Running a business in Singapore involves more than just managing operations and driving sales—it also requires ensuring compliance with corporate regulations and statutory requirements. This is where professional corporate secretarial services in Singapore play a vital role. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or multinational corporation, appointing a reliable corporate secretary helps your company stay compliant with the Companies Act and avoid costly penalties.
Why Corporate Secretarial Services Are Essential
In Singapore, every company must appoint a qualified corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with legal requirements such as filing deadlines, maintaining registers, updating resolutions, and reporting changes to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Failure to meet these obligations can lead to fines or even prosecution of company directors.
By outsourcing to a professional firm, you benefit from expert knowledge, timely reminders, and administrative efficiency—all while staying focused on your core business.
Key Functions of a Corporate Secretary in Singapore
A corporate secretary does much more than just file documents. The role encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, including:
1. Statutory Compliance
Ensuring your company complies with the Companies Act is the secretary’s top priority. This includes:
- Filing annual returns to ACRA
- Maintaining statutory registers (directors, shareholders, charges, etc.)
- Recording board resolutions and AGM/EGM minutes
2. Shareholder and Director Management
Your secretary helps with:
- Issuing new shares
- Transferring shares
- Appointing or removing directors
- Updating company information in ACRA’s BizFile portal
3. Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
Organizing and recording AGMs is an important function, especially for companies that are not exempted from holding them. The secretary ensures all notices are properly sent, quorum is met, and minutes are documented.
4. Corporate Governance
Corporate secretaries advise directors and management on good governance practices, helping the company adhere to regulatory and ethical standards.
5. Registered Office Address Services
Some firms also provide a registered business address as part of their corporate secretarial services, which is ideal for startups and foreign companies without a physical office in Singapore.
Who Needs Corporate Secretarial Services?
All companies incorporated in Singapore are legally required to appoint a corporate secretary. However, the needs vary depending on business size and complexity:
- Startups: Need cost-effective yet compliant solutions.
- SMEs: Require support to manage routine filings and changes.
- MNCs: May need local compliance support to complement in-house teams.
- Foreign Companies: Often rely on secretarial firms to act as a local compliance agent and assist with incorporation.
Why Outsource Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore?
Outsourcing your company’s secretarial functions brings many benefits, especially when handled by an experienced firm:
✅ Compliance Assurance
With frequent changes in regulatory requirements, it’s difficult for businesses to keep up. A dedicated firm ensures timely filings and statutory compliance, giving you peace of mind.
✅ Cost Efficiency
Hiring a full-time in-house secretary with the right qualifications can be costly. Outsourcing provides access to a team of experts at a fraction of the cost.
✅ Expertise & Advisory
Professional secretarial firms offer not just administrative support but also corporate governance advice, helping your business stay on track and compliant.
✅ Risk Mitigation
Mistakes in filings or missed deadlines can result in penalties. A reputable firm ensures accuracy and timeliness, helping you avoid costly errors.
✅ Scalability
As your company grows, your secretarial needs may evolve. Outsourced services can easily scale up to meet your changing requirements.
Choosing the Right Corporate Secretarial Firm in Singapore
Not all service providers are the same. When selecting a firm for your corporate secretarial services in Singapore, consider the following:
1. Experience and Track Record
Choose a firm that has a solid track record serving companies similar to yours. Look for testimonials, client reviews, and years of experience.
2. Qualifications and Licensing
Make sure the firm is registered with ACRA and employs qualified professionals, such as Chartered Secretaries or members of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA).
3. Comprehensive Services
Your ideal provider should offer a full suite of services, including incorporation, compliance, annual filings, share management, and advisory.
4. Responsiveness and Support
Timely responses and proactive communication are critical. A firm that keeps you informed and alerts you to deadlines is a valuable partner.
5. Transparent Pricing
Choose a provider with clear, upfront pricing and no hidden charges. Opt for annual packages that bundle essential services for better value.
What to Expect in a Typical Corporate Secretarial Package
Most secretarial firms in Singapore offer tiered packages based on the company’s size and complexity. A typical package includes:
- Appointment of named corporate secretary
- Preparation and filing of annual returns
- Maintenance of statutory registers
- Preparation of AGM documents
- Provision of registered office address (optional)
- Assistance with changes in directors/shareholders
Customised solutions are also available for companies with more complex needs.
Incorporation and Beyond
Many firms that offer corporate secretarial services in Singapore also assist with company incorporation. This creates a seamless experience for entrepreneurs and investors looking to start a business. Incorporation services typically include:
- Company name reservation
- Drafting and filing incorporation documents
- Preparing initial board resolutions
- Setting up statutory registers
- Issuing share certificates
By choosing the same firm to incorporate and maintain your business, you ensure consistency and reduce administrative burden.
Get Started with Trusted Corporate Secretarial Services
At [Your Company Name], we specialize in providing reliable, affordable, and efficient corporate secretarial services in Singapore. Our team of professionals is committed to helping businesses maintain compliance, enhance governance, and grow confidently. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing enterprise, we tailor our services to suit your needs.
We understand that every business is different. That’s why we take a consultative approach—helping you understand your obligations, avoid compliance pitfalls, and focus on what you do best: running your business.
📞 Ready to Partner With Us?
Let us handle your compliance needs while you focus on growing your business.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Phone: +65 98638665
Email: tommyksh@shkoh.com.sg
Address: 7500A Beach Road, The Plaza, #09-324, Singapore 199591