. Register Your Company Name
Your company name is your brand’s identity, and it must be unique and compliant with Singapore’s regulations. Use our online name checker to verify name availability and avoid delays.
3. Identify Directors and Shareholders
A minimum of one shareholder (individual or corporate, of any nationality) and one Local Director* are required to incorporate a company in Singapore. The Local Director must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an EntrePass holder residing in Singapore.
4. Allocate Paid-Up Capital
Define the initial capital that shareholders will invest in the company. Singapore’s incorporation process allows businesses to start with as little as SG$1 in paid-up capital, except in industries with specific regulations.
5. Secure a Registered Address
A local, physical address is mandatory for company registration. This address must be operational during business hours and cannot be a PO Box.
6. Appoint a Corporate Secretary
A Company Secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation. The secretary must reside in Singapore and plays a key role in maintaining compliance by preparing and filing essential documents. Note that the sole director cannot serve as the Company Secretary.
For detailed and up-to-date corporate tax information, visit the IRAS website.
Need help with your corporate tax filings? Contact Lett today for tailored solutions.
Overview of Our Pricings
Corporate Secretary
Corporate Secretary |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Business Lite Suitable for companies without corporate shareholder and up to 2 unique shareholders/ directors. |
Business Suitable for companies with only 1 corporate shareholder and up to 4 unique shareholders/ directors. |
Corporate Suitable for companies with 1 or more than 1 corporate shareholder and up to 8 unique shareholders/ directors. |
|
| Appointment of Named Company Secretary | |||
| Corporate Shareholder | |||
| Package Rate For Corporate Action Service | |||
| Dedicated Client Care Manager | |||
| Liaison with Auditors | |||
|
Business Lite Suitable for companies without corporate shareholder and up to 2 unique shareholders/ directors. S$300per year
|
Business Suitable for companies with only 1 corporate shareholder and up to 4 unique shareholders/ directors. S$420per year
|
Corporate Suitable for companies with 1 or more than 1 corporate shareholder and up to 8 unique shareholders/ directors. S$540per year
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Secretary | |||
| Provision of named secretary | |||
| ACRA statutory compliance reminders | |||
| IRAS corporate income tax filing reminders | |||
| Update Company's statutory registers (including RORC) | |||
| Prepare standard AGM notices, resolutions and minutes | |||
| Prepare and file annual return | |||
| ACRA Filing fees (S$60) included | |||
| Corppass Registration (Optional) | |||
| Customised Constitution | Standard | Standard | Customised |
| Liaison with Auditor | |||
| Company Structure | |||
| No. of Corporate Shareholder | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| each additional Corporate Shareholder | S$195 | ||
| No. of unique shareholders/directors | Up to 2 only | Up to 4 only | Up to 8 only |
| each additional unique shareholder/director | S$95 | S$95 | |
| Resolution Drafting and ACRA Lodgement | |||
| Appointment of company directors/company secretary/auditors | |||
| Resignation of company directors/company secretary/auditors/officers | |||
| Change in officers' particulars | |||
| Change of company name | |||
| Change of registered business address | |||
| Declaration and distribution of dividends | |||
| Change of financial year end | |||
| Change of principal business activities (SSIC Codes) | |||
| Package Rate For Corporate Action Service | |||
| Service Support | |||
| Targeted Completion Time Corporate Actions Support | 2 - 5 business days | 2 - 3 business days | 1 - 3 business days |
| Dedicated Client Care Manager | |||
Business Lite
Suitable for companies without corporate shareholder and up to 2 unique shareholders/ directors.S$300per year
| Company Secretary | |
| Provision of named secretary | |
| ACRA statutory compliance reminders | |
| IRAS corporate income tax filing reminders | |
| Update Company's statutory registers (including RORC) | |
| Prepare standard AGM notices, resolutions and minutes | |
| Prepare and file annual return | |
| ACRA Filing fees (S$60) included | |
| Corppass Registration (Optional) | |
| Customised Constitution | Standard |
| Liaison with Auditor | |
| Company Structure | |
| No. of Corporate Shareholder | 0 |
| each additional Corporate Shareholder | |
| No. of unique shareholders/directors | Up to 2 only |
| each additional unique shareholder/director | |
| Resolution Drafting and ACRA Lodgement | |
| Appointment of company directors/company secretary/auditors | |
| Resignation of company directors/company secretary/auditors/officers | |
| Change in officers' particulars | |
| Change of company name | |
| Change of registered business address | |
| Declaration and distribution of dividends | |
| Change of financial year end | |
| Change of principal business activities (SSIC Codes) | |
| Package Rate For Corporate Action Service | |
| Service Support | |
| Targeted Completion Time Corporate Actions Support | 2 - 5 business days |
| Dedicated Client Care Manager | |
Business
Suitable for companies with only 1 corporate shareholder and up to 4 unique shareholders/ directors.S$420per year
| Company Secretary | |
| Provision of named secretary | |
| ACRA statutory compliance reminders | |
| IRAS corporate income tax filing reminders | |
| Update Company's statutory registers (including RORC) | |
| Prepare standard AGM notices, resolutions and minutes | |
| Prepare and file annual return | |
| ACRA Filing fees (S$60) included | |
| Corppass Registration (Optional) | |
| Customised Constitution | Standard |
| Liaison with Auditor | |
| Company Structure | |
| No. of Corporate Shareholder | 1 |
| each additional Corporate Shareholder | |
| No. of unique shareholders/directors | Up to 4 only |
| each additional unique shareholder/director | S$95 |
| Resolution Drafting and ACRA Lodgement | |
| Appointment of company directors/company secretary/auditors | |
| Resignation of company directors/company secretary/auditors/officers | |
| Change in officers' particulars | |
| Change of company name | |
| Change of registered business address | |
| Declaration and distribution of dividends | |
| Change of financial year end | |
| Change of principal business activities (SSIC Codes) | |
| Package Rate For Corporate Action Service | |
| Service Support | |
| Targeted Completion Time Corporate Actions Support | 2 - 3 business days |
| Dedicated Client Care Manager | |
Corporate
Suitable for companies with 1 or more than 1 corporate shareholder and up to 8 unique shareholders/ directors.S$540per year
| Company Secretary | |
| Provision of named secretary | |
| ACRA statutory compliance reminders | |
| IRAS corporate income tax filing reminders | |
| Update Company's statutory registers (including RORC) | |
| Prepare standard AGM notices, resolutions and minutes | |
| Prepare and file annual return | |
| ACRA Filing fees (S$60) included | |
| Corppass Registration (Optional) | |
| Customised Constitution | Customised |
| Liaison with Auditor | |
| Company Structure | |
| No. of Corporate Shareholder | 1 |
| each additional Corporate Shareholder | S$195 |
| No. of unique shareholders/directors | Up to 8 only |
| each additional unique shareholder/director | S$95 |
| Resolution Drafting and ACRA Lodgement | |
| Appointment of company directors/company secretary/auditors | |
| Resignation of company directors/company secretary/auditors/officers | |
| Change in officers' particulars | |
| Change of company name | |
| Change of registered business address | |
| Declaration and distribution of dividends | |
| Change of financial year end | |
| Change of principal business activities (SSIC Codes) | |
| Package Rate For Corporate Action Service | |
| Service Support | |
| Targeted Completion Time Corporate Actions Support | 1 - 3 business days |
| Dedicated Client Care Manager | |
Company Secretarial Compliance Timeline
First Compliance Cycle
(Year 1 Timeline)| Compliance Requirement | Deadline (First Cycle) |
Regulatory Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Determine Financial Year-End (FYE) | Upon incorporation (default 12 months from incorporation date, or can be changed) | ACRA |
| Appoint a Company Secretary | Within 6 months from incorporation | ACRA |
| File First Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | Within 3 months after FYE (unless exempted) | IRAS |
| Hold First AGM (if required) | Within 6 months after FYE (if required) | Companies Act |
| File First Annual Return with ACRA | Within 7 months after FYE | ACRA |
| File First Corporate Tax Return from C-S/IC | 30 Nov of the following year | IRAS |
Example Timeline for a Newly Incorporated Company
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Incorporation Date | 1 April 2025 |
| Appoint Company Secretary | By 1 October 2025 |
| Set Financial Year-End (FYE) | 31 March 2026 (default) |
| File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | By 30 June 2026 |
| Hold First AGM (If required) | By 30 September 2026 |
| File First Annual Return with ACRA | By 31 October 2026 |
| File First Corporate Tax Return (Form C-S/C) | By 30 November 2026 |
For Subsequent Compliance Cycles
| Compliance Requirement |
Deadline | Regulatory Authority |
|---|---|---|
| File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) |
Within 3 months after FYE (unless exempted) | IRAS |
| Hold Annual General Meeting (AGM) (if required) |
Within 6 months after Financial Year-End (FYE) | Companies Act |
| File Annual Return with ACRA |
Within 7 months after FYE | ACRA |
| File Corporate Tax Return (Form C-S/IC) |
30 November (of the following year) | IRAS |
Example Compliance Timeline for Subsequent Years
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Financial Year-End (FYE) | 31 March |
| File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | By 30 June |
| Hold AGM (If required) | By 30 September |
| File Annual Return with ACRA | By 31 October |
| File Corporate Tax Return (Form C-S/C) | By 30 November |
Our Corporate Secretaries Have Your Back
Always Within Reach
Effortless Compliance
Transparent and Affordable Pricing
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What our clients said
aliya pang
I was attended by Miss Ruby. She is really a nice and efficient person. She really take care of everything, making sure things are properly done. Definitely will recommend her to my clients and friends.
Jenny Chin
Staff handle enquires Professionally, Staff Cheryl is very patience and knowledgeable to handle all my doubts. 👍Highly recommend.
Ma Ma
1st time register for my business. Ms Ruby is very helpful, advised and answered all my queries clearly and patiently. Excellent service and worry free so that I can focus on other matters.
One Man Many Guitars
Thank you so much Dexter and Team for the smooth incorporation process. It was fast and pain free. Highly recommend their services for anyone looking for incorporate.
Elvin Ngo
Engaged for incorporation, corporate secretarial and bookkeeping services. I am very pleased thus far with their rate of efficiency to stay on top of things, providing quick turn-arounds to opened tasks while offering practical solutions. Their in-depth knowledge on regulatory matters are also impeccable.
Rachel Liew
I rarely give good reviews. But I decided to give a good review to the company this time. Su hui is a really great lady, very kind and helpful. This morning she guided me through such important documents which I couldn’t understand. It saved me a lot of time. Thank you so much.
Lee晨曦
They helped me a lot to register a company. I tossed back and forth here for two months and finally fulfilled my needs. Ruby is very good at Chinese, and we can talk freely in Chinese and English. I hope to continue to pay attention to the process . When there are any changes, I will add new comments.
Talk to Us
FAQ
What is the role of a Company Secretary in Singapore?
A company secretary plays a crucial role in corporate governance by preparing the documentation for your Annual General Meeting (AGM), ensuring that your Annual Returns are accurate and filed on time; assisting with various corporate actions such as changing a director or shareholder, transferring shares, and updating company details; update directors and shareholders on relevant changes in corporate regulations; keep company directors aware of the deadlines for any other filings required by ACRA.
Who can hold the position of a company secretary?
A company secretary must be a local Singaporean or a permanent resident of Singapore. They must be of legal age and fulfill certain conditions such as being a member of a recognized professional body, such as the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants or the Singapore Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Is it mandatory for a Singapore company to have a secretary?
Yes, it is mandatory. According to ACRA regulations, every Singapore company must appoint a corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. The position cannot remain vacant for more than six months. Additionally, the appointed corporate secretary must be a Singapore resident, ensuring compliance with local statutory requirements. Having a qualified corporate secretary is crucial for managing regulatory obligations and maintaining proper corporate governance.
What are the penalties if I fail to appoint a company secretary for my business in Singapore?
The company secretary position cannot be left vacant for more than six months, or the directors may face a penalty of up to S$1,000.
If your company continues to operate without a company secretary after the initial failure, the penalties can escalate. The company may face additional fines of up to S$300 per day of non-compliance.
Directors are held personally liable for the company’s failure to comply with the requirement to appoint a company secretary. Penalties include fines or imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance.
How much does Lett's company secretary service cost?
Lett’s company secretary service starts from S$300. The service is valid for 12 months, and includes complimentary preparation of Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Returns filing (excluding governmental fees) if it falls within the same period.
How can I communicate with your company secretary?
We have a team of dedicated Client Care Associates who respond swiftly with you for all your company’s compliance matters, he/she will be the main point of contact. You can reach out to him or her via email or Whatsapp. A named secretary will be appointed for your company.
How are my filings stored via Lett's company secretary service?
Your filings will be stored digitally with us. You can request to access it anytime to take a look at it.
How much does it cost to complete a corporate action (e.g. Change of Financial Year End, Change of Director, etc)
Our corporate action cost starts from S$50 onwards. The cost depends on the complexity of the corporate action.
Can I use my home address as a registered office address?
If you reside in Singapore, you may choose to use your home address as your registered office address under the Home Office Scheme with URA or HDB.
However, there are specific criteria that must be met to qualify for this arrangement. If any of these conditions are violated, your permit could be revoked.
It’s also important to check whether your business activity is allowed under the Home Office Scheme. Many common business types, such as food catering, manufacturing, courier services, and beauty services, are not permitted.
Additionally, by using your home address, you forfeit some privacy, as the registered office address of a business is publicly accessible information.
How do I switch to Lett's Company Secretary Services?
Making the switch to Lett is fast and hassle-free:
Start the Process: Reach out to us, and that’s it.
Lett will handle all the necessary documentation and submissions to ACRA, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition. For more details, click here. Our team is ready to support all your corporate secretarial requirements!
