ACRA business registration is one of the essential goals for every local and foreign company to be able to legalize their business in Singapore. ACRA is the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, an official body that supervises business entities in Singapore. Here is a simple summary guide that we have summarized step by step regarding ACRA business registration and the application process.
Overview:
What is ACRA Business Registration?
ACRA is a Singaporean official authority for business registration, ensuring compliance with the companies Act. All businesses (Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships, and Private Limited Companies (PTE LTD) ) must register with ACRA before operating
Type of Business Entities in Singapore
In Singapore, Business can be registered under different legal structures, such as:
Sole Proprietorship – Owned by one person; no legal separation between owner and business
Partnership – Two or more owners sharing profits and liabilities
Limitied Liability Partnership (LLP) – Partners have Limited liability; hybrid of partnership and company
Private Limited Company (PTE LTD) – Separate legal entity; limited liability for shareholders.
💡Some tips : What is Sole Proprietorship and Private Limited Company?
Eligibility & requirements
before registering, ensure:
- Business Name is approved (must be uniqe and comply ACRA guidelines)
- At least one director (must be a Singaporean resident: citizen, PR or Employment Pass holder).
- Company Secretary (Required for PTE LTD within 6 months of Incorporation)
- Registered Address (must be a physical Location in Singapore, not PO Box )
- Minimum Share Capital (Company X isusses shares at $1 share capital)
Step by Step Registration Process
- Step 1 – Choose a Business Structure
Decide between Sole Propretorship, Partnership, LLP, PTE LTD based on liability, tax and Compliance - Step 2 – Reverse a Business Name
- Submit via ACRA Bizfile+ (https://www.bizfile.gov.sg/instruction/name-application)
- Name must no be offensive, already taken or resemble government agencies
- Approval take 1-2 hours (cost $15)
- Step 3 – Prepare require documents
- Sole proprietorship/Partnership:
- Owner/partner NRIC (Singaporeans/PRs) or Passport (Foreigners).
- For PTE LTD:
- Directors & shareholder details
- Company constitution (replace Memorandum & Article of Association)
- Sole proprietorship/Partnership:
- Step 4: Submit Application Via Bizfile
- Apply online with Singpass or CorpPass
- pay registration fees:
- Sole Proprietorship/ Partnership: $50 – $100
- Pte Ltd: $300 – $600
- Processing time: 1-3 business days
- Receive Approval & Documents
- Sucessful applicants get:
- Business registration certificate (for sole props/partnerships)
- Certificate of Incorporation (for PTE LTD)
- Unique entity number (UEN) – used for tax and government transactions.
- Sucessful applicants get:
Post Registration Requirement
- Open a corporate Bank Account
- Register GST (if annual turnover exceeds $1 million)
- Apply for necessary business licenses (e.g, f&b, retail)
- File annual returns with ACRA (for companies).
Conclusion
ACRA business registration is fast and digital, making Singapore one of the easiest places to start a business. If you need help to Register your business with ACRA, with one accounting service we can help Register your business in Singapore.