Your Trusted ACRA Registration Guide For 2026

In Singapore, registering a company costs SGD 315, takes one to three working days, and requires certain important information about your shareholders, directors, and business operations. Knowing exactly what to expect makes setting up your business lot easier.

This guide helps you through:

• What you require in order to access Bizfile+

• How to easily complete the registration process

• Important actions to take upon approval of your registration

1. What is ACRA and Why It Matters

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is Singapore’s official company registrar. If you want to start a business here, ACRA registration is your first official legal step.

Once you register your company through Bizfile+, ACRA’s online portal, your business becomes a recognized legal entity with a Unique Entity Number (UEN). You’ll need a UEN to:

• Open a business bank account

• Send official invoices

• Apply for corporate grants and licenses

• Stay compliant with Singapore tax regulations

ACRA vs. Bizfile+ Explained:ACRA is the government agency in charge of regulating companies in Singapore. Bizfile+ is the online portal that ACRA uses to handle everything digitally, from incorporation to annual filings. Think of ACRA as the authority, and Bizfile+ as the system you use to interact with them.

2. What to Prepare Before ACRA Registration

Before you touch the Bizfile+ form, it helps to get a few key details ready. This speeds up the process and prevents your application from being delayed or rejected.

ACRA Company Registration Checklist

What You’ll Need	Why It Matters
Approved Business Entity Name	You must reserve a unique, compliant name on Bizfile+ first. You’ll need the transaction number during registration.
Same Entity Type as Name Reservation	You must register the exact entity type you selected when reserving your name (e.g., Pte. Ltd., LLP).
At least one Local Director	Every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Citizen, PR, or valid pass holder like an EP).
At least one Shareholder	Can be an individual or a company, local or foreign. One person can be both a director and a shareholder.
Company Secretary	Required within 6 months of incorporation. You can appoint one during registration or later.
Registered Office Address (SG)	A physical address in Singapore (no P.O. boxes). Virtual office addresses are acceptable.
Paid-up Capital	Minimum of SGD 1. You can always increase this capital amount later.
Company Constitution	A legal document defining how your company is governed. You can use ACRA’s free model constitution or upload a custom one.
SSIC Code	A code describing your main business activity. Bizfile+ will suggest matches based on your keywords.
Financial Year End (FYE)	You must choose your company’s FYE during registration, which determines your annual filing deadlines (e.g., 31 Dec or 31 Mar).

3. How to Register Your Company with ACRA

Once you’ve got everything prepared, it’s time to head to Bizfile+ and start your company registration. The process takes around 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your details ready.

Step 1: Log in to Bizfile+

Go to the official Bizfile+ portal and log in. If you are a Singapore resident registering the company yourself, choose Individual User and log in via Singpass.

Note: If you are a foreign founder without a Singpass, you will need to engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to submit the application on your behalf via their Business User portal.

Step 2: Start New Company Registration

From the main dashboard navigation, select: Register > Register New Entity > Register New Business Entity.

On the introduction page, enter your business name transaction number to retrieve your previously approved name information.

Step 3: Fill in Company Details

Several fields like your entity name, type, and primary business activity (SSIC code) will auto-populate from your name reservation. You will need to manually enter:

• Your chosen Financial Year End (FYE)

• Your Singapore registered office address

• Official business contact email address

Step 4: Add Position Holders

Input the identification details (Full name, ID/Passport, nationality, and residential address) for all:

• Directors (Ensure at least one is a local resident)

• Shareholders

• Company Secretary

Step 5: Share Capital Allotment

Specify how your company shares are distributed among your shareholders. You will need to input the currency type (usually SGD), share class (typically Ordinary), the number of shares, and the total paid-up share capital.

Step 6: Constitution & Declarations

Choose whether to adopt the standard ACRA Model Constitution or upload your own customized version. Review all details carefully, check the legal declaration boxes, and submit.

Important: If you are filing as an individual, all other position holders must log in to Bizfile+ to endorse their appointments before payment can be processed.

Step 7: Pay the Fee

Once all endorsements are complete, pay the standard SGD 315 government incorporation fee via credit card or PayNow. Most standard applications are approved within a few hours to 3 business days.

4. What Happens After ACRA Registration

Congratulations! Your business is officially live. Once approved, ACRA will issue your Unique Entity Number (UEN), a Certificate of Incorporation, and your Bizfile Business Profile (PDF).

To wrap up your setup and stay fully compliant from day one, make sure to check off these immediate next steps:

1. Open a Business Bank Account: You will need your UEN, Bizfile Business Profile, and ID documents for all directors and ultimate beneficial owners.

   
   

2. Formally Appoint a Corporate Secretary: By law, you must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation to track compliance deadlines and maintain statutory records.

   
   

3. Register for GST (If Applicable): If your expected annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, registration is mandatory. If it's less, you can still choose to register voluntarily.

   
   

4. Track Compliance Deadlines: Keep a close eye on your corporate tax filing with IRAS and your regular Annual Return filing deadlines with ACRA to avoid late penalties.

   
   

5. How Expede Tech Helps with ACRA Registration

You could spend hours reading ACRA guides, cross-referencing SSIC codes, and worrying about whether a minor filing mistake will delay your launch. Or, you can let Expede Tech Pte. Ltd. handle the heavy lifting for you.

As your trusted incorporation and technology partner, Expede Tech streamlines the entire setup process. We don't just fill out forms—we provide a seamless, end-to-end digital experience to ensure your entity is built to scale.

• Expert Structuring Guidance: Not sure how to split shares or optimize your setup? Our experts guide you on the best structure for your unique business goals.

• No Bizfile+ Friction: You don't have to navigate confusing government portals or worry about Singpass access. We manage the submission from start to finish.

• Complete Compliance Bundling: We can provide a registered office address, professional corporate secretarial services, and local nominee directors if needed, keeping your company perfectly aligned with Singapore law.

• Built for Global Founders: Whether you are on the ground in Singapore or setting up your business remotely from halfway across the world, our digital onboarding ensures a frictionless experience.

Let Expede Tech take care of the paperwork so you can focus on building what matters. Reach out to our incorporation team today to get started!