Singapore has strict regulations on how companies can conduct their businesses in the country. Registration, among other things, is necessary. Upon registration, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) issues the registered company with a Certificate of Incorporation.

Here is everything you need to know about this vital document.

A Certificate of Incorporation is issued to assert that a company has been officially incorporated under the country’s laws and regulations. It also confirms that the registered company has a distinct and independent identity different from the identity of its owners. It contains the company’s important details about its nature and identity, including:

• The date when the company was incorporated
• The company’s name
• The company’s Unique Entity Number (UEN), or registration number
• The nature and type of the company
• Former names, if any, that the company may have gone by in the past

Companies in Singapore cannot operate without the Certificate of Incorporation and this certification is needed for even the most basic business transactions. (For instance, it is necessary when entering into trade agreements with clients and other companies.)

The Certificate of Incorporation is also necessary for business transactions with other companies and entities registered in or out of Singapore.

Check out our other useful guides for new start-ups!

• How to Raise Startup Capital in Singapore
• How to Choose Your ACRA-Approved Singapore Business Name
• How to Start a Business in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners
• What are the Payment Options for E-Commerce Businesses in Singapore?
• Effective Tax Planning for Companies Operating in Singapore

Forming a company in Singapore is easy. ACRA is the authority mandated with overseeing the whole registration process and the issuing of the Certificate of Incorporation. Upon successful incorporation, ACRA sends an electronic notification via mail. The e-notification will then be sent to senior members of the company.

It should be noted that the electronic copy of the certification is not signed and thus may not seem credible enough. If necessary, you can get a signed copy. However, a small payment is charged.

Signed copies of the Certificate of Incorporation is available for purchase from ACRA via BizFile. For a fee of $50, you can purchase a signed copy emailed to you at any time. Such purchases can only be made by the company’s senior officers, authorized representatives, and Corporate Service Providers.

You can also obtain a hard copy of the signed certification by purchasing it from the BizFile portal. The certification will be send to you at least 24 hours after the purchase has been finalized. Alternatively, you can collect it from the reception area at the ACRA offices personally at least 24 hours after the purchase has been finalized.

It is prudent to have a hard copy in hand as you will use it a lot when getting into deals with other companies and business entities.

Setting up a company in Singapore is quick and easy and the Certificate of Incorporation is your license to conduct business in the country.

Need help incorporating a company?

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Timcole is one of the leading company incorporation and accounting firm based in Singapore. Our wide range of professional services serve as a one-stop solution for your business, offering you the most affordable price for services conducted with the highest level of excellency.

Contact us to find out more on how we can help you with your company today.