Singapore Company Register
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- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Singapore Company Register Explained in Detail
Here's a detailed explanation for information about the Singapore company register:
The official registry for companies in Singapore is maintained by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA is the government agency responsible for the registration of business entities and public accountants in Singapore.
How to Search the Singapore Company Register (ACRA):
The primary way to search the Singapore company register is through ACRA's online portal, BizFile+:
Visit the ACRA BizFile+ website.
Navigate to the "eServices" section.
Look for options like "Search for Business Information" or "Buy Business Information."
Free Directory Search: ACRA provides a free online directory search where you can find basic information such as the company's name, Unique Entity Number (UEN), registered address, and status (e.g., "Live," "Struck Off"). You can search using the business name or UEN. This can be accessed directly on the BizFile+ portal.
Purchase a Business Profile: For more detailed information, you can purchase a Business Profile. As of March 2025, this typically costs around SGD 5.50. The Business Profile usually includes:
UEN
Registered business address
Company's principal activities (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification - SSIC code)
Current status
Date of incorporation
Details of directors, secretaries, and shareholders
Paid-up capital
Financial year-end
Information on annual returns filings
Enter the company name or UEN in the search bar and follow the prompts.
For purchased information, you will typically receive a link to download the Business Profile, often in PDF format.
Key Information You Can Find:
By searching the Singapore company register, you can typically find the following information about a registered company:
Unique Entity Number (UEN): This is the standard identification number for all registered business entities in Singapore.
Company Name: The official registered name of the company.
Registration Status: Whether the company is currently active ("Live"), struck off, or in liquidation.
Registered Address: The official registered business address in Singapore. It's worth noting if the address seems unusual (e.g., a residential address for a large business).
Principal Activities: A description of the company's main business activities, classified using the SSIC code.
Date of Incorporation: The date when the company was officially registered.
Directors: The names and details of the company's directors. At least one director must be a local resident (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder with a Letter of Consent).
Shareholders: The names and details of the company's shareholders and their shareholdings.
Company Secretary: Every Singapore-registered company must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation.
Paid-Up Capital: The total value of shares that have been issued and paid for by the shareholders.
Financial Year End (FYE): The date on which the company's financial year ends.
Annual Returns (AR) Filing History: Information on whether the company has filed its annual returns with ACRA, which is a mandatory requirement.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Details: For public companies, information about their Annual General Meetings may be available.
Financial Statements: Some financial information may be available, especially for public companies.
Importance of Checking the Company Register:
Due Diligence: Verifying a company's registration is crucial for due diligence before entering into any business dealings.
Legitimacy: It helps confirm that a company is legally registered and operating in Singapore.
Transparency: It provides access to key information about a company's structure and compliance.
Avoiding Fraud: Checking the register can help you identify potentially fraudulent or unreliable entities.
Alternative Methods:
SGSecure QR Code: Some Singaporean businesses integrate an SGSecure QR code on their official documents. Scanning this code can provide quick verification of key business information.
Engaging a Corporate Service Provider: If you are a foreigner without a Singpass (Singapore Personal Access) account, you will likely need to engage a corporate service provider to conduct searches on BizFile+ on your behalf. These providers can also assist with company incorporation and other regulatory filings.
In summary, the ACRA BizFile+ portal is the official and most comprehensive resource for searching the Singapore company register. You can perform basic searches for free or purchase detailed Business Profiles for a small fee.
How Bestar can Help
Bestar in Singapore can offer a wide range of services to help businesses establish, operate, and grow while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Here's a breakdown of how we can help:
1. Company Incorporation/Business Registration:
Guiding you through the process: Bestar is experts in Singapore's business registration procedures and can advise on the most suitable business structure (e.g., Private Limited, Sole Proprietorship, LLP).
Preparing and filing necessary documents: We handle the paperwork required by ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) for company registration, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Reserving your company name: We can assist with checking the availability of your desired company name and submitting the application.
Registered office address: Bestar provides a registered office address service, which is a mandatory requirement for Singaporean companies.
Assisting foreign individuals/entities: We are particularly helpful for foreigners who may be unfamiliar with local regulations and procedures.
2. Corporate Secretarial Services:
Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act: We help companies meet their statutory obligations, such as filing annual returns, maintaining statutory registers, and organizing Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
Acting as a Company Secretary: Every Singaporean company must appoint a Company Secretary within six months of incorporation. Bestar can fulfill this role.
Drafting corporate resolutions and minutes: We assist in preparing documentation for board meetings and shareholder resolutions.
Updating ACRA on changes: We handle filings related to changes in directors, shareholders, registered address, etc.
3. Accounting and Bookkeeping Services:
Maintaining accurate financial records: We can manage your company's day-to-day bookkeeping, ensuring proper recording of transactions.
Preparing financial statements: We can prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
Managing accounts payable and receivable: We can handle invoicing, payments, and collections.
Bank reconciliation: Ensuring your bank records match your internal accounts.
4. Taxation Services:
Corporate tax compliance: We can assist with the computation and filing of corporate income tax returns with IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore).
Goods and Services Tax (GST): We can help with GST registration, filing of GST returns, and ensuring compliance with GST regulations.
Tax planning and advisory: Bestar offers advice on tax optimization strategies and available tax incentives.
Submission of Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI).
5. Payroll Services:
Processing salary payments: We can manage your payroll, ensuring timely and accurate salary disbursements to employees.
Handling CPF contributions: We can calculate and submit Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions and other statutory deductions.
Employee tax matters: We can assist with the preparation and submission of employee income tax forms (IR8A).
Compliance with MOM regulations: Ensuring adherence to the Ministry of Manpower's employment regulations.
6. Business Advisory and Consulting:
Strategic planning: Bestar offers guidance on business strategy and growth.
Market entry advice: Assisting foreign companies in understanding the Singaporean market.
Applying for licenses and permits: We can help identify and apply for the necessary licenses and permits to operate your business.
Government grants and incentives: We can advise on and assist with applications for relevant government support schemes.
7. Nominee Director Services:
Meeting local director requirements: For foreign-owned companies, Bestar can provide a local resident director to meet the statutory requirement.
8. Other Support Services:
Assisting with opening a corporate bank account.
HR-related services.
Immigration and work pass applications.
Data protection management.
Business valuation services.
Benefits of Engaging Bestar:
Expertise and Experience: Bestar has in-depth knowledge of Singapore's regulatory landscape and best practices.
Time and Cost Savings: Outsourcing these tasks can save you time and potentially reduce the need to hire a full in-house team.
Ensuring Compliance: We help you stay up-to-date with ever-changing regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties.
Focus on Core Business Activities: By offloading administrative and compliance tasks, you can focus on your core business operations and growth.
Access to a Network: Bestar has established networks that can be beneficial for your business.
When choosing a Corporate Service Provider, consider our reputation, experience, range of services, pricing transparency, and customer support. We are registered with ACRA as a Corporate Service Provider.
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