A company registration number Singapore, also known as the Unique Entity Number (UEN), is a unique identifier assigned to every registered business entity by the government. This number serves as an official reference for legal, financial, and administrative purposes, enabling easy verification of a company’s legitimacy and status.
The UEN is issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), which regulates business entities in Singapore. Anyone can verify a company’s registration details, including its status and principal activities, through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal or other authorized platforms.
Understanding and accessing a company registration number is essential for business dealings, due diligence, and compliance checks. It provides a reliable way to confirm company information before engaging in transactions.
Understanding the Company Registration Number in Singapore
A company registration number serves as a unique identifier for businesses in Singapore. It provides essential information about the company’s legal status. The number is issued by a central authority and is required for official transactions, making it crucial for compliance and operational purposes.
What Is a Company Registration Number
The company registration number in Singapore is known as the Unique Entity Number (UEN). This number is assigned to a business entity when it completes registration with the relevant authorities. The UEN is alphanumeric and varies in length depending on the entity type.
It acts as a permanent identification code across government agencies for all registered companies, partnerships, and other entities. Unlike older registration identifiers, the UEN is designed to unify different registration systems under one clear sequence. It helps streamline interactions with regulatory bodies, banks, and clients.
Purpose and Importance of a Company Registration Number
The company registration number primarily serves to identify a business in all official dealings. It is used in tax filings, contracts, and government submissions. Without a valid number, a company cannot legally operate or enter into official transactions in Singapore.
Beyond identification, the registration number ensures transparency and facilitates regulatory oversight. It helps prevent fraud and verifies a company’s legitimacy. For stakeholders, including customers and investors, the number confirms that a business is registered and compliant with Singapore’s standards.
Who Issues the Company Registration Number
The Unique Entity Number is issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA serves as the national regulator for business entities in Singapore. It manages company incorporation, registration, and compliance monitoring.
Once a business completes registration through ACRA’s BizFile+ platform, the UEN is generated automatically. This process applies to all entity types, including private limited companies, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. ACRA also maintains a public register for verification purposes.
Where to Find Your Company Registration Number
The company registration number appears on official documents issued by ACRA. The most common document is the Certificate of Incorporation, which shows the company name, UEN, and incorporation date.
Businesses can also find their UEN on correspondence from government agencies and tax notices. Additionally, the UEN can be searched and verified through ACRA’s online BizFile+ portal, which provides access to public company information quickly and securely.
How to Obtain and Use a Company Registration Number in Singapore
The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is essential for business identification in Singapore. It is assigned after company incorporation and is used in official documents, legal matters, and compliance requirements. Understanding how to obtain, display, update, and apply this number is crucial for operating a business smoothly.
Process of Registering a Company and Receiving a Registration Number
Registration begins by submitting an application to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The applicant must provide a company name, select a business structure, and submit required documents such as identification and address details.
Once ACRA approves the application, it issues a Unique Entity Number (UEN). This registration number serves as the company’s official identification in all dealings with government agencies. The UEN is automatically generated and sent to the business owner upon incorporation completion.
The entire registration typically takes one to two days if all documents are in order. No separate application for the UEN is necessary as it is part of the registration process.
Legal Requirements for Displaying the Company Registration Number
Businesses in Singapore must display their UEN on specific documents and communication materials. These include:
Additionally, the UEN should appear on the company’s website and electronic communications when conducting business.
Failure to properly display the registration number can lead to penalties or compliance issues. It ensures transparency and legal accountability, enabling government agencies and other stakeholders to verify the business identity easily.
Changing or Updating Company Registration Details
If a company needs to update its business particulars—such as address, director details, or shareholding—it must file the relevant forms with ACRA promptly. However, the UEN itself does not change since it is permanent for the entity.
Updating details ensures that all legal records remain accurate for regulatory compliance, tax filings, and official correspondence. Changes usually require online submissions via the BizFile+ portal.
Delays or failure to update registration information can lead to legal consequences, including fines or suspension of business operations.
Common Uses of the Company Registration Number
The UEN is used across various official and business functions:
It acts as the primary reference for all government agencies and business partners to identify the company quickly. The UEN ensures proper record-keeping and verification throughout the business lifecycle.
