Where to Register a Company in Singapore? Three Popular Local Platforms Explained

Registering a company in Singapore is often the first step for many entrepreneurs entering international business. Yet, in practice, many are unsure where to begin-and even less certain which channels are truly reliable, efficient, and aligned with local operational norms. Local professionals and startup teams typically avoid selecting intermediaries at random; instead, they prioritize using established platforms or widely validated digital services to complete the registration process.

Three Main Entry Points for Company Registration in Singapore

1. ACRA’s BizFile+ System (via the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority website)

2. Enterprise Singapore’s Partnered Service Platforms

3. Online Portals of ACRA-Certified Local Registration Agents

ACRA BizFile+: The Most Direct Official Channel

This is Singapore’s sole statutory platform for company registration and regulatory filings-every step, from incorporation and director appointments to annual returns submission, must be completed via this system.

1. Navigate to the ACRA website and proceed to the BizFile+ login interface.

2. Authenticate your identity using SingPass or CorpPass.

3. Conduct a company name availability check and submit your proposed name.

4. Enter basic information-including residential addresses-for shareholders, directors, and the company secretary.

5. Upload an electronic copy of the company constitution.

6. Pay the registration fee online and confirm submission.

7. Upon successful submission, the system instantly issues a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and an electronic certificate of incorporation.

Enterprise Singapore Partnered Platforms: Focused Support for Startups

This channel is not an independent registration portal but rather an integrated service that connects directly to ACRA’s BizFile+ while adding value through policy advisory, grant application assistance, and compliance training-ideal for first-time entrants seeking comprehensive support alongside registration.

1. Go to the designated “Start a Business” service page on the Enterprise Singapore website.

2. Select the “Start a Business” pathway and complete a brief self-assessment questionnaire.

3. The system automatically recommends the appropriate registration workflow and generates a tailored checklist of required documents.

4. You will be redirected to ACRA’s BizFile+ to complete core registration steps.

5. Simultaneously receive guidance on related processes-such as tax registration and preliminary Employment Pass assessments.

6. Book in-person advisory sessions or attend regularly scheduled practical workshops on company setup.

Certified Agent Portals: Balancing Efficiency with Local Expertise

Most local entrepreneurs prefer engaging ACRA-registered agents, who possess deep familiarity with common grounds for rejection, pre-screen documentation for completeness, and offer value-added services-including registered office address provision and assistance with corporate bank account opening.

1. Consult ACRA’s official list of licensed agents; select firms with at least five years of operational history and no record of regulatory violations.

2. Upload identification documents, passport scans, and proof of address via the agent’s proprietary client portal.

3. The agent conducts the company name search, drafts the constitution, and verifies document formatting.

4. You remotely sign the electronic power of attorney and director declaration forms.

5. The agent submits the application to BizFile+ using their CorpPass account.

6. Upon successful registration, the agent delivers your UEN, a template for the company seal, and a compliance calendar highlighting key deadlines for the first year.

The above outlines the three most widely used-and locally validated-entry points for company registration in Singapore. If you have further questions or wish to explore specific procedural details, we recommend consulting ACRA’s latest Company Registration Guide or requesting a step-by-step workflow chart from a licensed registration agent-tailored to your business type and team composition.