There are many advantages to starting a business in Singapore, but perhaps the most prominent one is the efficiency and streamlined processes that make incorporation and daily operation much easier. One way that the nation-state ensures this is by simplifying and streamlining interactions with government, regulatory bodies, and agencies with the help of a Unique Entity Number (UEN). Here are a few things to know about this versatile code!
What is UEN Number in Singapore?
A Unique Entity Number is a 9 or 10-character identification number issued by the government to identify and track local and foreign companies, limited liability corporations, societies, organizations, and other entities operating within Singapore. This is a unique permanent code typically assigned by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) upon the successful registration of your company or business without any additional costs.
Here are some UEN number examples:
- T09LL0001B
- 201688888A
- 201801777W
What is the Singapore UEN Number Format?
Unique Entity Numbers can assume different formats depending on the type of entity it’s issued to:
- Businesses Registered with ACRA: The UEN will have 9 characters, with the first 8 being numerical and the last being alphabetical (e.g., 53480099U).
- Local Companies Registered with ACRA: The UEN will have 10 characters, with the first 4 representing the year of registration, the next 5 being randomized numbers, and the last character being alphabetical (e.g., 201712177T for a company that was incorporated in 2017).
- Other Entities That Are Issue a New UEN: The UEN will have 10 characters, with the first character being T, the next two characters being the year of incorporation, the next two characters being PQ, the next four characters being numerical, and the last character being X (e.g., T09LP0001B for a company that was incorporated in 2009).
Who Needs a Unique Entity Number in Singapore?
The following entities will be required to have a UEN in Singapore:
- Local Companies
- Businesses
- Sole Proprietorships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
- Societies
- Representative Offices
- Healthcare Institutions
- Trade Unions
On the other hand, the following are not required to have a UEN in Singapore:
- Individuals
- Companies that are based overseas and have no dealings with Singapore government bodies and agencies
- Subsidiaries or affiliated entities of Singapore-based companies that are categorized as branches
What are the Benefits of a Unique Entity Number?
The main benefit of a Unique Entity Number is that it makes interactions with government agencies much easier. Rather than being assigned a different identification number with every transaction or application process, the UEN serves as the only identification code you need, as it is recognized by all government and regulatory bodies in Singapore. Here are some situations where having a UEN may come in handy:
- Filing corporate tax returns
- Applying for a work permit
- Updating information with ACRA
- Making payments
How to Get a UEN Number in Singapore?
As mentioned above, a Unique Entity Number is assigned to a company upon successful registration, so you have to go through the incorporation process to get a UEN. Here’s how to register a company in Singapore:
- Choose a Business Structure: Singapore offers different business structures, so you’ll have to decide what type of business you want to proceed with before you can register your company. Some options include sole proprietorships, limited liability partnerships, private limited companies, and more.
- Register Your Company: You can register your company on ACRA’s BizFile+ online portal. Keep in mind that you’ll need to prepare some pertinent items beforehand, such as a company name reservation and a registered office address. The company registration fee is around SGD 315 when you add everything up, while the registration for either a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability partnership is SGD 115 annually and SGD 175 for three years.
- Avail of a Special UEN (optional): If you want a customized UEN, then you can do this during the incorporation process on BizFile+, but this will incur additional costs depending on the tier you go with.
- Receive Your UEN: Once you’ve successfully registered your company, you will receive a business profile through email, which will have important information on your business, including your UEN.
It’s also worth noting that there are other existing entities in Singapore that may have to apply for a Unique Entity Number with another issuance agency depending on their entity type:
How Do I Find My Company’s UEN Number?
If you already have a registered company or entity, then you can find its UEN by visiting the UEN directory. The website allows you to search based on entity name, past UEN, or present UEN.
What is a Special Unique Entity Number?
Companies are given a Unique Entity Number after successful incorporation or conversion with ACRA, but entity owners are given the option to apply for a Special Unique Entity Number (SUN) instead. At a fee, entity owners can choose a SUN from ACRA’s list of reserved UENs, which may help owners identify and remember their UENs more easily when transacting with the government.
It’s worth noting that this is only an option, and companies are more than welcome to simply continue with the free system-generated UENs given to them by ACRA. However, those who wish to avail of this can choose from the following two tiers:
- Tier 1: With an additional cost of SGD 3,000 per SUN, entity owners will get an identification code with the consecutive same number (e.g., 201888888A, 53499999Y), or an identification number with the number 8.
- Tier 2: With an additional cost of SGD 1,000 per SUN, entity owners will get a SUN with a repetitive pattern of numbers (e.g., 201812121R, 53410101G), or an identification code that ends with a triple identical number (e.g., 201801777W, 53415666P)
Easy Incorporation with WealthBridge!
Obtaining a UEN is a crucial step for any business operating in Singapore, as it is necessary for interactions with various government entities. WealthBridge supports entrepreneurs and businesses by offering comprehensive Singapore incorporation services, guiding them through the entire registration process and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Additionally, our corporate secretarial services assist companies in maintaining proper documentation and meeting ongoing compliance requirements.