A Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying a Company Name in Singapore (ACRA Check)
Verifying a company’s legitimacy is a prudent first step before initiating any business relationship. Due diligence is advisable and expected in Singapore’s transparent and well-regulated corporate environment. Whether you are entering a new partnership, evaluating a potential supplier, or assessing a client, conducting a background check can protect your interests and mitigate risk.
Fortunately, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) offers a reliable and accessible online platform that allows anyone to verify company details with ease. This article outlines the step-by-step process for confirming the legal and operational status of a Singapore-registered entity.
Read more about Singapore Company Name Checker
Here’s how you can verify a company in Singapore:
1. Go to ACRA’s free online directory search platform: https://www.bizfile.gov.sg/
2. Key in the “company name” (which you would like to verify)
3. You will be prompted to go through CAPTCHA verification (note: CAPTCHA verification is to ensure you are human and not a spam-sending computer).
4. You will then be presented with information related to the company.
- a) The company’s name, address, UEN and industry
- The registered business address of the company in Singapore will be displayed here. This is particularly useful when running a background check – a wrong registered address / suspicious premise location will raise a red flag.
- b) The business entity’s status
- You will find information about the company’s status. The “live” status is important as it indicates tells whether the company currently exists and is operating.
- c) The entity’s compliance rating for annual filing
- While a green tick indicates that the company complies with the annual filing requirements under the Companies Act, a red cross means otherwise. To be precise, a green tick indicates that the company has held its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) promptly, presented its latest accounts at the AGM, and filed the Annual Return (“AR”) within 30 days after the AGM.
-
- You can click “click to see more” to find out more information, like the last AR’s date, the last AGM’s date, etc.
It is always a good practice to run a background check on a new business partner to identify the company’s worthiness. A thorough background check can help you make informed decisionsdecide and protect yourself from fake or dubious companies.
This is the fastest way to verify if a company is registered in Singapore and ensure it meets all Singapore company compliance requirements.
Why Should You Verify a Company in Singapore?
- It will help you avoid dealing with unregistered companies engaging in fraudulent business.
- You must confirm and ensure that the company is registered in Singapore before signing contracts with them.
- You can also check the company’s compliance status, including its unique Entity Number (UEN) and registered address.
- Protect yourself by running a business background check using official sources.
Red Flags to Watch Out For During the Company Verification Process in Singapore:
- No valid UEN or missing company details
- Non-compliance with annual filing requirements
- No registered office address in Singapore
- Business not listed on ACRA despite claiming to be incorporated
Before entering any business partnership, always verify the Singapore company properly. You can use ACRA’s company name check tool to confirm the business status, check compliance records, and protect yourself from potential fraud.
Grounds on Which ACRA May Reject Your Singapore Company Registration
1. Business Name Refusal
ACRA may reject your proposed company name if it:
- Is undesirable or offensive
- Is identical or too similar to existing registered names
- Matches a reserved name or one prohibited by ministerial direction (e.g., “Temasek”)
- May lead to legal disputes, even if initially approved, due to similarity with another entity’s established name.
2. No Registered Singapore Address
Every company must have a physical local address (not a P.O. Box). As per the Companies Act:
- It must be open and accessible for at least 3 hours during business hours on working days.
- Home addresses may be used under the URA/HDB Home Office Scheme, but will be publicly visible.
- Alternatively, consider using a virtual office to maintain privacy while meeting legal requirements.
3. Missing Business Licence
- You must select the correct SSIC code (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification) when registering.
- If your business falls under a regulated sector, you must obtain the relevant licences before registration.
4. Insufficient Shareholders
- A Private Limited Company requires a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 50 shareholders.
- Shareholders can be individuals or entities, local or foreign.
- For an exempt private company, up to 20 individual shareholders are allowed—corporate shareholding is not permitted.
5. No Local Director Appointed
- Every company must have at least one local director, who is:
- A Singapore citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder.
- At least 18 years old and legally eligible to be a director.
- A Singapore citizen, PR, or Employment Pass holder.
- If unavailable, you may appoint a Nominee Director to fulfil this requirement.
- A qualified company secretary must also be appointed within 6 months of incorporation.
Conclusion
To successfully register a business in Singapore, entrepreneurs must follow a structured process that includes securing name and address approval from ACRA, preparing the necessary documentation, and submitting a complete application. Singapore’s pro-business environment and streamlined regulatory framework make the incorporation journey efficient and entrepreneur-friendly.
For expert guidance and a hassle-free registration experience, consider partnering with 3E Accounting—a trusted firm known for its professionalism, local expertise, and comprehensive corporate services tailored to every business need.
Related Guides:
Singapore Company Name Checker Tool
ACRA Singapore Registrar of Companies
Guide to Select Your Singapore Company Name
