Singapore is the world’s fastest-growing economic centre nowadays. This makes it an ideal location for businesses and investors to expand in Asia.
The preference for Singapore is attributed to its strategic location, multicultural workforce, low tax rates, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Additionally, the stable governmental and political system, along with effective laws and regulations, establishes a strong foundation for business success in Singapore.
Getting a business or company incorporated is one of the most important steps one can take when doing business in Singapore, and that is when a Certificate of Incorporation comes into play!
What is the certificate of Incorporation?
A Certificate of Incorporation is an official document issued by the government, legally acknowledging a company as a distinct legal entity. It symbolizes the completion of the registration process and grants the company its legal standing.
ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority)
Singapore’s regulator of business entities and public accountants, ACRA, maintains an accurate and up-to-date register of all registered companies. Also, It is the entity responsible for issuing the certificate of incorporation to the business entities.
To find out where a company is incorporated in Singapore, you can follow these steps:
- Checking with ACRA website
Directory Search (ACRA)
To search for the incorporation details of a company in Singapore, you can utilize the online services provided by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA offers an online business directory and search function on its official website, allowing you to access information about the registered companies.
Here are the steps to perform an ACRA search:
- Visit the ACRA website: Go to the official website of ACRA (https://www.acra.gov.sg/).
- Navigate to the “Search for business entity” option. Click on it to proceed.
- Enter the Unique Entity Number (UEN) or Company Name. You can search for a company by entering its name or registration number in the search bar.
- Review the Search Results: The search will provide a list of companies matching your criteria. Select the relevant company from the list.
- Access Company Information: Once you’ve selected the company, you can view its detailed information, which includes:
- Company name
- UEN (Unique Entity Number)
- Status
- Registered Address
- Industry type
- Annual return
- AGMs and so forth.
Also note :
- Only engage with a business entity that holds a ‘live’ status in ACRA’s register. A ‘live’ status indicates that the business entity is currently active and recognized.
- The search result will also display the validity of the registered business address. If you encounter difficulties reaching a business entity at its registered address or principal place of business, or if there are suspicions of a sudden move, exercise caution before engaging with it.
Business Profile(ACRA)
You can also procure a Business Profile at nominal charges through ACRA’s iShop to gather additional information about a business entity. This option can also be used to obtain details about a second business entity that approaches you with proposals to resolve existing problems.
People profile(ACRA)
If you want to obtain additional information about individuals associated with a business entity, a People Profile list on ACRA’s website provides a list of all the business entities that a person is involved in, along with his/her status and roles in those entities.
Contact ACRA:
If you are unable to find the information online, you can contact ACRA directly for assistance. ACRA’s customer service or helpline can guide you in locating the place of incorporation for a specific company.
2. Seeking professional help:
Engaging professional assistance to determine where a company is incorporated in Singapore offers peace of mind and minimizes the risk of errors or oversights in the processes. There are several compelling reasons to consider this approach:
- Legal expertise
- Efficiency and timeliness
- Accuracy
- Guidance through regulations
- Avoiding challenges
- Access to resources
- Preventing legal complications and so forth.
To sum up, verifying the incorporation of a company in Singapore requires a thorough and systematic approach. Utilizing the online resources provided by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), such as the search tools and helpline, is essential. Verifying the ‘live’ status of the company is crucial for accurate information.
Seeking professional help from experts well-versed in corporate law and regulations can provide added assurance and guidance. By combining these methods, individuals and businesses can navigate the process effectively and ensure reliable information about the incorporation of a company in Singapore.
