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Choosing the right company secretary to work with is crucial in your business operation and compliance.
In this article, we will explore the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of a Singapore company secretary. We also show you how to appoint one and how to become a corporate secretary, so you know exactly what to do and what to look for.
By understanding these key aspects, you can ensure your Singapore company remains compliant and well-governed, thereby fostering growth and stability.
In this article, we will explore how a company secretary contributes to a company's success in Singapore.
1. What is a Singapore corporate secretary?
According to the Singapore Companies Act section 171, in Singapore, a corporate secretary is a person who oversees administrative and regulatory compliance for the board of directors.
Their duties include guiding corporate governance, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and handling various administrative tasks.
Every Singapore business must appoint a qualified corporate secretary who meets the government requirements, as the role carries significant responsibilities.
Important note
Singapore companies must appoint a company secretary within 6 months from the date of incorporation. For the existing company, this position can not be vacant for 6 months.
Otherwise, you may incur a penalty of up to 1,000 SGD.
2. What are the corporate secretary's key roles, responsibilities, and obligations?
A company secretary typically assists the members and officers of the Singapore company with the following matters
- Maintain the statutory registers (They help you manage the appointment and resignation of company directors, secretaries, auditors, and other officers.);
- Help you understand and comply with the Singapore Companies Act;
- Prepare and file returns accurately and on time;
- Update the company information with ACRA (Update details like addresses and contact information);
- Organize annual general meeting (AGM);
- Assist with declaring and distributing dividends to shareholders;
- Handle tasks such as share transfer, stamp duty, EOT filing, and company resolution;
- Handle the company seal.
3. Who can be a corporate secretary in Singapore?
3.1. Requirements for private companies in Singapore
A secretary must be a natural person (a company can not be the secretary) and an ordinary resident of Singapore (Singapore citizen, Singapore permanent resident, or an Employment Pass holder for foreigners).
In addition, this person must have a deep understanding of Singapore company law and be well-versed in all required annual filings. In this way, they can support both local and foreign-owned companies to comply with the law and maintain their company status.
3.2. Requirements for public companies
If a private limited company fails to comply with company law, it may need to appoint a secretary who meets the stricter standards for public companies.
A public company secretary must satisfy at least one of the following:
At least 3 of the 5 years in the role before their appointment;
- A qualified person under the Legal Profession Act;
- A public accountant registered under the Accountants Act;
- A member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore;
- A member of the Singapore Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators;
- A member of the Association of International Accountants;
- A member of the Institute of Company Accountants, Singapore.
3.3. Who cannot be a Singapore company secretary?
The Companies Act also specifies who cannot serve as a company secretary:
- Sole director: The sole director of a company cannot serve as the company secretary. In such cases, companies often appoint a corporate service provider to fulfill this role.
- Debarred individuals: An individual who is debarred by the Singapore government for failing to comply with company law cannot act as a company secretary.
4. In-house vs Outsourced: Which is right for you?
When it comes to appointing a company secretary in Singapore, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to keep the role in-house or outsource it to a trusted corporate service provider.
In our experience, most SMEs and startups in Singapore use outsourced secretarial firms for cost and convenience. Specifically, they trust firms that offer all-in-one services (secretarial + tax/accounting), and advisory services.
That is why they trust Global Link Asia Consulting to help them manage their companies since we know what growing businesses need to be sustainable, compliant, leaving business owner freedom of mind to focus of their business.
Our comparison table below will highlight the difference between these 2 options, and show you which option is more suitable for your company size.
| Option | Pro | Cons | Best for |
| In-House | Full-time attention, deep company knowledge, immediate availability | High cost (SGD 3,000–4,000/month), hiring/training overhead | Large companies |
| Outsourced | Cost-effective (SGD 300–2,000/year), expert compliance, | Less day-to-day presence, Only do work in the service contract Must find a reliable corporate service provider | SMEs, Startups |
5. How to appoint a company secretary in Singapore?
Important note
For both local and foreign-owned companies in Singapore, you should consider the company secretarial service offered by corporate service providers. They will handle all the appointment work for you.
This allows you to focus on your business and outsource administrative, time-consuming paperwork to experienced secretaries.
If you choose to hire your company secretary, here's a proven 10-step process to help you make the right decision.
Shortlist candidates or firms based on:
- Strong reviews and verified testimonials
- Transparent pricing and service breakdown
- Comprehensive service offerings (AGM, filings, advisory)
You should check Credentials and Experience. Ask for:
- Proof of qualifications (ISCA, SAICSA, CSIS, etc.)
- Case studies or experience with companies similar to yours
You should look for those familiar with your industry or structure (e.g., foreign-owned, VC-backed, regulated sectors).
- Board resolution: You have to hold a board meeting and pass a resolution to appoint the selected individual as the company secretary. The appointed company secretary must also complete consent to act as a secretary known as form 45B.
- Notification: After selecting the right candidate, you have to file online to ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) within 14 days of the appointment using BizFile
- Documentation: Finally, you have to update the company's statutory registers and records to reflect the new appointment.
6. How can Global Link Asia Consulting help you appoint a reliable secretary for your Singapore company?
For many foreign entrepreneurs and business owners who love to work remotely while still adhering to Singapore law, finding a trusted nominee director is crucial for the company’s sustainable success.
With a proven track record of helping nearly thousands of foreign business owners start and manage their businesses in Singapore with success with our nominee direct service. We know the secret to helping your business flourish with little investment and maximum benefits.
Many entrepreneurs place their trust in us and see their worthy results. And you can too today.
As your one-stop corporate service provider, we can help you
- Register a company in Singapore;
- Open a corporate bank account in Singapore with a 99% success rate;
- Appoint a reliable nominee director and an experienced secretary;
- Choose the right company types for tax optimization in Singapore;
- Apply for Singapore business licenses;
- Get an affordable, professional registered office address for business;
- Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
- Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.
7. FAQs about Singapore company secretary
No, a company secretary in Singapore is not the same as a director or nominee director. These are two distinct roles within a company with different responsibilities and legal obligations.
They have to work together to maintain the company’s status and compliance.
The director is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the company, while the secretary is responsible for administrative and compliance duties.
Only if you have more than one director. A sole director cannot also be the company secretary
If you hire a full-time corporate secretary, the average salary ranges from 3000-4000 SGD/month.
A more affordable option is to hire company secretarial services, which range between S$300 - S$2,000 per year.
No, you have to hire a full-time Singapore company secretary, which possesses the qualifications listed in the Singapore Company Act: Be a natural person and a resident of Singapore.
Public company secretaries must have recent experience, qualify under the Legal Profession Act and the Accountants Act, and be a members of four professional associations.
Yes, you need to hire a company secretary in Singapore, wether you are Singapore resident or a foreigner. It is compulsory as per Section 171 (1AA) of the Companies Act. You can opt for Singapore secretarial service for a more affordable option.
If you are
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