Curious whether you can complete the entire company registration yourself and save fees? This concise guide shows how to prepare, reserve a name and lodge the incorporation application on BizFile+ step by step.
We explain what practical self-registration means: gather director and shareholder details, choose an entity type, and submit documents online. The process suits first-time founders who want to manage their business setup without a service provider, though a provider can help if you cannot access SingPass.
The end-to-end path is clear: choose entity type, prepare information, reserve a name, lodge the application and receive post-incorporation outputs. Expect quick online form completion when data is ready, but allow time for ACRA review if extra checks occur.
Key compliance points affect early decisions: locally resident roles, authorised share capital, registered address choices and the company secretary deadline. Treat the steps as a practical checklist to follow from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- This guide walks founders through the full online registration journey.
- Prepare documents and details before opening BizFile+ to speed up the process.
- Decide entity type and local roles early to meet compliance requirements.
- Online lodging can be quick; government review may add time.
- Use the checklist approach to complete the business setup efficiently.
Understanding ACRA and Bizfile+ for company registration in Singapore
ACRA operates as the statutory accounting corporate regulatory authority that keeps the public business register accurate and reliable.
The regulator oversees incorporation records, ensures filings remain searchable and supports public confidence in the marketplace. This role helps third parties verify entity details and fosters transparency.
What Bizfile+ does
Bizfile+ is the online portal where you complete the incorporation application and manage eServices.
The portal guides you through each page with prompts to enter entity details, add position holders and submit declarations. After approval, you can retrieve standard outputs such as the business profile.
How name reservation links to incorporation
Name reservation precedes the incorporation application because the reserved name secures the identity you will use on the lodgement.
Completing the online application is only part of the timeline; approval may require further checks or referrals for specific names or activities.
- Use correct terms: ACRA, Bizfile+, entity, lodger, position holders.
- Expect guided pages, on-screen help and clear outputs after approval.
Choosing the right business entity type before you register
The legal form you select shapes liability, reporting and how ownership is shown.
Private Limited (Pte Ltd) is typically chosen when founders want limited liability, easier capital raising and a structure suited for growth.
Sole proprietorship suits low-risk, single-owner ventures. It is simpler to run but offers no liability shield and limited scope for external funding.
How types affect roles and compliance
Different types require specific officers. A local director is usually mandatory for a local company organised as a Pte Ltd. Sole proprietorships and partnerships need fewer formal officers.
Ownership is recorded differently: shares and shareholders for companies; partners or a sole proprietor for other structures.
| Entity | Liability | Key roles | Ongoing reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited (Pte Ltd) | Limited to shareholding | Director(s), shareholder(s), secretary | Annual returns, financial statements |
| Sole Proprietorship | Unlimited personal liability | Owner only | Minimal formal filings |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Partners have limited liability | Partners | Annual declaration and accounts |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | General partners liable; limited partners protected | General and limited partners | Varies by structure; keep records updated |
Match the selected type to your reserved name and final lodgement. Use simple cues: need for liability protection, number of stakeholders, funding plans and growth intent to decide the right path.
Eligibility and requirements to self register company in singapore acra
Before you lodge an application, confirm the basic eligibility rules that affect who may act as an officer. These requirements determine whether BizFile+ will let you proceed and what documents you must supply.
Local residency for key roles
What locally resident means: a person who lives and is ordinarily resident locally for tax and legal purposes. At least one director or equivalent key role must meet this condition.
Share capital and issued shares
The minimum issued share capital can be S$1. Paid-up capital may be fully or partially paid when shares are issued.
Think about the number of shares at incorporation to reflect ownership splits and future fundraising or employee equity.
Registered address and public display
You must provide a local registered office address. You can often supply an alternate address for public display if privacy is a concern.
Company secretary and timing
A company secretary must be appointed within six months of incorporation. Leaving this late raises compliance risk and can trigger remedial filings.
- Checklist: one locally resident officer, minimum share issued, a local address, and a secretary within six months.
- Inaccurate officer, address or share details can cause validation failures or later rectifications on BizFile+.
Preparing the information and documents ACRA will ask for
Gathering the right documents and facts before you start avoids delays during the online lodging flow.
Start with the approved name application transaction number and a clear business activity description that pairs with an SSIC code.
Write a short, precise description of primary activities. The correct SSIC code helps classification, speeds licensing checks and reduces follow-ups.
Identification and address details
Have ID numbers, full names as per official IDs, and current residential addresses for directors and any shareholder ready.
Consistency with ID avoids validation errors and prevents requests for additional information later.
Company constitution and consents
Decide whether to adopt the Model Constitution or upload a tailored company constitution. Use the Model when no special clauses are needed.
Collect signed Consent to Act forms for directors and for the secretary (for example, Form 45 and Form 45B) before lodging.
| Item | Why it matters | Who provides it | Typical file type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approved name txn no. | Links name to the lodgement | Lodger | Reference number |
| Business activity description + SSIC | Classification and licensing | Founder or director | Short text |
| ID & address details | Officer verification | Directors, shareholder | Scanned ID / text |
| Company constitution & consents | Legal rules and declarations | Directors, secretary | PDF / signed forms |
Checklist tip: assemble these documents and information before opening the portal. Well-organised files mean fewer interruptions and a smoother lodging for the whole company.
Choosing and reserving your company name with ACRA
Choosing the right name sets the tone for your business and affects approval chances on BizFile+.
Name rules: similarity checks and restricted words
ACRA checks if a proposed name is too similar to existing names. If names are close, the application may be rejected or delayed.
Restricted words such as regulated-sector terms or words implying endorsement trigger extra review. Those referrals can extend processing time.
Reserving a name on BizFile+ and the 120-day validity period
Use BizFile+ to reserve a name before lodging the incorporation application. Reservation protects the business name against others for 120 days.
Reserve only when you are ready to file. Holding a name long-term without filing wastes the reservation window.
Why the reserved entity type must match your incorporation application
The reserved entity type must match the later application. If the structure changes, you must reserve a new name or refile, which uses time and may risk availability.
| Aspect | What to watch for | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Similarity check | Rejected if too close to existing names | Pick distinct, descriptive wording |
| Restricted words | May need agency clearance | Avoid regulated-sector cues unless authorised |
| Reservation period | 120 days hold | Reserve when ready to lodge |
How to register your company on Bizfile+ step by step
This section walks you step-by-step through the BizFile+ pages so you complete the application correctly and quickly.
Login and why the same lodger must submit
Sign in with the Individual User account that reserved the name (SingPass access is required). Using the same lodger ensures the portal links the name transaction number to your application.
If you reserved the name personally, the lodger must also be appointed as a director or secretary when filing. Otherwise the system will block the submission.
Start a new entity application and retrieve the name number
Go to Register → Register new entity → Register new business entity. Retrieve the approved name transaction number and paste it into the form; this links the reservation to the application.
Complete company details
Enter the Financial Year End (FYE) — choose a date that matches accounting plans. Add the registered office address using postal lookup, state working hours and provide a contact email for the business profile.
Add position holders
Provide full names, ID numbers, residential addresses and appointment dates for directors, shareholders and the secretary if appointed at filing. Check that details match official IDs to avoid validation errors.
Set share capital and allotments
Specify currency, share class (typically ordinary), number of shares and paid-up amount. Allocate shares to each shareholder so ownership appears correctly on the business profile.
Declaration, payment and acknowledgement
Complete the statutory declaration, select the registration period where prompted, make payment and save the acknowledgement page. Keep the acknowledgement and receipt for your records.
Typical timeframes
With documents ready the form usually takes about 15–30 minutes to complete. Approval often follows within ~3 working days but may take longer if further review is needed.
For detailed procedural guidance on submitting the application, refer to the official how-to guide: submitting your application.
What you receive after successful ACRA incorporation
When incorporation succeeds, expect to be issued an official identifier and certified paperwork that lets your business trade and onboard partners quickly.
UEN, Certificate of Incorporation and Bizfile Business Profile
Unique Entity Number (UEN): this is the official identifier you use for tax, permits and commercial interactions.
Certificate of Incorporation: legal proof of existence. Banks, landlords and grant bodies commonly request this document.
Bizfile business profile: a concise extract that contains officer details, share structure and the registered address. It is often required for account opening and vendor vetting.
When additional review may extend processing time
Most approvals arrive within the typical window, but processing can extend when proposed activities or a name trigger extra checks or when another government agency must provide input.
If time stretches, monitor the portal status, double-check that declarations and officer details match official IDs, and respond promptly to clarifications. Keep electronic copies secure and back up for repeated onboarding requests.
Note: for contractual and administrative guidance, review the terms and conditions.
Conclusion
Wrap up the process with a clear sequence: choose an entity type, reserve your name for 120 days, prepare accurate officer and share details, then lodge the incorporation via BizFile+ using the same lodger account.
Key checks to avoid delays: confirm eligibility for local director roles, gather identification and consent forms, match the reserved entity type and verify addresses before payment.
After approval you will receive the UEN, Certificate of Incorporation and a BizFile business profile that let your new business operate and open accounts.
Treat registration as the start of compliance. Plan for secretarial support, record‑keeping and future filings, and always double‑check details before submission. For official guidance see setting up a local company.
FAQ
What does the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) do?
What is BizFile+ and what can I complete through the portal?
Which business entity types are most common and how do they differ?
How does the chosen entity type affect directors, shareholders and compliance?
What does “locally resident” mean for a director or key officer?
Is there a minimum share capital requirement and how do issued shares work?
What are the rules for the local registered office address?
When must a company appoint a company secretary?
What information and documents will ACRA request for incorporation?
How do I select the correct SSIC code for my business activity?
When is it appropriate to use the Model Constitution?
What are the rules for company names and restricted words?
How long does a reserved company name remain valid?
Why must the reserved entity type match the incorporation application?
What are the key steps to complete an incorporation application on BizFile+?
Why must the same lodger submit the application on BizFile+?
How should I set share capital, share classes and allotments for shareholders?
What declarations and payments are required during submission?
How long does ACRA usually take to approve an application?
What documents and identifiers are issued after successful incorporation?
When might processing time be extended due to additional review?
Dean Cheong, CEO of VOffice, is a Singapore-based specialist in scaling B2B businesses. His work centers on optimizing sales operations, launching effective go-to-market strategies, and leveraging CRM tools to drive consistent revenue expansion. With a foundation in business banking and finance from Nanyang Technological University, Dean brings both strategic insight and real-world execution to every engagement.