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The labels "digital" and "traditional" describe how a service is delivered, not whether it is licensed or good. This page sets out the differences that can be read on provider pages and what ACRA requires of every provider, as of . SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com is independent, has tested none of the providers named and may be paid by partners for referrals.
What do the two models look like?
| Point | Digital provider | Traditional firm |
|---|---|---|
| How you buy | Pick a published plan online | Usually a call, then a quote |
| Price visibility | Plans and add-ons on the site | Often on request |
| Examples of published fees | Osome S$600; Leftright S$648; Sleek from S$700 | Not published by the firms we looked at |
| Support | Chat, email, account portal | Named contacts, calls or meetings |
| Scope | Standard company set-up and compliance | Can scope complex or regional work |
| Records | Registers often viewable online | Depends on the firm |
| Changes | Often self-serve requests | Handled by staff |
The published examples come from Osome, Leftright and Sleek. A blank in the traditional column means we did not find prices, not that the firms are expensive.
What does ACRA require of both?
ACRA says foreigners must engage a corporate service provider to reserve a name and register a business. Every company needs a resident director and a company secretary appointed within six months of registration. These rules apply whatever the delivery model. Read more on the corporate service provider page.
A provider also has duties around client checks. If a firm asks for ID, proof of address and source-of-funds details, that is expected and does not signal a weak provider.
What do providers claim about the other model?
Sleek's foreigner page contains a table of "traditional agent" costs of S$2,000 to S$5,000+, a 5 to 14 business day timeline and separate fees for a nominee, secretary and address. That is Sleek's own claim about competitors. We could not check it, and it does not name a firm. Treat it as marketing. Similarly, firms that sell the traditional model say digital platforms give less personal support. We have no tested evidence either way.
Who might prefer which?
- Digital may suit a simple company with one or two founders, a standard share structure and a need for fast online filings. Compare the entry plans on Sleek versus Osome.
- Traditional may suit a group structure, a regulated activity, a holding company or a funding round where documents are negotiated. Ask for a written scope and fee.
- A mix is possible: a firm for legal work and a digital provider for the secretary and accounting. See cheapest company secretary for secretary fees.
What should you ask either kind of provider?
- Who is my named secretary, and who covers when they are away?
- Where are my registers kept and can I download them?
- What does each change cost: director, shareholder, address, share issue?
- What is the renewal fee in year two?
- What notice do I give if I leave, and how are my records handed over?
Which facts are missing?
We have no tested comparison of speed, error rates or support between the models. We read only the published pages of a few providers, so the table is a pattern, not a rule. A digital provider may have staff you can call, and a traditional firm may run a portal. Ask each one.
Want quotes from both?
Use the form on this page. Tell us the structure, where the founders live and what you need to file. We pass your request to suitable providers, and you compare written terms. For startups, see incorporation services for startups.
Where can I see the prices side by side?
Before you choose, see the Singapore company setup price comparison: published prices, Google rating and review count for 34 firms in one table.
Sources
- https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/foreigners-registering-a-business-in-singapore/requirements-for-local-residency for the CSP and local resident rules.
- https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/setting-up-a-local-company/appointing-directors-company-secretary-and-other-key-personnel for the director and secretary rules.
- https://sleek.com/sg/incorporation/foreigners/ for Sleek's comparison table, which is Sleek's own claim.
- https://osome.com/sg/pricing/incorporation/ for Osome's plan price.
- https://leftrightcorp.com/pricing/ for Leftright's incorporation price.
- https://sleek.com/sg/pricing/ for Sleek's plan price.
