Outline
In short: Singapore recorded 60,445 business closures in 2025, up from 55,318 in 2024 and the highest since 2017, according to ACRA data published by SingStat. From January to October 2026, ACRA counted 52,982 closures against 70,809 new businesses. The March 2026 spike came from ACRA striking off defunct companies. For SMEs, the lesson is to keep monthly accounts, watch cash runway and stay on top of ACRA and IRAS filings. Paul Hype Page offers accounting (S$1,200; excludes corporate tax filing), and if closing is the right call, strike-off starts from S$800.
What the numbers say
| Period | Business closures (all entity types) | New businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 51,587 | — |
| 2024 | 55,318 | — |
| 2025 | 60,445 (highest since 2017) | — |
| Jan–Oct 2026 | 52,982 | 70,809 |
In March 2026, ACRA recorded 9,503 closures, which it attributed to intensified efforts to strike off defunct companies. New formations still outnumber closures. Sources: SingStat via data.gov.sg (annual), and ACRA business registry statistics (monthly, updated 3 Nov 2026).
Warning signs and what to do in the next 90 days
- 30 days: produce monthly management accounts within 10–15 working days of month-end, and build a 13-week cash forecast.
- 60 days: chase overdue receivables, cut fixed costs that don’t scale, and list every ACRA, IRAS, GST and CPF deadline for the next 12 months.
- 90 days: model a base case and a downside case, and decide whether to expand, restructure or close.
If closing is the right call
- Strike-off: for a solvent company that has stopped trading and has no outstanding liabilities. Apply to ACRA. See our strike-off service (from S$800).
- Voluntary winding up: needed if the company has assets to distribute or debts to settle.
- Don’t let it lapse: an abandoned company still has filing duties, and its directors can be penalised.
How Paul Hype Page helps
We provide accounting (S$1,200; excludes corporate tax filing), corporate secretary services (S$600 a year) and GST registration (S$1,200), and we handle strike-off from S$800. Corporate tax filing and payroll are quoted separately: contact us for a quote.
FAQ
How many businesses closed in Singapore in 2025?
60,445 business entities ceased in 2025, the highest since 2017, according to ACRA data published by SingStat.
Are more businesses closing than opening in Singapore?
No. From January to October 2026, ACRA recorded 70,809 new businesses and 52,982 closures.
How do I close a Singapore company that has stopped trading?
If it’s solvent and has no outstanding liabilities, you can apply to ACRA to strike it off. Otherwise, it needs to be wound up.
Why did closures spike in March 2026?
ACRA said the spike came from intensified efforts to strike off defunct companies, which began in the last quarter of 2025.
Questions about your company? WhatsApp us or contact us. Free EP eligibility check, and you can sign documents remotely.
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