Understanding the Unique Entity Number (UEN) in Singapore

Businesses and local firms in Singapore are assigned a Unique Entity Number (UEN) upon registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This alphanumeric identifier functions like an ID number for companies. With a UEN, entities can interact efficiently with government agencies and fulfill regulatory requirements seamlessly.

What Is a UEN and Who Needs It?

A UEN is a permanent registration number issued by ACRA once a company is successfully incorporated in Singapore. It applies to all registered entities including private limited companies (Pte Ltd), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), representative offices, and societies. The UEN replaces multiple older identifiers and simplifies corporate compliance with IRAS, CPF Board, and other authorities.

Entities exempt from UEN registration include individuals operating sole proprietorships without staff, foreign-incorporated companies with no Singapore transactions, and branches of Singapore-incorporated entities. Still, any business interacting with government agencies—such as opening a business bank account or registering for GST—must have a valid UEN. Companies retain the same UEN indefinitely, while sole proprietors and partnerships must renew to maintain their UEN validity.

Understanding who needs a UEN and how it enables compliance is essential for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate service providers. Whether comparing LLP vs Pte Ltd structures or engaging a corporate secretary in Singapore, securing a UEN is a fundamental step in setting up your business right from incorporation.

How to Check a Company’s UEN in Singapore

If you’re looking to verify a company’s UEN, you can use ACRA’s Entity Search on BizFile+ or the UEN.gov.sg directory. These platforms allow you to look up company name, status, issuance agency, and location. This is especially useful during due diligence checks or vendor verification.

For example, before entering a service agreement with a subcontractor, always verify that their UEN is active. A lapsed or deactivated UEN can signal non-compliance or a dormant business. Financial institutions in Singapore also require a valid UEN for opening a corporate bank account and approving loans.

How to Get a UEN in Singapore

To obtain a UEN, follow these steps during your business setup in Singapore:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Select from available entity types such as sole proprietorship, LLP, or private limited company. Sole proprietorships are easier to maintain but have less scalability. Private limited companies offer better liability protection and capital-raising potential but must comply with stricter regulations.

Step 2: Register on BizFile+

All business registration is completed online via BizFile+. Unless your business falls under regulated sectors like finance or media, the process can be completed in under an hour. Fees are SGD 115 for one-year or SGD 175 for three-year LLP registrations, and SGD 315 for company incorporation.

Step 3: Select a Special UEN (Optional)

If branding matters to you, you may opt for a Special UEN (SUN) during registration for an extra cost. SUNs feature repeating or auspicious numbers to improve recall and credibility.

Step 4: Receive Your UEN

Upon successful registration, your UEN is issued immediately and appears on your business profile. You can verify it anytime on BizFile+ or UEN.gov.sg.

Common Mistakes During UEN Registration

One common error is entering inconsistent information between the business name and proposed activity code (SSIC). This can delay registration or trigger rejection. Another issue is appointing a local director or company secretary without checking their disqualification status. Ensure all submitted documents are signed digitally with SingPass if applicable.

For foreign entrepreneurs, always ensure your company’s local address meets URA’s guidelines and zoning laws. Using a residential address for commercial purposes can result in legal issues, which may jeopardize your UEN and licensing approvals.

ACRA UEN Formats: What They Mean

UENs are structured to reflect key company details.

• ACRA-issued business UENs typically follow this format: 12345678B
• Local companies receive 9-character UENs starting with the year of incorporation: e.g., 202412345Z
• Other formats like T12LL1111J indicate entity type and year (T for 2000s, S for 1900s)

For instance, “LL” refers to Limited Liability Partnership, while “LP” refers to Limited Partnership. Government agencies use these formats to determine reporting obligations. This structure enhances validation and transparency for authorities, banks, and corporate secretary firms in Singapore.

Why the UEN Format Matters

The UEN format enables ACRA and other agencies to instantly identify your entity type. For example, when filing for Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) or Annual Returns, the system knows whether your entity qualifies for simplified declarations or requires audited reports. Corporate secretary Singapore professionals rely on this structure to meet statutory deadlines correctly.

UEN anomalies can be a red flag. If the checksum alphabet is missing or the issuance year is illogical, you may be dealing with a fake entity. Always perform a UEN check before engaging suppliers or clients in long-term commercial contracts.

Do I Need to Renew My UEN?

Companies registered with ACRA enjoy perpetual succession and do not need to renew their UEN. As long as your company remains active, your UEN stays valid. Sole proprietors and partnerships, however, must renew their BizFile+ registration upon expiry to keep their UEN active. Failing to renew will result in deactivation, causing disruption in operations and government filings.

To stay compliant, many firms use corporate secretarial services in Singapore to manage UEN renewal, annual returns, and AGM documentation. These services ensure that your business remains in good standing without missing important filing deadlines.

UEN Format Quick Reference

More examples and complete listings can be found at UEN.gov.sg.

UEN for Foreign Companies in Singapore

Foreign entities setting up in Singapore—via subsidiary, branch office, or representative office—are also issued UENs. The UEN is essential to open a corporate bank account, apply for Goods and Services Tax (GST), and submit statutory filings. Without a UEN, foreign companies cannot transact legally or hire staff through Employment Pass (EP) applications.

Furthermore, a valid UEN is needed to access government portals such as myTax Portal or GoBusiness Singapore. For foreign entrepreneurs planning market entry, securing a UEN early enables smooth operation, whether you’re launching a fintech startup or consulting agency.

UEN for EP and LOC Applications

Your UEN is a key reference during Employment Pass (EP) or Letter of Consent (LOC) applications. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires it to verify corporate details. Including the correct UEN shortens processing time, reduces errors, and supports faster onboarding of foreign professionals. Corporate secretary Singapore services often ensure your UEN is submitted correctly to MOM and ICA authorities.

If your company exceeds the S$1 million annual turnover threshold, you must also register for GST under your UEN. Your tax filings, accounting reports, and GST invoices will all reflect this unique number. UENs also integrate into most accounting software, streamlining your bookkeeping and financial planning.

Using UEN for CPF and IRAS Compliance

Your UEN is used as the primary reference number when making CPF contributions for employees in Singapore. It also appears on all tax filing documents with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Without a valid UEN, your company cannot submit Form C-S/C, apply for exemptions, or participate in government grant schemes.

If your UEN is deactivated due to non-renewal, you risk CPF penalties, disqualification from Startup Tax Exemption Schemes, and possible enforcement actions. Always ensure your UEN is active when filing Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) or making corporate tax declarations.

Special UENs (SUNs) in Singapore

SUNs are optional premium UENs that offer better recall, often chosen for branding purposes.

• Tier 1 SUN: SGD 3,000 (e.g., 20188888A)
• Tier 2 SUN: SGD 1,000 (e.g., T19LL1222D)

They can only be purchased at the point of registration on BizFile+. You cannot convert a regular UEN to a SUN later. SUNs may be ideal for high-visibility businesses such as tech platforms or professional services firms in Singapore seeking brand reinforcement.

Your SUN will appear on all documents, invoices, and filings. Whether you’re preparing incorporation papers or onboarding clients, a SUN can offer a branding edge—especially in competitive industries.

Mandatory UEN Display Requirements

All businesses must display their UEN on statutory documents including:

• Business letters
• Invoices and purchase orders
• Statements of account
• Official notices and contracts

This requirement ensures document authenticity and facilitates audits by IRAS and other bodies. Your corporate stationery, email footers, and website should consistently feature your UEN to meet compliance obligations.

Renewing Your UEN for Non-Companies

Sole proprietorships and partnerships must renew their registration to retain their UEN. Renewal costs are:

• SGD 115 for one year
• SGD 175 for three years

ACRA will deactivate the UEN if registration lapses. Deactivation interrupts GST submissions, tax filings, and payroll processing. Our compliance packages can help you monitor renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and stay in good standing with ACRA.

Common Questions About UEN in Singapore

Q: Does every business in Singapore need a UEN?
Yes, unless exempted. Entities that must engage with Singapore government agencies—such as applying for a license or EP—need a UEN.

Q: How long does it take to get a UEN?
You typically receive your UEN immediately after successful company incorporation via BizFile+. Delays only occur if documentation is incomplete.

Q: Can I change my UEN?
No, UENs are permanent. If you convert from a sole proprietorship to a private limited company, you’ll be issued a new UEN.

Q: Is there a cost to get a UEN?
Standard UENs are included in ACRA’s registration fee. You only pay extra if you choose a Special UEN (SUN) during incorporation.