How to Check Singapore Company Registration Number Master the Key Methods and Tips in One Trick

How to Check a Singapore Company Registration Number UEN

In today's increasingly active business environment, understanding the basic information of a company has become essential for many professionals and investors. Particularly in international trade and cross-border cooperation, verifying the legal identity and business qualifications of a partner is especially critical. For individuals or companies planning to collaborate with Singaporean businesses, knowing how to check a Singapore company's registration number-officially known as the Unique Entity Number UEN-can help mitigate business risks and improve cooperation efficiency. So, how do you check a Singapore company registration number? This article will provide you with a detailed guide and practical tips.

What is a Singapore Company Registration Number?

Since 2009, Singapore has implemented a unified entity identification system, assigning a unique identifier-known as the Unique Entity Number UEN-to every legally registered business, organization, or sole proprietorship. A UEN consists of 9 or 10 characters, which may include both letters and numbers. It serves as a unique identifier for entities engaging in various official transactions, much like a national ID number for individuals.

The UEN is required in numerous business activities, including company registration, tax filing, bank account opening, and participation in tenders. When dealing with Singaporean companies, verifying their UEN is a crucial step in ensuring legitimacy and reliability.

Why Is It Important to Check a Singapore Company’s UEN?

There are several key reasons to verify a company's UEN

1. Verify Business Authenticity Checking the UEN through official channels confirms whether the business truly exists, helping to avoid fraud.

2. Confirm Business Qualifications UEN records often include details such as the company’s incorporation date, business scope, and current status e.g., active or deregistered, offering insight into its operational stability.

3. Facilitate Business Cooperation Providing accurate UEN information is standard practice in international contracts, invoicing, and financial transactions, enhancing professionalism.

4. Meet Compliance Requirements Many countries require the UEN of foreign partners for regulatory compliance during cross-border trade or investment.

How to Check a Singapore Company’s UEN - Detailed Methods

Method 1 Visit the ACRA Website

The most authoritative and direct way to find a UEN is through the website of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, Singapore’s main regulatory body for company registration and business affairs.

Steps

1. Open your browser and go to the ACRA website https//www.acra.gov.sghttps//www.acra.gov.sg

2. Locate the Business Search feature on the homepage.

3. Enter the full or partial company name in the search bar.

4. The system will display a list of matching companies. Click on the desired company name to view detailed information, including the UEN, incorporation date, and company status.

Note ACRA’s public database does not include contact details or shareholder information. More detailed records may require paid services.

Method 2 Use the Official Business Profile Feature

In addition to the ACRA website, Singapore offers an official feature called Business Profile, which allows users to generate a basic company information report.

Steps

1. Go to the ACRA website and navigate to the Business Profile section.

2. Enter the company name or UEN.

3. Download the PDF report, which includes the UEN, company type, registered address, and business status.

Method 3 Utilize Third-Party Business Information Platforms

With the growth of cross-border business, platforms like Dun Bradstreet, Crunchbase, and ZoomInfo now offer UEN lookup services. These platforms aggregate public data, including UENs, company backgrounds, and ownership structures.

While these platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive data, some advanced features may require payment. Also, due to reliance on public data, accuracy may be slightly lower compared to official sources. For critical purposes, always verify with the ACRA website.

Method 4 Obtain the UEN from Invoices or Contracts

Many Singaporean companies include their UEN on contracts, invoices, or quotation documents. This is a convenient method, especially for established business partners. However, always verify the UEN through official channels before use to ensure its accuracy and validity.

Tips and Precautions for UEN Search

1. Use Accurate Keywords Always input the full or exact company name to avoid search failures due to typos or abbreviations.

2. Combine Keywords If the company name is common, include additional details like address or industry type to improve search accuracy.

3. Check Company Status Results will show the company’s current status e.g., Live = active, Dormant = inactive, Struck off = deregistered. Confirm the company is still operational.

4. Beware of Fake Information Some companies may provide fake UENs. Always confirm through official channels like ACRA.

5. Protect Privacy While UENs are public information, be cautious not to expose sensitive personal or business data during searches.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check a Singapore company’s UEN is not only vital for secure business cooperation but also facilitates international trade and investment. By using the ACRA website, official databases, or trusted third-party platforms, you can quickly access reliable information. Applying effective search strategies and verifying company status can significantly improve your efficiency.

Whether you are a business owner, investor, or independent professional, mastering this skill will become a valuable asset in expanding your presence in the global market.