What does the quote actually cover?
A registration-only service may exclude the director arrangement, company secretary, registered address, work pass, bank support and accounts. Ask for an itemised written scope before comparing prices. Avoid assuming a low headline includes everything you need.
Your first-year budget.
| Item | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Registration | Professional and authority fees; included administration |
| Resident director | Eligibility, term, service fee and security arrangements |
| Secretary / registered office | Included period, renewals and statutory support |
| Work pass | Application, verification, issuance and eligible appeal scope |
| Banking | Support fee versus the provider’s account charges |
| Accounts / tax | Transactions, payroll, returns, GST and financial statements |
| Operations | Salary, rent, suppliers, licences and working capital |
Capital is separate from fees.
Paid-up capital funds the company in exchange for shares. It is not a service charge. Budget sufficient lawful funding to operate and pay the declared salary; there is no universal $100,000 founder EP minimum in MOM’s criteria. Keep records of current bank balances, loans and other amounts the company owes.
Costs continue after registration.
Companies have recurring accounting, tax and statutory obligations. Most non-listed companies have a seven-month annual return deadline after financial year-end and a six-month AGM deadline unless exempt or dispensed with. ECI normally has a three-month filing deadline, subject to waivers. GST has retrospective and prospective registration tests. Exact obligations depend on the company.
Golden Archway’s starting price.
Our company setup and EP support starts from SGD 8,888. Confirm professional scope, authority fees, taxes and separately quoted services before proceeding. Banking, ongoing accounting, websites, PR applications and study programmes are separate services unless your quotation includes them. Approval decisions remain with the relevant authority or institution.
Ask for a first-year and second-year quotation
Separate one-off setup charges from annual services and operating costs. A discounted registration package may cover the first year only. Ask for renewal prices and what triggers additional fees, including extra transactions, a change of officer, document certification or additional work-pass queries.
| Cost group | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Registration | Which authority charges and filings are included? |
| Recurring administration | What do secretary, address and director arrangements cost at renewal? |
| Accounting and tax | Is the fee based on transactions, revenue, employees or a defined scope? |
| Other services | Are bank assistance, work passes, licences and websites separately quoted? |
Compare equivalent scopes rather than adding only the advertised headline prices. Operating cash, staff salary and working capital are separate from professional setup fees. The capital and cash-budget guide explains that distinction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the registration package my complete first-year budget?
No. Include recurring administration, separately quoted work and actual operating costs.
Does the starting quote cover every listed service?
No. Confirm the written scope and separate fees for any banking, website, ongoing accounts or other work.
Should I include paid-up capital in the budget?
Yes, as company funding separate from fees, alongside operating cash needs.
Official sources
Related guides
Enquire about company setup
Tell us what the business will do, who will own it and whether you need a work pass.