How to apply for a Certificate of Incorporation

When venturing into the world of business, especially in Singapore, you’ll come across various terms and documents that might seem confusing at first. One such crucial document is the Certificate of Incorporation. In this guide, we will explain its significance, the process of obtaining it, and why it’s a fundamental part of your business formation in Singapore.

1. What Is a Certificate of Incorporation?

The Certificate of Incorporation, often abbreviated as “COI,” is a legally significant document issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore. This certificate serves as indisputable evidence that your company has been successfully registered and is now recognised as a separate legal entity.

2. What does the COI contain:

• Company Name: The legal name of the company as registered with ACRA.
• Unique Entity Number (UEN) / Registration Number: A unique identifier assigned to the company for official and transactional purposes.
• Incorporation Date: The date on which the company was officially incorporated and recognized as a separate legal entity.
• Nature of Business Entity: Specifies the type of business entity, such as private limited, public limited, and so on.
• Former Names of the Company: If applicable, only five most recent former names will be listed.
• Companies Act

3. Significance of the Certificate

The COI carries immense importance for your business, as it:

• Confirms your company’s existence and official registration with ACRA.
• Contains essential details such as your company’s name, registration number, date of incorporation, and business structure (e.g., private limited company, limited liability partnership, etc.).
• Facilitates critical business activities, including opening corporate bank accounts, entering into contracts, and seeking investments or funding.

4. How to Apply for the Certificate of Incorporation

1. Before proceeding with registration, ensure your chosen company name is unique and available for use. ACRA has specific guidelines and criteria for naming your company.
2. Go to ACRA’s BizFile+ and click on ‘Buy Information’.
3. Pay the applicable registration fees to ACRA.
4. Following your successful payment, you will receive an email containing instructions for downloading the product guide within 15 minutes. Alternatively, if the purchase is done via Singpass, you can login at ACRA BizFile⁺ portal, click on Messages to access the above same email message. The download for the purchased product will remain valid for 7 days from the date of purchase.
5. If a physical copy is needed, you can obtain it through the ACRA BizFile portal using a similar process.
6. Collection or Postal Delivery: For hard copies, you have two options:
   • Collect the document in person at the ACRA reception on the next working day (approximately 24 hours after payment).
   • Request ACRA to post the document to your specified address for added convenience.

Summary

In conclusion, the Certificate of Incorporation is more than just a piece of paper; it is the birth certificate of your new business in Singapore. Understanding its significance and the process of obtaining it is essential for a smooth start to your entrepreneurial journey in the Lion City.