Company Registration Numbers in Singapore: How to Check a UEN

When doing business in Singapore, you need to verify who you're working with. Whether you're considering a new supplier, looking for a business partner, or vetting a potential client, checking their company registration details should be your first step.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use a Singapore company's Unique Entity Number (UEN) to verify its legitimacy, what important information to look out for, and red flags that might signal potential issues. We'll also show you how Wise Business can help streamline your business finances, giving you full visibility of your international transactions.

Table of contents
Why you need to verify a company in Singapore How to check on a Singapore-registered company What is a UEN? Checklist for verifying a Singapore company FAQs

Why you need to verify a company in Singapore

Taking time to check a Singapore company's registration details isn't just bureaucratic caution - it's smart business practice. Here's why:

1. Mitigating fraud risks

Singapore's reputation as a business hub makes it attractive not just to legitimate businesses, but to fraudulent operators, too. Verifying a company's registration helps ensure you're dealing with a genuine entity and reduces the risk of scams that could lead to financial losses and reputational damage.

2. Ensuring legal compliance

When entering any business relationship, you need to confirm that the company is properly registered and in good standing with regulatory authorities. This step is crucial for making sure that you are also complying with regulations and avoiding legal complications down the line, especially when drafting contracts or forming partnerships.

3. Performing due diligence

Before engaging in significant transactions, investments, or partnerships, it's essential to conduct thorough due diligence. Checking a company's registration details provides insights into its history, structure, and legitimacy - foundational information for deciding who to work with.

4. Protecting your business reputation

Your business reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Partnering with or sourcing from unregistered or non-compliant companies can negatively impact how others perceive your business. Verification helps ensure your partners meet your high ethical and legal standards.

5. Assessing creditworthiness

A company's registration details will reflect its stability. This information is particularly helpful when deciding whether to extend credit or negotiating safe payment terms with new business partners.

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How to check on a Singapore-registered company

The primary method for verifying a Singapore company's details is through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), which maintains the official business registry in Singapore. Here's how to access this information:

ACRA BizFile+ Search

The most direct way to check a company's registration is through ACRA's online portal, BizFile+:¹

1. Visit the ACRA BizFile+ website
2. Create an account if you don't already have one
3. Navigate to the "eServices" section
4. Select "Purchase Information" and then "Business Profile"
5. Search for the company using its name or UEN

ACRA Business Profile

Pro-tip: For a fee (typically SGD 5.50), you can purchase a company's business profile from ACRA. This comprehensive profile contains vital information, including:²

• UEN
• Registered business address
• Company's principal activities
• Current status (e.g., "Live," "Struck Off," or "In Liquidation")
• Date of incorporation
• Details of directors and shareholders
• Paid-up capital

This official profile provides the most reliable and current information about a company's standing in Singapore.

What is a UEN?

The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a standard identification number issued to all business entities registered in Singapore. It serves as the company's registration number and is used for all government transactions. The UEN replaced the former Business Registration Number (BRN) as part of Singapore's effort to streamline business identification.

➡️ You can learn more about UENs and how they're used in Singapore's tax system in our guide to Singapore tax identification numbers. ⬅️

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What information should you look out for?

When reviewing a company's registration details, pay special attention to these key areas:

Registration status

Most importantly, check if the company is currently active. A status of "Live" indicates the company is registered and operating. "Struck Off" means the company has been removed from the register (usually due to non-compliance or closure), while "In Liquidation" means the company is in the process of being dissolved.

Registered address

The registered address should be a legitimate business location. Be cautious if you notice:

• A virtual office listed as the registered address when the company claims to have a large physical operation
• A residential address for a company that should logically require commercial space
• Many unrelated companies registered at the same address, which could indicate a shell company or front

Principal activities

Check whether the company's registered business activities align with what they claim to do. Significant discrepancies could indicate potential misrepresentation or even fraudulent intentions.

Directors and shareholders

Review who's behind the company:

• Research the directors' backgrounds and experience
• Check for frequent changes in directors, especially in key positions like CEO or CFO, which might indicate internal instability
• Use ACRA to check the directors' history - have they been involved in companies that went bankrupt or faced legal issues?

Paid-up capital

This represents the amount of money shareholders have invested in the company. While a low paid-up capital doesn't automatically signal problems, it's worth noting if:

• The amount seems insufficient for the company's claimed size and operations
• The business operates in an industry that typically requires significant capital
• The low capital is combined with other red flags like frequent director changes

Compliance history

Look for any past or pending legal issues or regulatory actions against the company:

• Check ACRA's website for enforcement actions
• Search for news articles about the company
• Be especially cautious if you find a pattern of non-compliance or legal disputes

Cross-check information

Compare information from different sources:

• Does the information on the company's website match what's on ACRA?
• Are there inconsistencies in the company's name, address, or business activities across different platforms?
• Do they give vague or evasive answers when asked for information?

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Checklist for verifying a Singapore company

Use this step-by-step checklist when checking a company's details:

1. Search ACRA BizFile+: Use the company's name or UEN to find its registration details.
2. Review registration status: Confirm the company is active and registered.
3. Check registered address: Verify it's a legitimate business location.
4. Verify principal activities: Ensure they match what the company claims to do.
5. Examine directors and shareholders: Research who's behind the company.
6. Assess paid-up capital: Consider if it's appropriate for the business size and type.
7. Check for compliance issues: Look for any legal or regulatory actions against the company.
8. Cross-reference information: Compare details from ACRA with the company's website and marketing materials.
9. Be alert for red flags: Watch for unusual addresses, frequent changes in directors, and discrepancies in information.

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FAQs

What if I can't find a company using its name?

If you're having trouble locating a company, try these approaches:

• Use variations of the company name (with or without "Pte Ltd," etc.)
• Search using keywords related to the company's business activities
• If you know a director's name, search for companies associated with that individual
• Contact ACRA directly for assistance if you still can't find the company

How much does an ACRA Business Profile cost?

As of March 2025, the cost of obtaining a business profile from ACRA is typically around SGD 5.50. ACRA accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and online banking transfers.

What should I do if I suspect a company is fraudulent?

If you have reason to believe a company is engaging in fraudulent activities:

• Report your concerns to ACRA through their website or contact their enforcement division
• File a report with the police if you've been victimised
• Gather and preserve as much evidence as possible to support your claim

How do I register my own Singapore company?

If you're interested in registering your own company in Singapore, we have comprehensive guides to help you through the process:

• ➡️ How to Register a Company in Singapore
• ➡️ Starting a Business in Singapore as a Foreigner

💡Pro tip for overseas business owners: When starting a business in Singapore, you'll likely need proof of address for various services, such as setting up utilities or telecommunications. While traditional Singapore banks might present challenges for foreign business owners, a Wise Business account can provide a convenient solution. You can open an account in minutes and use your account statements as proof of address for many business services.

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Get full control of your business finances with Wise Business

While you're checking on potential business partners, it's equally important to keep track of your own business transactions.
Many business owners find that traditional business bank accounts make it difficult to get full visibility of their cash flow, especially for international transactions with frequent currency exchanges.

💡This is where Wise Business can help. It works alongside your traditional business account to provide

• Multi-currency capabilities: Hold and manage money in 40+ currencies, making international business transactions simpler.
• Transparent fees: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups, and see clear, low fees upfront for all your international transfers.
• Fast international transfers: Send money to 140+ countries quickly and efficiently.
• Business debit cards: Make online purchases securely with virtual cards, or use physical cards for in-person transactions in 150+ countries.
• Local account details: Receive payments like a local business in 8+ currencies, including SGD, USD, EUR, and GBP.

Whether you're paying suppliers, receiving payments from international clients, or managing expenses across borders, Wise Business gives you the transparency and control you need, all while keeping costs down.

Get started with Wise Business today

Wise Business pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1 - BizFile

2 - How to Buy an ACRA Business Profile

Sources checked on 25.03.2025.