The Ultimate Guide to Using BizFile in Singapore

What is ACRA BizFile?

Bizfile is Singapore’s official online platform developed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to streamline business filings and regulatory compliance. When starting a business in Singapore, it’s mandatory to register your company with ACRA.

Launched in 2004, ACRA Bizfile eliminates the need for in-person visits to the Registry of Companies and Businesses (RoC), offering entrepreneurs a single, secure and efficient online system to upload, store, and retrieve their business data anytime, anywhere. Since its launch, Acra Bizfile has been at the forefront of Singapore’s digital transformation for entrepreneurs, streamlining tasks like company registration, filing annual returns, and updating company details—all with just a tap of a finger.

Bizfile not only saves time but also reduces the complexity of staying compliant with Singapore’s strict regulatory framework. Entrepreneurs can easily manage their corporate paperwork, ensure timely filing, and make changes to company information without the hassle of paperwork or in-person visits.

Bizfile experienced a version update in 2016 and was renamed as bizfile+, which helped improve portal’s speed and efficiency. In 2024, Bizfile upgraded with another version update, focusing on improved user experience, offering a more streamlined and efficient service platform for businesses. 

7 ACRA BizFile features every entrepreneur should know

As a business owner in Singapore, you or your corporate secretary will likely interact with Bizfile regularly. Residents can easily access the directory themselves while foreigners require an agent to help them do this. 

Here’s how Bizfile streamlines interactions with ACRA and other business transactions with its comprehensive suite of features. 

1. Effortless company incorporation

Starting a new business in Singapore is easy with Bizfile. Whether you are a sole proprietor or starting a limited company, Bizfile seamlessly registers your business and guides you through every step. You can easily submit your application online and receive your Unique Entity Number (UEN). 

2. Navigate the corporate landscape

Access the central directory of UEN to seamlessly interact with other government agencies. File corporate tax returns, apply for import and export permits–all through a single platform. 

3. Simplify statutory filings

Easily file statutory documents online like annual returns, resolution notices or changes in shareholders. This efficient file processing eliminates paperwork and ensures compliance throughout.

4. Buy data in a snap 

Bizfile offers a convenient way to purchase essential business data such as certificates, business profiles, and industry reports. This enables entrepreneurs to stay competitive and make smart decisions.  

5. Seamless integration with IRAS 

Say goodbye to manual data entries. Bizfile effortlessly integrates with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for seamless tax filings and compliance. This keeps your business data synced across all platforms reducing administrative effort, minimizing errors, timely tax filings, and avoiding penalties. 

6. Quick access to medisave and CPF information 

You can conduct research on medisave partners and check the status of CPF owners directly from the platform. This way you stay on top of relevant employee related data and compliance checks while saving time and reducing errors. 

7. Instantly update business changes 

Updating ACRA about your business changes like address or board members has never been easier. With Bizfile you can effortlessly submit updates, keeping your company information accurate and compliant with minimal effort.

9 essential steps to incorporate your company on ACRA Bizfile

When starting a business in Singapore, it is a legal requirement to register a business with ACRA. There are 9 steps to incorporate a company in Singapore. Entrepreneurs must fulfill the requirements, which include: 

1. Company name 

Before launching your business, ensure your company name is registered and approved by ACRA, paying a fee of SGD 15. The proposed name for your business should be unique and should not be identical to an existing name nor contain prohibited or undesirable words. Make sure you use a company name checker tool to verify that desired name is available. Once you’ve found the name, the next step is to apply for name reservation via the ACRA BizFile portal. 

2. Company type 

In Singapore, there are seven types of companies that you can incorporate. Choosing the right one is crucial as it will shape your business’s taxes, liabilities, ownership, and management for the long term.

Check out our post on Pte Ltd vs LLP for more information! 

3. Business activities 

As part of the company incorporation, it is essential to specify the primary and secondary business activities categorising them under government-mandated classifications.

A business activity defines what an organization does and in which field. Entrepreneurs need to select the most relevant Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code corresponding to their intended activity. Every company is required to have two SSIC codes—one primary (mandatory) and one secondary (optional) with a customized description of each activity. Furthermore, some business activities may require (after their registration process) for additional permits or licences before they can start operations. 

4. Choose your directors 

The next step is to appoint officials for your company. Every company must have at least one director and one secretary. Before submitting your application, you will need the following details of your appointed officers:

• Full name and NRIC/FIN
• Nationality 
• Contact information (phone and email) 
• Residential address

For NRIC and FIN holders, there is no requirement to provide the nationality and residential information. 

Company Directors are responsible for overseeing all company’s affairs, setting its strategic direction, and ensuring proper record-keeping, financial statements, and compliance with corporate filings. 

It’s important to note that foreign companies themselves can’t serve as directors of Singaporean companies.

Requirements of a company director: 

Every company should have at least one director who must be:

• A local resident of Singapore (Singapore citizen, Singapore permanent resident, or holder of an EntrePass or Employment Pass)
• A natural person (individual) and not a company
• Of full legal capacity and not disqualified from acting as a director. 

5. Choose shareholders and share capital 

Every Singaporean company is required to have at least one share, costing one dollar in paid up capital and one shareholder. For example, a private limited company is allowed to have at most 50 shareholders. Moreover, a Singapore company can be fully foreign-owned (either by a foreign corporation or an individual). 

Shareholders on the other side, can be from anywhere in the world. They can participate in meetings, amend company rules, elect directors, and propose changes to the business.

Before incorporating, you’ll need to decide on the type of shares for your company: 

• Ordinary shares: These give their holders one vote at each meeting. At least one of these shares is required. 
• Non-voting shares: These are similar to ordinary shares but don’t grant the holder the right to vote. 
• Preference shares: These have priority over ordinary shares for dividends but also don’t grant voting rights.

6. Set up a registered office address 

Having a registered office address is mandatory for all Singapore-based companies. This is the official address where all legal communications and notices will be sent.

Key requirements for a registered office address in Singapore. 

• Physical address: It must be a real physical address. P.O. boxes are not applicable. 
• Public accessibility: The address should be easily accessible to the public at least for three hours on every business day. 

Different options for registered business address: 

• Dedicated office space: You can use it as a registered address if you have one. 
• Co-working space: If you are a startup or a small business owner, you can have it as a more flexible and cost-effective solution.
• Home Office scheme: If you are running a small scale business from your home, you are eligible to use your residential address as a registered office address under the Home Office Scheme managed by the Housing Development Board (for HDB flats) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (for private residential properties).

Note: you must apply for approval under the Home Office Scheme before submitting your application to incorporate your company.

7. Decide on your financial year end 

A company’s financial year end plays a significant role in its financial and regulatory obligations like: 

• Filing deadlines: Your financial year-end (FYE) determines important filing dates, such as the deadline for your annual general meeting (AGM), annual return (which must be submitted within 6 months of your FYE), and corporate tax returns. Meeting these deadlines is essential to avoid penalties.
• Tax planning: Your FYE can influence your tax obligations. By selecting an optimal FYE, you might be able to defer tax payments or take advantage of specific tax benefits or incentives.
• Business cycle: Choosing an FYE that aligns with your business’s natural cycle—such as peak seasons or inventory turnover—can offer a clearer and more accurate view of your financial performance.

Common options for choosing dates for FYE in Singapore: 

• 31 December: Aligning your financial year-end with the calendar year simplifies accounting and reporting, making it a popular choice for many businesses.
• 31 March, 30 June, 30 September: For businesses that require more frequent financial insights, ending the financial year on a quarterly basis—such as March 31, June 30, or September 30—can provide better control over financial reporting.

8. Prepare registration documents 

Once the company name is approved, prepare the following documents: 

• Company Constitution: Formerly called the ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association,’ the company constitution outlines the fundamental rules and relationships within the company. You can either customize your own Constitution or adopt ACRA’s Model Constitution.
• Consent to Act Forms: Each director and the company secretary must sign a consent form to officially accept their appointment.
• Identification Details: Provide identification information for all shareholders, officers, and beneficial owners of the company.
• Corporate Shareholder Documents: If a shareholder is a corporate entity, submit its certificate of registration from its home jurisdiction, along with details of its ownership structure to identify the ultimate beneficial owners.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, submit your incorporation application online through the BizFile portal, and pay the SGD 300 registration fee to finalize the process.

9. Maintain registers 

Under the Companies Act, all companies are required to maintain up-to-date registers for the following roles:

• Members (shareholders)
• Directors
• Secretaries
• Auditors
• CEOs
• Controllers (or beneficial owners)

These registers, except the register of members for public companies, are maintained by ACRA electronically. If there are any changes in the appointments or details of directors, secretaries, auditors, or CEOs, it is important to update this information via the BizFile portal within 14 days of the change. Any changes made to the company’s shareholders or share capital, must also be filed through the BizFile portal.

Do you need to appoint a company secretary?

Companies in Singapore are required to appoint a company secretary within six months from the date of incorporation. This position cannot be left vacant for more than six months, or the directors may face a penalty of up to $1,000. 

The person should possess the knowledge and experience to fulfil the duties of a company secretary (outlined in the Companies Act 1967 – Singapore Statutes Online). 

They hold administrative responsibilities, ensuring compliance, keeping directors and shareholders informed of statutory obligations, and filing essential documentation on behalf of a company. 

The responsibilities of a secretary vary depending on the company’s needs. Some of them include: 

• Maintain and keep the company’s registers and minutes books up-to-date.
• Manage, attend, and prepare minutes of meetings of directors and other shareholders.
• Ensure company directors are aware of the deadlines for annual returns and other important filings required by ACRA.
• Keep directors and shareholders updated on relevant changes in corporate regulations.

A company secretary should also be a local resident of Singapore. The sole company director and secretary can’t be the same person. 

Sleek streamlines the process of starting a business in Singapore, from registering with BizFile to hiring a qualified company secretary. Our expert company secretarial services ensure compliance and smooth operations, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

How to appoint a company secretary in Bizfile

To add company secretary, you need to:

• Log on to www.bizfile.gov.sg using your corporate pass. 
• Navigate to File eServices > Local Company > Make Changes > Update Company Information, including Appointment/Cessation of Company Officers or Auditors.

Do you need to notify ACRA about company changes?

When registering a company in Singapore, entrepreneurs need to meet several statutory requirements, like:

– Providing your company name
– Address
– Details of key officials and auditors

Over time, you may need to make updates; whether it’s rebranding with a new company name, relocating to a new address, or appointing new officials.

It’s essential to timely update these changes to ACRA to avoid penalties. Whether you’re a local or foreign company, updating your details with ACRA is a must. You can easily make these updates through BizFile using CorpPass, keeping your business records up to date and compliant.

Let’s explore the different company details you need to notify ACRA about. 

• Any change in company’s name, business activity, registered office address or appointed officials. 
• Any change in particulars of director, secretary, other appointed officers or shareholders. 
• For foreign companies, any changes to your company’s name, information, memorandum, or articles must also be updated

The above-mentioned changes can be made by the company themselves directly by logging into ACRA BizFile website using CorpPass or they can seek out professional services. 

How to buy an ACRA report via Bizfile

As the central repository of all the businesses and their information in Singapore, ACRA holds a wealth of data on registered business entities. 

This repository can easily be accessed in the form of reports via ACRA. The information collected allows both the public and stakeholders (like creditors and suppliers) to verify the background of business entities and their officials. This plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, building trust, and providing certaining in business transactions. 

Basic information is available for free on the business directory search service at bizfile+ portal. However, detailed information like the following: 

• Business profile
• Corporate compliance and financial profile
• People profile
• Extracts like annual returns, company constitution, financial statements, audited accounts, memorandum and articles of association. 
• Product bundles
• Certificates like certificate of good standing, certificate of compliance, certificate of conversion, certificate of confirming registration. 

are available for a fee at iShop@ACRA. These documents will be delivered electronically to the customer’s email after successful payment. 

To purchase these products, you need to:

• Login to Bizfile+ portal using your Corp Pass
• Navigate to buy information
• Any report you wish to purchase has a fee attached to it. Once the payment is made, the information will reach you as a download link via your registered email. 

Why ACRA Bizfile is the ultimate tool for managing your business in Singapore

The primary goal of ACRA is to streamline business registrations for everyone from an individual startup owner to a growing corporation to a  freelancer. Bizfile achieves this by streamlining and simplifying the business registration and compliance process. Its user-friendly interface makes navigation more user-friendly and customized displaying only pertinent information and services tailored to specific users for more smooth and efficient operations. 

This Bizfile portal also simplifies compliance filings by enabling online submissions, removing the need for corporate secretaries to file documents physically at ACRA. Its mobile-friendly design also enables business owners to access vital information and upload documents from anywhere, at any time. 

It also keeps business owners informed with email and SMS notifications, providing real-time updates and peace of mind as they track their transactions. With ACRA Bizfile, managing your business in Singapore has never been more efficient and hassle-free.

How can Sleek assist you with ACRA BizFile

Sleek provides expert support in navigating all company incorporation requirements, before and after you need to start a new business. Bizfile. Whether you’re registering a new company, filing annual returns, or managing corporate governance, our trusted team takes care of your company secretarial tasks, ensuring compliance every step of the way.

We simplify the entire process, keeping your statutory registers updated and aligned with regulatory requirements as your company evolves.

With Sleek, you’ll never have to worry about missing documents again. We securely store everything in one easy-to-access platform, making your business paperwork organised and hassle-free.