Every business incorporated in Singapore is required by law to appoint a corporate secretary. But beyond fulfilling a regulatory obligation, having a reliable Corporate Secretary Service can ensure your company stays compliant, organized, and well-positioned for growth. Whether you’re a new startup or an established business, choosing the right corporate secretary is a vital part of your operations.

In this article, we explore what corporate secretary services are, why they matter, and how your business can benefit from engaging a professional provider like JSE Offices.

What Is a Corporate Secretary?

A corporate secretary is an officer of a company who ensures that the organization adheres to legal and regulatory requirements. In Singapore, every private limited company is required to appoint at least one corporate secretary within 6 months of incorporation, in accordance with the Companies Act (Cap. 50).

The appointed secretary must be a natural person residing in Singapore and possess the necessary knowledge and experience to discharge their duties effectively.

Key Responsibilities of a Corporate Secretary

A corporate secretary plays a critical role in managing a company’s statutory obligations. Their responsibilities include:

1. Maintaining Statutory Registers and Records

The corporate secretary is responsible for maintaining up-to-date records such as:

Register of shareholders and directors
Register of charges and allotments
Minutes of board and general meetings
Annual return filings

2. Filing Annual Returns with ACRA

All companies in Singapore must file an Annual Return with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). A corporate secretary ensures the return is filed accurately and on time.

3. Organizing Board and Shareholder Meetings

The secretary manages the preparation and distribution of meeting notices, agendas, and minutes. They also ensure meetings comply with legal and procedural standards.

4. Company Constitution and Compliance Advisory

Corporate secretaries interpret and advise on the company’s constitution and compliance requirements, helping directors make informed decisions.

5. Liaising with Government Authorities

Corporate secretaries act as a liaison between the company and regulators such as ACRA, IRAS, and MOM, ensuring all filings and updates are done correctly.

Why Use a Professional Corporate Secretary Service?

Many companies, especially startups and SMEs, do not have the resources to hire a full-time, in-house secretary. Engaging a corporate secretary service offers numerous advantages:

1. Ensures Legal Compliance

Staying compliant with Singapore’s corporate laws is essential. Professional providers understand statutory requirements and help businesses avoid costly penalties and legal risks.

2. Cost-Efficient and Scalable

Hiring an in-house corporate secretary can be expensive. Outsourced services are more affordable, with packages that scale as your business grows.

3. Expertise and Experience

Professional firms employ qualified corporate secretaries who are familiar with evolving regulations, corporate governance, and administrative best practices.

4. Time-Saving

Business owners can focus on operations and growth, while the corporate secretary handles the administrative and compliance tasks.

5. Peace of Mind

Knowing your filings, records, and obligations are managed by professionals provides assurance and reduces the risk of oversights.

Corporate Secretary Services Offered by JSE Offices

At JSE Offices, we provide comprehensive corporate secretary services in Singapore tailored to the needs of startups, small businesses, and foreign companies. Our services include:

Annual Corporate Secretarial Services

Our annual package includes all essential secretarial duties:

Appointment of secretary (as per ACRA requirements)
Maintenance of statutory registers and company records
Preparation and filing of annual returns
Monitoring of compliance deadlines
General corporate advisory

Company Incorporation and Compliance Setup

New to Singapore? We help with:

Company name reservation
Filing of incorporation documents
Constitution drafting
First board resolution and shareholder agreements

Ad Hoc Secretarial Services

We also offer one-time or ad hoc services for:

Changes to company structure (e.g., director/shareholder changes)
Issuance or transfer of shares
Change of company name or registered address
Striking off a company
Drafting special resolutions

Nominee Director and Registered Address Services

Complement your secretarial service with additional support:

Nominee director (for foreign-owned companies)
Registered office address in Singapore
Mail handling and forwarding

Legal Requirements for a Corporate Secretary in Singapore

According to the Singapore Companies Act, the following requirements must be met:

Appointment Deadline: Within 6 months of incorporation
Eligibility: Must be a local resident (Singapore Citizen, PR, or valid work pass holder)
Professional Qualifications: For public companies, the secretary must be professionally qualified (e.g., a lawyer, accountant, or member of the SAICSA)

For private limited companies, professional corporate secretarial firms like JSE Offices are fully equipped to fulfill this role.

What to Consider When Choosing a Corporate Secretary Service

Not all service providers offer the same level of expertise or support. Here are a few key things to look for:

• Reputation and Track Record

Choose a firm with a proven history of serving businesses in Singapore. Experience ensures better advice and fewer compliance issues.

• Responsiveness

In business, timing is critical. A good provider is prompt in responding to queries and taking action when needed.

• Scope of Services

Check that the provider offers a full suite of services—incorporation, compliance, filing, advisory, etc.—so you can grow without switching providers.

• Transparent Pricing

Avoid surprises by choosing a firm with clear, upfront pricing and no hidden fees.

• Technology and Support

Modern firms use cloud-based systems to manage documents, reminders, and filings efficiently. This adds convenience and reduces paperwork.

Benefits of Working with JSE Offices

At JSE Offices, we’re more than just a compliance provider—we’re your strategic partner in corporate governance. Here’s what sets us apart:

Dedicated support team with years of corporate secretarial experience
Transparent annual packages designed for SMEs and startups
Fast turnaround time on routine and urgent filings
One-stop solution including registered address, incorporation, accounting, and more
Digital document management for secure, anytime access

How to Get Started

Starting with JSE Offices is simple. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Consultation

Tell us about your business. We’ll recommend the best package for your current and future needs.

Step 2: Document Submission

Provide basic company details, identification of directors/shareholders, and your business constitution (if any).

Step 3: Appointment and Onboarding

We’ll handle the ACRA filings to appoint your corporate secretary and set up your compliance calendar.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

We proactively remind you of deadlines, prepare resolutions, file returns, and keep your records up to date—so you never miss a compliance step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a corporate secretary mandatory for my company in Singapore?

Yes. All companies incorporated in Singapore must appoint at least one corporate secretary within six months of incorporation.

Can I be the director and corporate secretary of my company?

If you are the sole director, you cannot act as the corporate secretary. You will need to appoint someone else or engage a professional service.

What happens if I don’t appoint a corporate secretary?

Failure to appoint a secretary within the stipulated timeframe may lead to penalties and non-compliance with the Companies Act.

Can I switch corporate secretary providers later?

Yes. You can change your provider at any time by passing a board resolution and notifying ACRA. We can assist with a seamless transition.

Do you offer nominee director and registered address services too?

Yes. JSE Offices offers a complete suite of corporate services, including nominee directors, registered addresses, accounting, and tax services.

Final Thoughts

Your corporate secretary is more than a formality—it’s a cornerstone of compliance and governance. With the right service provider, you can focus on growing your business, knowing your legal obligations are taken care of professionally and punctually.

At JSE Offices, we pride ourselves on offering dependable, responsive, and affordable corporate secretary services in Singapore. Whether you’re just incorporating or scaling your operations, our team is here to support your journey at every step.

Contact JSE Offices today to learn more about our corporate secretarial packages and how we can help your company stay compliant and confident in Singapore’s business environment.