Brunei is recognized for its favorable corporate environment, offering straightforward company formation procedures and competitive costs. This article outlines the average expenses involved in creating and maintaining a standard Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) company in Brunei, including the most recent figures for 2025 and relevant breakdowns for all major fees.
Company Incorporation Costs in Brunei (2025)
The principal legal entity used for private companies in Brunei is the Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd). Below are the typical expenses associated with company creation.
| Expense Item | Amount (BND) | USD Approx. (1 BND = 0.74 USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Company name reservation fee | BND 5 | $3.70 |
| Company registration fee (for authorized capital up to BND 150,000) | BND 300 | $222 |
| Stamp duty for Memorandum & Articles of Association | BND 10 | $7.40 |
| Professional/lawyer fees (average) | BND 250 | $185 |
| Minimum paid-up capital | BND 1 | $0.74 |
| Other administrative fees | BND 34 | $25.16 |
| Total (approximate) | BND 600 | $444 |
The aggregate cost to establish a standard Sdn Bhd company in Brunei amounts to approximately BND 600 ($444). The largest components include the company registration fee and average professional fees, while administrative and government charges remain comparatively low. Minimum paid-up capital requirements are almost nominal and present no real capital burden for founders.
Annual Maintenance Costs
After incorporation, Sdn Bhd companies are required to cover annual maintenance costs for ongoing compliance and administration. These charges can vary depending on the providers selected and the scope of services required.
| Annual Expense Item | Amount (BND) | USD Approx. (1 BND = 0.74 USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return filing fee | BND 150 | $111 |
| Accounting/auditing services (average) | BND 200 | $148 |
| Registered office fee (if using service provider) | BND 200 | $148 |
| Company secretary fee (if using service provider) | BND 650 | $481 |
| Total Annual (minimum to maximum range) | BND 350 – BND 1,200 | $259 – $888 |
The minimum ongoing cost stands at roughly BND 350 ($259) per year if most administrative functions are handled in-house by the business. Utilizing service providers for secretarial and registered office requirements can increase costs up to BND 1,200 ($888) annually. This flexibility allows companies to control annual outlays according to operational needs and internal capacity.
Statutory and Compliance Considerations
Brunei maintains a streamlined company administration framework. Standard annual obligations for Sdn Bhd companies include submission of annual returns, proper maintenance of accounts and records, and observance of standard auditing requirements. Use of professional service providers for secretarial and registered office functions is common but not mandatory for all business owners.
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Pro Tips for Managing Company Formation and Maintenance Costs in Brunei
- Bundle services through a reputable provider if outsourcing secretarial, registered office, and accounting needs. This can streamline communication and may net cost savings versus separate providers.
- Carefully review professional/lawyer fee proposals as rates can vary, especially for standard template documentation versus bespoke advice.
- Opt for in-house management of certain administrative requirements (e.g., filing annual returns directly) if you wish to minimize annual outlays.
- Regularly check the Registrar of Companies to stay updated regarding any changes in statutory fees or compliance requirements.
- Plan your financial calendar to ensure all annual maintenance obligations are budgeted for and paid on time, avoiding any non-compliance penalties.
To summarize, Brunei offers an accessible and cost-effective path for company formation with predictably low maintenance costs, especially compared to regional peers. Most statutory requirements are clear-cut, fees are modest, and the ability to self-administer several aspects of company upkeep allows for significant operational flexibility. For anyone establishing a standard Sdn Bhd in Brunei, the overall environment remains straightforward and highly accommodating.