Starting a business in Singapore is a structured process governed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). One of the first official documents you will receive after successfully registering your company is the Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate is more than just a formality—it is the legal proof of your company’s existence and plays an important role in establishing credibility with banks, partners, and government agencies.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Certificate of Incorporation in Singapore, from its purpose to how to obtain, use, and replace it.
What is a Certificate of Incorporation in Singapore?
A Certificate of Incorporation is an official document issued by ACRA confirming that a company has been successfully registered under the Companies Act (Cap. 50). It marks the legal birth of your company, giving it the authority to operate as a corporate entity in Singapore.
The Certification of Incorporation is typically issued in electronic form and contains key details about your company’s registration, such as its name, registration number, and date of incorporation.
Purpose and Importance of the Certificate of Incorporation
The Certificate of Incorporation serves several important purposes:
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Proof of Legal Existence: Confirms that your company is officially registered with the Singapore government.
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Required for Certain Transactions: Essential when opening a corporate bank account, applying for business licenses, or entering into formal agreements.
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International Recognition: Many overseas partners, investors, and clients may request to see your certificate before doing business.
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Compliance Documentation: Acts as evidence of compliance with Singapore’s business registration laws.
Without this certificate, your business cannot legally represent itself as a registered company in Singapore.
Information Included in the Certificate of Incorporation
The standard Certificate of Incorporation issued by ACRA includes the following details:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Name | The approved name under which your company is registered |
| Unique Entity Number (UEN) | A unique identification number for your business |
| Date of Incorporation | The official date your company was registered |
| Company Type | For example, Private Limited Company, Public Company, etc. |
| Issuing Authority | Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) |
This concise but essential information is what makes the certificate a legal identifier for your company.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation in Singapore
When you register your company through ACRA, either directly or via a corporate service provider such as Margin Wheeler, the Certificate of Incorporation is automatically issued once the registration is complete.
The process typically involves:
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Company Name Approval: Submit your preferred name for approval via ACRA’s BizFile+ system.
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Filing Incorporation Documents: Prepare the company constitution, details of shareholders and directors, and registered office address.
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Payment of Fees: Pay the required incorporation fee.
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Issuance of Certificate: Upon approval, ACRA will send you the Certificate of Incorporation via email in PDF format.
For those who require a printed or certified true copy, it can be ordered separately through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal for a small fee.
Who Issues the Certificate of Incorporation?
In Singapore, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the sole government body responsible for issuing Certificates of Incorporation. This ensures that every registered company operates under the same legal framework and standards.
When the Certificate is Required?
While you may not need to present your Certificate of Incorporation for everyday operations, it is often required in these scenarios:
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Opening a corporate bank account
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Applying for business permits or licenses
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Signing contracts with government bodies or large corporations
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Engaging with overseas suppliers or investors
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Verifying company legitimacy in legal or financial matters
Keeping a digital copy on hand ensures you can provide it quickly when needed.
Differences Between Certificate of Incorporation and Business Profile
Although the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Profile are both issued by ACRA, they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Certificate of Incorporation | Business Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Proof of legal registration | Summary of company details for business reference |
| Format | Short, formal document | Detailed report (often multiple pages) |
| Content | Company name, UEN, date of incorporation, type of entity | Includes company officers, shareholders, business activities, share capital |
| Usage | Primarily for legal verification | Used for due diligence, applications, and general business purposes |
Both documents are useful, but the Certificate of Incorporation is the definitive proof that your business exists as a legal entity.
Updating or Replacing the Certificate of Incorporation
You may need to update or replace your certificate if:
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Your company changes its name.
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You lose the original copy and require a replacement.
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You need a certified true copy for legal or international purposes.
To replace or obtain a certified copy, you can request it through ACRA’s BizFile+ system by logging in with your Singpass. A small administrative fee applies.
Incorporate Your Singapore Company With Margin Wheeler!
The Certificate of Incorporation is one of the most important documents for any company registered in Singapore. It serves as official proof of your company’s legal status and is often required for corporate, financial, and legal transactions.
If you are planning to start your business in Singapore, Margin Wheeler can guide you through the incorporation process from start to finish. While the Certificate of Incorporation is not included by default in our incorporation service package, we can assist you in purchasing it from ACRA for a fee of S$100.
Our experienced team ensures all necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted promptly, so you can start your business with confidence. Incorporate your company in Singapore with us today!
