Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore
Stay compliant. Focus on your growth. Let us handle the rest.
Corporate Secretarial Services Singapore 2026: ACRA Compliance & Annual Filings
Quick Answer: Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore
Every Singapore company must appoint a qualified Company Secretary within 6 months of incorporation. Terra Advisory provides ACRA-compliant secretarial services from S$600/year, including Annual Return filing, XBRL preparation, Register of Controllers maintenance, and AGM support. Most small companies budget S$1,200–S$2,400/year for comprehensive compliance.
WhatsApp Us for a Free QuoteWhat Is a Company Secretary in Singapore?
A Company Secretary is a statutory officer required under Section 171 of Singapore's Companies Act. Far from being just a "paperwork role," the secretary acts as your company's compliance guardian — ensuring filings are timely, registers are accurate, and governance standards are met.
For foreign entrepreneurs and busy founders, appointing a professional secretary isn't just about meeting legal requirements. It's about protecting your business license from penalties, avoiding costly mistakes, and freeing your time to focus on growth.
If you're incorporating a new company, our Singapore incorporation service includes secretary appointment as part of the setup process. For existing companies looking to switch providers, the transition is seamless — we handle all ACRA filings to transfer the role.
Legal Requirements: What the Companies Act Requires
Under Singapore law, every company must meet these secretary-related obligations:
- Appointment timeline: Within 6 months of incorporation (Section 171)
- Qualifications: Must be a natural person ordinarily resident in Singapore with requisite knowledge/experience (Section 171(3AA))
- Cannot be sole director: If you are the only director, you cannot also be the secretary
- Register maintenance: Secretary must maintain statutory registers (Register of Members, Controllers, etc.)
- Filing responsibility: Secretary is responsible for lodging Annual Returns, changes of officers, and other ACRA filings
For a complete checklist of post-incorporation obligations, see our Singapore Corporate Compliance 2026 Guide.
What's Included in Our Corporate Secretarial Service
Our service is structured around four pillars of governance. Every package includes the essentials, with optional add-ons for growing businesses.
✅ ACRA Filings & Annual Returns
We prepare and lodge your Annual Return (AR) with ACRA on time, including simplified XBRL or Financial Highlights for eligible companies.
✅ Statutory Registers Maintenance
We maintain your electronic Register of Controllers (RORC), Register of Members, and other statutory books — updated within 2 business days of any change.
✅ AGM & Board Support
We prepare resolutions for Annual General Meetings (AGM), dividend declarations, director appointments/resignations, and other board decisions.
✅ Advisory & Governance
We advise on Companies Act compliance — e.g., restrictions on loans to directors, share transfers, and related-party transactions.
Optional Add-Ons for Growing Businesses
- XBRL Full Filing: For companies that don't qualify for simplified filing (additional S$300–S$600)
- Change of Officers: Filing director/shareholder changes as they occur (included in premium packages)
- Registered Address: Virtual office address for ACRA correspondence (S$600–S$1,200/year)
- Combined Services: Bundle with nominee director or accounting services for discounted rates
2026 Compliance Calendar: Key Deadlines
For a typical Singapore company with a December 31 Financial Year End (FYE), here is your annual compliance roadmap. Missing any deadline attracts automatic penalties.
ECI Filing
Within 3 months of FYE(e.g., 31 March)
File Estimated Chargeable Income with IRAS. Late penalty starts at S$200.
AGM / Written Resolutions
Within 6 months of FYE(e.g., 30 June)
Hold AGM or pass written resolutions. Late penalty: S$300–S$600.
Annual Return (ACRA)
Within 7 months of FYE(e.g., 31 July)
Lodge Annual Return with ACRA. Late penalty: S$300 first month, S$600 thereafter.
Corporate Tax Return
30 November each yearFile Form C-S/C with IRAS. Late penalty: S$200–S$1,000.
For a printable checklist of all deadlines, see our Singapore Company Tax Compliance Checklist for 2026.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance (ACRA Penalties)
ACRA enforcement is strict. Late filings attract automatic composition fines that compound quickly. Here are the current penalty schedules:
| Offence | Late by < 3 Months | Late by > 3 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Late Annual Return (AR) | S$300 | S$600 |
| Late AGM Holding | S$300 | S$600 |
| Ad-Hoc Filings (e.g., Change of Address) | S$50 | S$200 |
| Missing Register of Controllers (RORC) | Up to S$5,000 per offence | |
| Vacant Secretary Position (>6 months) | Up to S$1,000 per director | |
Source: ACRA Enforcement Guidelines
Transparent Pricing: What to Expect
We believe in no-surprise pricing. Below is our standard fee structure for 2026:
| Package | Annual Fee (S$) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Compliance | S$600 | Dormant companies or those with minimal activity |
| Standard (Most Popular) | S$1,200 | Active SMEs with standard filings (AR + simplified XBRL) |
| Premium | S$2,400 | Companies with frequent changes, full XBRL, or advisory needs |
| Add-Ons | Registered Address: S$600–S$1,200/year • Full XBRL: +S$300–S$600 | |
All packages include: Named qualified secretary, Annual Return filing, statutory register maintenance, AGM resolution preparation, and email support.
Why Choose Terra Advisory for Corporate Secretarial Services
- ✅ ACRA-Registered Filing Agent: We are officially registered (FA20122913) and authorized to file on your behalf.
- ✅ Qualified Professionals: Our secretaries hold ICSA or equivalent qualifications with 14+ years of Singapore compliance experience.
- ✅ Proactive Compliance: We don't just file — we monitor deadlines, flag risks, and advise on governance best practices.
- ✅ Transparent Pricing: No hidden "admin fees" for standard resolutions. What you see is what you pay.
- ✅ Seamless Transitions: Switching from another provider? We handle all resignation/appointment filings and retrieve your statutory books.
Verify Our Status on ACRA BizFile+ → JT & CY Advisory (Strategic Malaysia Affiliate) MIA Registered Firm
Verify Malaysia Status (MIA) →
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If you are the sole director of your Singapore company, you cannot also act as the Company Secretary. Section 171 of the Companies Act requires the secretary to be a separate person who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.
You have a 6-month grace period after incorporation to appoint a qualified Company Secretary. If the position remains vacant beyond 6 months, directors can be fined up to S$1,000 each, and the company may be struck off the register.
Yes. For most small companies (Solvent Exempt Private Companies), we prepare and file the simplified XBRL or Financial Highlights as part of your Annual Return with ACRA.
Yes. The transition is seamless. We handle the resignation of your previous secretary, appointment of our team, and retrieval of your statutory books. Most switches are completed within 3-5 business days.
Technically, no — tax compliance is the role of a Tax Agent or your accounting team. However, we coordinate closely with your tax advisors to ensure your AGM resolutions and Annual Return align with your IRAS filings. See our Corporate Tax Services.
The Register of Controllers is a mandatory private register listing your company's beneficial owners (individuals with significant control). We maintain this register for you and lodge updates with ACRA within 2 business days of any change.
No. Private companies in Singapore can dispense with physical AGMs if all shareholders agree to pass resolutions by written means. We prepare these 'Paper AGM' resolutions for your signature.
Our packages start from S$600/year for basic compliance (Named Secretary + Annual Return filing). Most small companies budget S$1,200–S$2,400/year for comprehensive support including XBRL filing, RORC maintenance, and advisory.
Stop Worrying About ACRA Compliance
Focus on growing your business. We'll watch the clock, file the forms, and keep your company in good standing.
Get a Free Quote Chat on WhatsAppConclusion: Protect Your Business with Professional Secretarial Support
In summary, appointing a qualified Company Secretary isn't just a legal checkbox — it's a strategic investment in your company's longevity. With ACRA penalties rising and compliance requirements evolving in 2026, professional support has never been more valuable.
Terra Advisory combines regulatory expertise, proactive calendar management, and transparent pricing to keep your company compliant — so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.
Ready to appoint us as your secretary? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. We typically respond within 24 hours.
WhatsApp Us to Get Started