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 form of business relationship. In Singapore’s transparent and well-regulated corporate environment, due diligence is not only advisable but expected. 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 to confirm 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 make sure that 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 validity of the registered business address of the company in Singapore will be shown here. This is particularly useful when you are running background check – a wrong registered address / suspicious premise location will raise a red flag.
- b) The business entity’s status
- You will see information about the status of the company. The “live” status is important as it tells whether the company currently exists and operating, or otherwise.
- 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. Tobe precise, a green tick shows that the company has held its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) in a timely manner; and has its latest accounts presented at the AGM; has filed the Annual Return (“AR”) within 30 days after the AGM.
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- You can click “click to see more” to find out more information like the last AR’s date, last AGM’s date etc.
It is always a good practice to run a background check on a new business partner to identify the worthiness of the company. A thorough background check can help you to make the decision and protect yourself from fake or dubious companies.
This is the fastest way to check if a company is registered in Singapore and ensure they meet all Singapore company compliance requirements.
Why Should You Verify a Company in Singapore?
- It will help you avoid dealing with unregistered companies that may be engaging in fraudulent business.
- You get to confirm and make sure that the company is registered in Singapore before signing contracts with them.
- You also get to 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 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 into any business partnership, always perform a proper Singapore company verification. Using ACRA’s company name check tool, you can confirm the business status, check compliance records, and protect yourself from potential fraud.
Related Guides:
Singapore Company Name Checker Tool
ACRA Singapore Registrar of Companies
Guide to Select Your Singapore Company Name
