Guide to Checking Business Tenure for Companies in Singapore

Translation

Singapore, as a globally renowned financial and business hub, has attracted numerous international businesses to register their companies. For many investors or entrepreneurs interested in setting up operations in Singapore, understanding the operational lifespan of a company is a key concern. While the Companies Act provides detailed regulations on corporate governance, many people remain unclear about how to check the operating duration of a Singaporean company and where to obtain such information. This article will clarify relevant details, incorporating recent news updates.

1. Company Types and Their Relation to Operational Duration

It's important first to understand that common types of companies in Singapore include Private Limited Companies, Public Companies, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships. Among these, the Private Limited Company Pte Ltd is the most commonly chosen structure by foreign investors.

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, once registered, a Private Limited Company is considered a perpetual entity. Unless it voluntarily applies for deregistration or is compulsorily struck off the register, its operation has no fixed end date. In other words, as long as the company continues to meet its annual reporting and tax obligations, it can legally operate indefinitely.

Legally speaking, there is no predetermined time limit on a Singaporean company’s existence. However, certain licensed operations may be subject to specific restrictions-for instance, industries requiring periodic license renewal. These conditions are typically indicated in the company’s business license or related permits.

2. How to Check Basic Information of a Singapore Company?

If you need to verify basic information about a Singaporean company-such as whether it is still active, its incorporation date, shareholder structure, etc.-the most authoritative method is through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal.

Steps

1. Visit the BizFile+ official website at https//www.bizfile.gov.sg/https//www.bizfile.gov.sg/

2. Register an account or log in with an existing one;

3. Use the Search function to enter the company name or Unique Entity Number UEN;

4. Review publicly available data such as company status Active/Struck Off, incorporation date, paid-up capital, director and shareholder lists, etc.

Note that some sensitive details, such as shareholders' equity percentages, might require payment or authorized access. If a company is undergoing liquidation or has been struck off, this status will also be clearly shown in the system.

3. Latest Policy Update ACRA’s Digital Service Enhancements

In recent years, ACRA has actively promoted digital transformation in enterprise services to improve compliance efficiency and transparency. In July 2025, ACRA announced new features, including streamlined annual filing procedures, automated reminder systems, and enhanced tools for retrieving company information.

According to The Straits Times, ACRA plans to further simplify the information search process and intends to open more API interfaces in the coming months, enabling third-party platforms to access official databases and provide more accurate services to businesses. This move will undoubtedly make it easier for foreign investors to access information about Singapore-based companies, thereby enhancing market transparency.

Additionally, ACRA has intensified its efforts to clean up inactive companies. As announced in September 2025, the authority will step up scrutiny of companies that have not submitted annual reports over extended periods. A number of dormant zombie companies are expected to be removed from the registry. Therefore, checking the current status of a target company is especially important for potential partners or investors.

4. Alternative Channels for Information Retrieval

Besides the official ACRA channels, several third-party commercial information service providers can assist in verifying background details of Singaporean companies, including

Dun Bradstreet DB

Crunchbase

CompanyCheck

Due diligence services offered by local law firms or accounting firms

These platforms often consolidate data from multiple sources and offer comprehensive business analysis reports, making them ideal for conducting due diligence before investment decisions or business collaborations.

5. Conclusion

There is no set expiration date for a company in Singapore, provided it meets all regulatory obligations on time. The most direct way to verify a company’s status is through the BizFile+ platform. With continuous improvements in digital services, accessing such information has become increasingly efficient and transparent.

For individuals considering setting up a company in Singapore or engaging in business cooperation with local entities, mastering these query techniques not only helps mitigate risks but also supports informed decision-making in future business strategies.