What is a Singapore Company Registration Certificate? (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) grant.

Therefore, the Singapore company opening 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.
• Signing 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?

The business will It is necessary to register a company in Singapore to receive a certificate of incorporation. 

Once the registration and fee have been paid, ACRA will send a notice of registration via email. This notice is evidence that the business has been successfully registered, but is not an official certificate of incorporation.

If a business requires a hard copy certificate or a certified copy of an electronic certificate, it can request to purchase from ACRA through the BizFile system.

Once registered, the business needs to pay the necessary fees. The cost to obtain a Singapore COI is usually around SGD 50 per electronic certificate.

Businesses can purchase hard copies of the certificate, which will be mailed to the address listed.

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 businesses have a need, businesses 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 does GLA support businesses in registering for a Singapore company registration certificate?

As a reputable unit supporting many businesses to establish companies in Singapore and register to receive certificates, Global Links Asia will support businesses to register to receive legal certificates of the company for many 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 the establishment of a company in Singapore, will support businesses in:

• 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. Frequently asked questions 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 role of the certificate includes opening bank accounts, signing commercial contracts, and conducting transactions with international partners.
• The registration process requires the Business to have a Singapore company to pay fees to ACRA via Bizfile.
• Only authorized entities, licensed entities, company owners and company employees are entitled to apply for a Singapore company registration certificate.
• Electronic and hard copies are equally legally valid, but hard copies may be required for international or official transactions.