Guide to Checking Singapore Company Registration Numbers CRN

How to Conduct a Singapore Company Registration Number UEN Search A Comprehensive Guide

In today's globalized economy, more and more businesses and individuals are seeking to collaborate with companies based in Singapore. Whether for business dealings, contract signing, or verifying the legitimacy of a partner, understanding the basic information of a company is crucial. Among these, the Unique Entity Number UEN serves as a key identification code for Singapore-based companies. Knowing how to search for this number plays an important role in ensuring transactional security and enhancing business efficiency.

1. What is a Singapore UEN?

The Unique Entity Number UEN is a unique identification code issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA to all registered entities in Singapore, including companies, organizations, and non-profit institutions. It consists of 10 characters, which can be a combination of letters and numbers, such as 12345678X or T08LL0987K.

Similar to business license numbers, tax IDs, or legal entity codes in other countries, the UEN is essential when dealing with government agencies, banks, or other businesses, serving as a primary form of identification.

2. Why Should You Search for a UEN?

There are several key reasons why you might need to verify a UEN

1. Confirm Business Authenticity - Official UEN checks help confirm whether a company exists and holds valid registration.

2. Prevent Fraud Risk - With increasing cross-border scams, verifying a UEN can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.

3. Facilitate Business Procedures - UENs are often required when opening bank accounts, applying for visas, or signing contracts.

4. Tax Compliance and Due Diligence - International firms may request a UEN from Singaporean partners for tax reporting and compliance purposes.

3. How to Conduct a UEN Search

The most authoritative and reliable method is through the ACRA official website, the regulatory body responsible for business registrations in Singapore.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the ACRA Website

Go to https//www.acra.gov.sg/https//www.acra.gov.sg/, the official source for all registered business data in Singapore.

2. Use the Business Search Feature

On the homepage, click on Business Search to access the company information lookup tool.

Enter the company name or UEN to retrieve details such as

Registered company name

Status e.g., Live = active, Dormant = inactive, Struck off = deregistered

Date of incorporation

Registered address

UEN number

Partial shareholder structure some details may require payment

> Note Basic information is free to access, but detailed reports such as financial statements or shareholder lists may incur fees and must comply with legal regulations.

3. Third-Party Platforms for Supplementary Use

Some third-party platforms like Crunchbase, ZoomInfo, and CompanyCheck also offer Singapore company search services. These platforms aggregate public data and provide user-friendly interfaces and analytical tools, making them ideal for non-experts. However, keep in mind that their data may not always be up-to-date, so it's best to confirm critical information via ACRA’s official site.

4. Recent News and Trends as of July 2025

According to reports from Lianhe Zaobao, an increasing number of Chinese companies and investors are showing interest in Southeast Asian markets, with Singapore emerging as a top investment destination. However, there has also been a rise in fraudulent activities involving fake companies.

To address this issue, ACRA launched an updated version of its business search system in early 2025, featuring CAPTCHA verification and real-time updates to enhance the accuracy and security of public searches.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Chinese investment in Singapore grew by over 25% year-on-year in Q2 2025, spanning industries such as technology, manufacturing, and finance. In this context, knowing how to quickly and accurately verify Singapore company information has become an essential step for many Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.

5. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Q1 Can individuals perform a UEN search?

A Yes. Anyone can freely access basic registration details, including the UEN, via the ACRA website.

Q2 What does the Status mean in search results?

A Status indicates the current status of the company

Live Actively operating

Dormant Not currently active

Struck Off Deregistered or dissolved

Q3 What if I cannot find a company during the search?

A Possible reasons include

The company hasn't been registered yet

Typographical error in the name

The company has been deregistered

The entity is fictitious or illegal

It is recommended to double-check the spelling or consult a local attorney for further assistance.

6. Conclusion

In today’s interconnected business world, having accurate information about potential partners is essential. As a transparent and legally robust jurisdiction, Singapore maintains a highly accessible and standardized corporate registration system.

By leveraging official channels such as ACRA, users can efficiently verify UENs and company details, laying a solid foundation for international collaboration. Whether you're an entrepreneur entering foreign markets or an individual preparing to work with a Singaporean firm, mastering this skill will bring both convenience and peace of mind.