What is a Singapore Certificate of Incorporation? (2025)

The Singapore Certificate of Incorporation is one of the most important legal documents a business needs. 

Understanding this certification, from its details to the application process, is essential for anyone who wants to Start or expand your business in Singapore.

In this article, GLA will delve into the meaning, role, and steps to obtain a certificate of incorporation, and answer frequently asked questions regarding this important document.

1. What is a Singapore Certificate of Incorporation?

Certificate of Incorporation of Singapore company is A legal document confirming that a company has been successfully registered, and legally incorporated in Singapore.

A Certificate of Incorporation (COI or Certification of Registration (COR) is a legal document issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA).

Therefore, the Singapore company incorporation certificate includes the following basic information:

• Company Name: The name of the business registered in Singapore.
• Enterprise Registration Number (UEN): A unique identification number of a company, used to identify the company in business and legal transactions.
• Date of Incorporation: The date on which the business is officially registered and recognized by ACRA.
• Type of business: Such as Private Limited, Public Limited.
• Previous company names (if any): If the company has changed its name before, the certificate will list up to five of the most recent names of the business.

Information about directors and shareholders will not be displayed on the certificate. This information will only be displayed on the business profile.

Singapore company opening certificate form

2. What is the role of a Singapore company incorporation certificate?

In addition to verifying the existence and legal status of a business, this document is often required in many business situations, such as:

• Open a business bank account: Banks often require a certificate of incorporation to verify the company's legitimacy before allowing account opening.
• Conduct international transactions: When a company engages in transactions with international partners or foreign government agencies, a certificate of incorporation will be a necessary document to prove the existence of the business.
• Sign commercial contracts: When a business wants to enter into large commercial contracts, providing a certificate of incorporation is often a mandatory requirement to ensure the legality of the business.
• Apply for a loan or support fund: Many banks and financial institutions require this certificate when a company applies for a loan or seeks funding.
• Verify the legality of the company: In many cases such as transferring company shares, transferring business ownership, the Company Owner will need to present COI to verify the existence of the company.

3. How to get a certificate of incorporation in Singapore?

To get a certificate of incorporation in Singapore, you must first register your company.

After you complete the registration and pay the fee, ACRA will send you a registration notice by email. This notice proves your business is registered, but it is not the official certificate of incorporation.

If you need a hard copy or a certified copy of the electronic certificate, you can buy it from ACRA through the BizFile system.

After registration, you must pay the required fees. The cost for a Singapore certificate of incorporation is usually around SGD 50 for each electronic copy.

You can also buy hard copies. These will be sent by mail to the address you provide.

4. Who can apply for Singapore company registration certificate?

Only individuals and companies in the positions below are authorized to register to receive a certificate of incorporation of a Singapore company. 

1. Company officer.
2. Business owner.
3. Authorized representative.
4. Partner, LLP/LP company manager.
5. Licensed company opening support unit such as Global Links Asia.
6. Company Secretary.

Therefore, when you do need to have a phisical copy of the certificate, you should Contact GLA for support in registering to receive Singapore company COI.

5. Electronic Certificate vs. Hard Copy Certificate: Which version should you choose?

In the digital age, many businesses in Singapore opt for electronic certificates of incorporation instead of the traditional hard copy. 

However, both types of certificates have the same legal value, with some differences:

6. How can we help you receive your Singapore company registration certificate?

As a trusted business advisor (a registerered agent) that has helped many businesses set up in Singapore, Global Links Asia supports businesses in registering to receive legal company certificates for various business purposes, such as:

• Certificate of Good Standing.
• Certificate of Incorporation.
• Certificate of Entity conversion.
• Certificate of Amalgation.
• Many other types of certification.

In addition, Global Links Asia, with experience in consulting and supporting Singapore company formation, will support you to:

• Ensure compliance with Singapore laws for an effective transfer.
• Advise on the most suitable company type based on your business needs.
• Offer you nominee director, secretary, andregiserted adress solutions.
• Manage your company financially with our one-stop cost-efficient tax accounting services for Singapore companies
• Register and verify your bank account.
• Register for a business license appropriate to the company's field.

7.FAQs about the certificate of incorporation - COI

Highlights

• Certificate of Incorporation or COI is an important legal document issued by ACRA, confirming the legal existence of a business in Singapore.
• The certificate plays an important role in business activities. It is used to verify the company legitimacy, open bank accounts, sign commercial contracts, and carry out transactions with international partners.
• To register, the business must have a Singapore company that can pay the fees to ACRA through BizFile.
• Only licensed service providers, authorized entities, company owners, or employees can apply for a Singapore company registration certificate.
• Both electronic and hard copies of the certificate have the same legal value. However, hard copies may be needed for official or international transactions.